Jerome J. Beckrest

Jerome J. Beckrest (Jerry), age 87, a lifelong resident of Northeast Ohio, beloved husband, devoted father, favorite uncle, Korean War veteran, and Republic Steel retiree passed away on 5/7/2016 with his family at his bedside. Jerry was born at his parent’s home in Lakewood, OH, to the late Paul & Susan Beckrest. He attended parochial school at St Clements Catholic Church, graduated from Cathedral Latin High School in 1947, and earned a BS Industrial Management degree from Miami University (OHIO) in 1951. For Jerry, unto every season there was a sport to be played. Although he enjoyed playing hockey best, he was an American football player in high school and college. At Cathedral Latin, “When the Lions Roared”, Jerry was a member of the State Championship teams of 1944, 1945 and 1946; coached by Herb Eisele. The team also won the Senate Conference Charity Football Game all three years. During his high school tenure, Jerry was recognized as a scholar and an All-American. In 1995, he was inducted into Cathedral Latin’s Football Hall of Fame. At Miami, Jerry was a member of two MAC Championship teams: 1948 coached by George Blackburn, 1950 coached by Woody Hayes and Ara Parseghian. Upon graduation from college, Jerry served his country proudly in the Korean War as a 1 st lieutenant with the 503 rd Airborne Infantry Regiment of the US Army. While stationed at Fort Campbelle, KY, he met the love of his life, Betty Jean Coke of Clarksville, TN. In 1956, they married and returned to Ohio to raise a family. From 1955 to 1985, Jerry applied his education and leadership skills as a general turn foreman in the Blooming Mill at Republic Steel (Cleveland, OH). For leisure, Jerry enjoyed, golf, fall hunting (small game), fishing, and spending time with his family and friends. Jerry will be remembered for his terrific sense of humor, his wit, and for always having a smile and a story to share. Jerry is preceded in death by his wife, his brothers, Robert and Paul, and his sister, Elizabeth Anderson. He is survived by his children, Elizabeth Sue Casper (widow), Janet M. Bober, William J. Beckrest (Rebecca) and John J. Beckrest; his grandsons, Erik Beckrest and Michael Casper; and numerous nieces and nephews (over 3 generations) whom he loved dearly. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to The Marianists – Society of Mary at https://www.marianist.com/donate/donations/memorialhonor-gifts . Mass of Christian Burial at Holy Family Church, 7367 York Road, Parma, Friday, May 20, 2016, 10:00 a.m. Private interment at Holy Cross Cemetery. Friends received at RIPEPI FUNERAL HOME, 5762 PEARL RD (AT SNOW RD), PARMA, THURSDAY, MAY 19, 2016 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.