David L. Gerber

David Leon Gerber "Big Dave", 62, of Medford, NJ, passed away peacefully on Monday, October 20, 2025, at home surrounded by his family.
Born in Mt. Holly, NJ, Dave resided his entire life at his family home on Haines Avenue in Medford. David graduated from Burlington County Special Services School, and in later years attended the O.T.C. program in Marlton, NJ, where he was known to be the life of the party when the music started at various celebrations held there. A lover of Big Band's, Polka's and the accordion, he culminated this fondness with a trip to a live Lawrence Welk taping with his sister-in-law, Kathy, where he proudly walked right onto the stage.
David was a friendly, happy and kind individual always greeting with a hand shake or robust hug to friends, family or strangers. David especially enjoyed gatherings of family and friends to celebrate his birthdays where he was the center of attention. A packed house at the Medford VFW for his 50th was most special. David enjoyed wearing Phillies and Eagles shirts usually accompanied by his trade mark navy blue blazer. David had a love for animals and it was uncanny how family pets and strays alike warmed to his attention and submitted to his commands.
David enjoyed trips to the cranberry farm to hang out with the men at harvest or hunting seasons and for walks with his dog. He enjoyed vacation trips to Vermont and spending time on the lake boating with family and special friends. His collection of Match Box cars and trucks, accumulated over a lifetime, number in the hundreds, maybe thousands. David was an honorary member of both the Ross Gerber Hunting Club and the NJFFS B-1 Crew. His passing has brought immeasurable sorrow, but we are extremely grateful for all the joyful time he gave us.
Big Dave was a beloved figure in the Medford community. He was a devoted supporter of the Medford Fire Department and proudly served as Smokey the Bear's biggest fan, supporting his father and older brother Tommy in their roles as Section Forest Fire Wardens. He especially loved the annual Medford Halloween and Memorial Day Parades, which brought together the community he cherished so much.
Beloved by all who knew him, Big Dave was a familiar and friendly face on his strolls through town. He brought a smile to everyone fortunate enough to cross his path. Born with Down syndrome, he lived life with a pure heart and endless humor. He was famous for his playful antics-rearranging everyone's shoes (or occasionally sneaking a pair for himself), doing spot-on impressions of Barnabas from Dark Shadows and Walker, Texas Ranger, and showing off dance moves inspired by The Lawrence Welk Show.
Big Dave loved watching sports with his family, always cheering loudest for the Phillies and Eagles. He spent countless happy days at the bogs, "supervising" his brothers and nephews as they worked, and was the life of every family gathering with his goofiness and big laugh. He cherished trips to Vermont with John and Kathy, spending time in Philly with his older brother Paul, and Kind-hearted, funny, and full of life, Big Dave's presence made every moment brighter-especially when he was wearing one of his beloved Smokey the Bear shirts.
David was pre-deceased by his parents, Paul Sr. and Ruth Gerber, and his brother Paul Jr.; he is survived by his brothers, John and Thomas Gerber (Meg); his sister Maureen Achey; brother-in-law, Mike Achey, Sr.; sisters-in-law, Kathleen Gerber, Christine Gerber; nieces, Mollie (Miles), and Ambriel (Dan); nephews, Mike (Terri), Willie and David; great nieces, Maggie, Davanee and Jaylynn; great nephew, Mack; and many loving cousins and special friends.
Relatives and friends may greet the family on Friday, October 24, 2025, from 10-11:30AM, at the Mathis Funeral Home, 58 N. Main Street, Medford, NJ. A Celebration of Life will follow at 11:30AM, at the funeral home.
Interment will be in Park View Cemetery at Historic Medford Village (formerly known as Odd Fellows Cemetery in Medford). www.parkviewcemeterynj.com
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in David's memory to Samaritan Hospice at www.samaritannj.org To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of David L. Gerber, please visit our floral store.