John "Boots" Berena

John “Boots” Wayne Berena, of Masury, Ohio, passed away at 6:46 AM Wednesday, May 30, 2018, while at home and under Hospice Care, following an extended illness. He was 72.

John was born on June 6, 1945, in Sharon, Pennsylvania, a son to Louis J. & Susan M. (Voss) Berena.

A 1963 graduate of Brookfield High School, he willingly joined the military during a very unstable time in our country’s history. Self was forgotten the day that he left his home to defend our flag and help keep our country free when he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps. He was assigned to Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, where his military occupational specialty was 1371, Combat Engineer. His decorations and citations include: Good Conduct Medal and Expert Badge with the M-14 Rifle. He was honorably discharged from his duties on February 7, 1968.

On November 12, 1966, he married the love of his life, Dolores J. Torchia. Together they started a family and born to this union were three children, John, Shelly, and Timothy.

He supported his young family working for Packard Electric as a Procurement Expert. In addition, he worked for Saturn of 422, Warren, Ohio, and Yankee Run Golf Course, Brookfield. He was a chartered member of the Brookfield Volunteer Fire Department, where he achieved the rank of Assistant Fire Chief, as well as a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers.

In his spare time, he enjoyed hunting, shooting pool, golfing, and bowling. Furthermore, he was a classic car enthusiast who loved going to car shows.

Survivors include: his wife, Dolores J. Berena; his children, John T. Berena (Kristine), Shelly L. Snitzer (Dr. Michael), all of Howland, Ohio, and Timothy A. Berena (Brandy), Brookfield; his 9 grandchildren; and his 3 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and by his brother, Louis “Butch” Berena.

A time of gathering to honor John’s life will be held on Monday, June 4, 2018, from 3-7 PM in the Brookfield United Methodist Church, 6951 Grove Street, Brookfield, Ohio 44403. His celebration continues with a Military Honors at 7:00 PM.

Expressions of sympathy may be left for his family at www.bricelandfuneralservice.com

Coordination of this tribute for Mr. Berena was presented by Daniel Briceland, Owner & Director of Briceland Funeral Service, Brookfield. (330-509-3135)