John "Dave" Elerick

John David “Dave” Elerick known by family and friends as ‘Dave’ or ‘Big Dog’ passed away Saturday March 17th, 2012 at Mount Carmel East Hospital in Columbus with his wife, Rose, by his side. Dave is preceded in death by his father Harold and mother Elsa Elerick of Columbus as well as his father-in-law Egidio ‘Jerry’ Zumpano and mother-in-law Argia Zumpano of Steubenville. Dave was born on March, 4th 1941 at St. Ann’s Hospital in Columbus and grew up in the city’s south end. One of his fondest memories as a child was shagging balls for Ohio State standout and 1960 N.L. Rookie of the Year Frank Howard and fellow Buckeye Galen Cisco who spent seven seasons in the major leagues. A huge baseball fan Dave loved going to Columbus Red Birds, Jets, and Clippers games throughout his life. His other passions included Ohio State athletics which he fervently supported. Dave graduated from Columbus South High School in 1959 and later served on the class’ alumni board. In 2009 he attended his 50th reunion at Deer Creek State Park with classmates. Until the day he died he was proud to be a Bulldog! Dave began working at Western Electric in 1959, later AT&T, as a cable former. While there he met his wife Rose whom he married on April 24th, 1976. In 1995 he retired after 37 years on the job. During his retirement Dave enjoyed horse racing, traveling, going to classic car shows and spending time with family and friends. Dave is survived by his loving wife Rose Marie Elerick of Columbus; son John David ‘J.D.’ Elerick, Jr. of Columbus; son Robert Matthew (Asia) Elerick of Whitehall; and granddaughter Olivia Kardules of Whitehall. He is also survived by his sister Marilyn (John) Wemmer of Columbus; sister-in-law Louise (Dave) Anderson of Akron and their children, sister-in-law Geraldine Lucas of Wintersville and her children; and Joann (Dave) Zapolnik of South Carolina and their children. Dave also leaves behind numerous cousins, nieces and nephews and countless friends especially his classmates from Columbus South High School, the staff of Key Bank’s Whitehall Branch, and associates of the OhioHealth, especially Eastside Physical Rehabilitation Center and their families. Please join the family for a Celebration of Dave’s Life from 4-8 pm, Tuesday, March 20, 2012 at the Schoedinger East Chapel, 5360 E. Livingston Ave, . Please visit www.schoedinger.com to share a favorite memory of Dave.