Robert Bertschy

Robert H. Bertschy, 97
EAST LIVERPOOL – Robert H. Bertschy, of East Liverpool, passed away Monday, January 13, 2025, at the Louis Stokes VA Hospital in Cleveland. He was 97 years old.
Born in Bridgeport, Ohio, April 7, 1927, he was a son of the late John and Lela Woods Bertschy. A veteran of the U.S. Navy, Robert first served his country at the age of 17 during World War II on the USS Gamble as a Radioman and Gunner. It was during this time that he was wounded in action at Iwo Jima and earned the Purple Heart Award. Following the war, he returned and graduated with the East Liverpool High School Class of 1947. He then re-enlisted in the Navy and served during the Korean War on the USS NOA.
He worked at the former Crucible Steel Company until 1982. He then worked for the Columbiana County Educational Service Center as a bus driver and later was associated as a driver with Pipelines.
Robert loved his community, especially our veterans. He was active in many veteran organizations, including holding life membership in the John W. Covert Chapter 47 of the DAV since 1947 and held nearly every office at one time, including State Commander. He was a member of the National Executive Committee of the DAV. A life member of the VFW Post 66 where he was active on the drill team that won the state championship from 1955 through 1959. The team also competed nationally, winning the championship in 1958 and 1959. For eleven years, Bob volunteered over 10,000 hours and drove over 200,000 miles taking veterans for their healthcare needs at area hospitals and VA Centers. He also drove blind veterans to Iowa for the National Disabled Veterans Golf Clinic. In 2016, he was elected to the Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame. Bob was also active in Boy Scouts where he was Scout Master at Troop 36, director at Camp McKinley, achieved the Vigil Honor of the Order of the Arrow and was awarded the Silver Beaver Award.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Beryldene W. Squires Bertschy. The couple married February 1, 1958, and she was always there to provide the support that allowed Bob to accomplish so many things in his life. He was also preceded by two daughters Janet Bertschy and Karen Bertschy, a granddaughter Tere Woods Carney, and a great-granddaughter, Cheyenne Frost, as well as a sister, Marlene Shawke.
He is survived by a son, John D. Bertschy of West Point; two daughters, Nila Bertschy Lawrence of Olmsted Falls, and Lisa Carney of Canton and twelve grandchildren: Megan Lawrence, Loni Bialek, Rosie Marie Frost, Michael Lee Bertschy, Rachel Elizabeth Bertschy, Dennis D.J. Caldwell, Michelle D. Caldwell, Felisha R. Kennedy, Michaelena J. Oberschlake, Lee Ann Carney and Elizabeth N. Carney; 21 great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren.
He also leaves a sister, Jane Barrett and her husband, Bob, of Columbiana.
Friends may visit Friday at the Dawson Funeral Home where the family will be present from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Kevan J. Wain will conduct a funeral service Saturday at 1:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will be at Columbiana County Memorial Park where the Tri-State Veterans Burial Group will conduct military honors.
Following the service, family and friends will gather at the Dawson Family Center for fellowship.
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