Vernon Glessner Berkey

Vernon Glessner Berkey, passed away April 13, 2023 at his home surrounded by his family. He was born April 4, 1925 in Somerset and just celebrated his 98th birthday. He is the son of John Wesley and Minnie "Millie" (Glessner) Berkey. He is preceded in death by his first wife the former Joyce Sowers, children: Michael Eugene, Vera Ellen, and Leah Sue, brother Eugene Berkey, and half-sister Virginia Berkey Kurtz. He is also preceded in death by special cousin Jessie Kline who introduced him to his surviving wife Nancy Cober Berkey, also survived by his step-children: Randy Cober (Beth), Bradley Cober Sr. (Ann), and Jane Cober Rizzo (Danny), grandchildren: Travis Cober (Jordan), Erika Cober (Aaron), Brad Cober Jr. (Andrea), Jessica Cober Baker (Bryan), Cassie Rizzo Burke (Justin), and Elise Rizzo Franciscus (Matthew), and 10 great-grandchildren: Meredith, Arianna, Myah, Domenic, Paityn, Miles, Cecilia, Elijah, Mina, and Vincent, and nieces Jean Thompson and Joan Herron, and nephews Jim Berkey, and Mark Kimmel. He brought so much joy to his family and they loved him dearly. Vernon is a 1942 graduate of Somerset High School. He served in the US Army, and received his BS degree in Metallurgical Engineering from the Missouri School of Mines- Rolla, Missouri. Vernon retired in 1983 from ARMCO Steel Corporation as President of their Midwestern Steel Division, and was also a Trustee of Pikeville College, Kentucky for 26 years. He was past president of the Somerset County Historical Society, where he remained active for many years, he also volunteered for the Somerset Food Pantry, and was a member of St. Paul's Presbyterian Church and attended St. Paul's United Church of Christ. In 2015, Vernon wrote his memoirs in a book titled "Everybody Dies But Me," sharing copies with family and friends. Friends received 10-11 a.m. Saturday, April 22, at St. Paul's United Church of Christ, Somerset, where a service will immediately follow at 11 a.m. with Reverend J. Matthew Deal officiating. Interment Husband Cemetery. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to St. Paul's United Church of Christ 202 W. Union St. Somerset, PA 15501 or St. Paul's Presbyterian Church 1845 N. Center Ave. Somerset, PA 15501. Arrangements by the Hauger-Zeigler Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Somerset. To leave a condolence please visit www.haugerzeigler.com

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