Gerald Fenberg Obituary

Gerald Sax Fenberg

Gerald (Gerry) Sax Fenberg, 84, of Findlay, died Thursday, Sept. 8, 2022, in the care of Bridge Home Health and Hospice. Gerry was born March 23, 1938, in Findlay, to the late Max W. and Dora (Sax) Fenberg. Gerry married Ruth (Ziegler) on Aug. 31, 1968, and she survives him.

Gerry is also survived by his sons, Ian Fenberg of Sandusky and Erik Fenberg of Findlay; daughter, Heather Fenberg (Mike Vujaklija); grandson, Nicholas Vujaklija of Gahanna; sisters, Bonnie Witas of Sherman Oaks, California, and Susan (Bill) Barrett of Atlanta, Georgia; brother, Dr. William (Harriet) Fenberg of Centerville; and seven nieces and five nephews and their families.

Gerry was proud to be from Findlay. He shared many wonderful memories from grade school at Firmin Elementary, Donnell Junior High, and Findlay High School, where he participated in sports, plays, and musicals. Upon his graduation in 1956, he enrolled at THE® Ohio State University, studying engineering. He later attended The University of Findlay where he earned his bachelor's degree and later University of Toledo College of Law.

Gerry was a hard worker with an entrepreneurial spirit who instilled these traits in his family. From a young age, he cared for the family's many horses. He passed his love of horses on to his children, especially his daughter, Heather, who competed on Otterbein University Equestrian Team. At age 13, he began working at Zierolf's Clothing Store in the Boy Scout Department and continued working there through high school and college. Gerry was a deputy under Sheriff Carson Davis in the early 1960s and proudly said his patrol car was equipped with the first electronic siren in Hancock County and he enjoyed using it. His career included working for Kirk Wholesale delivering to Clover Farm Stores. He worked in the family business, Max W. Fenberg and Son, Inc., with his father, eventually taking over daily control. The innovative company recycled all materials, but especially paper and metals long before it was "in vogue" to do so. After selling the business in 1987, he began his second career working as an owner-operator for his friend, Vern Garner at Garner Trucking, Inc. In 2000, he was the first owner-operator hired by Hurricane Marine Transport, Inc. where he worked until his retirement in 2020.

Gerry enjoyed family vacations, sports, and community involvement. He was member, president, and lieutenant governor of the Optimist Club, president of Findlay South End Little League Baseball, manager of Junior and Senior League Baseball teams, and coached Church League and YMCA Basketball teams. He's been a member of Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks for 62 years, including a past president of the prestigious 25 Year Club.

"Once a Buckeye, always a Buckeye" can define the life-long pride he had for Ohio State. Taking Coach Woody Hayes' mantra of 'Pay Forward' to heart, he became a member of the "Red Coats" in 1975. He served in that role every year for the past 47 years for football and the first 25 years for men's basketball and other special events, such as concerts and the OHSAA basketball tournaments at St. John Arena. He started his Red Coat career at Ohio Stadium Gate 26, where friends and family always made it a point to stop by and talk to him before home football games. The past 15 years, he was honored to work the Recruit Gate, welcoming top recruits, VIPs, coaches, and their family members. He quickly pointed out that it was no coincidence that once he started working the Recruit Gate, the Buckeyes started to sign the nation's top recruiting classes, leading to the team's success.

Private burial will be at Maple Grove Cemetery on Thursday, September 15, 2022. Gerry's family will be receiving friends and family at Findlay Elks Lodge #75 following the burial 11:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. To honor his memory and celebrate Gerry's life, please wear scarlet and gray and come share memories or just to say "Go Bucks!"

In lieu of flowers we ask that donations be made to Bridge Hospice Care Center, 1900 S. Main Street, Findlay, Ohio, 45840.