LaVerne ‘Vern’ I. Brinker

1941-2025

WIAUMA, Florida — LaVerne “Vern” I. Brinker, 84, formerly of Leetonia, passed away following a brief illness on Oct. 23, 2025, at Life Path Hospice in Sun City, Florida, surrounded by his family.

He was born on July 5, 1941, in Leetonia, Ohio, son of the late Alton and Sylvia Brinker.

Vern graduated from Fairfield-Waterford School in 1959. He graduated trade school as an electrician and a draftsman. He became an industrial electrician, finishing his career as a member of management for Parker Hannifin Co., Youngstown, Ohio. Vern enjoyed spending time with lifelong friends, and family. He also volunteered for Habitat for Humanity, was active in the Leetonia Ruritans and had a love for fishing. He fished the local lakes of Eastern Ohio, as well as traveling with friends and family to Quebec, Canada, the Great Lakes and Minnesota, to fish. Once retired he built his own stocked pond in his back yard, where he taught his grandchildren to fish.

Vern was known as a kind, hardworking man with a sharp sense of humor. He spent years remodeling the family homes, doing everything from drawing out the plans to the actual building or repairing of the project. He enjoyed working and could fix about anything. If you were hired to do a job for him, you knew you were in for the “Vern inspection” of your work. Vern was always quick to offer help to friends and family members and to share his skills.

Vern is survived by his wife of 65 years, Judith “Judy” Brinker of Wimauma, Florida; two children, Gregory (Elvonna) Brinker of Pheonix, Arizona and Sue (Raymond) Bennett of Riverview, Florida; nine grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren; his brother, Clifford Brinker of Columbiana, Ohio. He is preceded in death by his parents, Alton and Sylvia Brinker, and his sister, Sandra “Sonnie” Streng.

A Celebration of Life will be held in Leetonia at a later date. Please consider donating to your local Alzheimer’s Association, Hospice, or Habitat for Humanity in lieu of flowers.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Woods-Rettig Funeral Home, Leetonia.

Family and friends may view this obituary and send condolences at www.familycareservices.com.

10/25/25