David J. Goerig 1958-2025

He was born May 29, 1958, in Salem, a son of Francis L. Goerig Jr. and Helen Haus Goerig. David was a lifelong resident of the area.

David was a 1976 graduate of Leetonia High School. In 1978, David earned an associate degree in ornamental agriculture from The Ohio State University Agricultural Institute in Wooster. In 1981, he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in ornamental agriculture from The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. He earned a MEd degree from Kent State University.

David was a lifelong educator and project manager who held positions at the Columbiana County Career and Technical Center, The Ohio State University Extension Service and Davey Resource Group. He was appointed to the Columbiana County Park District Board of Commissioners and served for 18 years. While serving on the county park board, he was instrumental in securing grant funding for the Little Beaver Creek Greenway Trail and several other park properties. He was a charter member of the Great Ohio Lake to River Greenway Trail Coalition and the Ohio Public Works, Natural Resource Assistance Council for District 14. He also served on the board of the Western Reserve Land Conservancy.

David was a member of Greenford Christian Church in Greenford. He was a life member of The Ohio State University Retirees Association, affiliated throughout his life with the Alpha Zeta Chapter of Epsilon Sigma Phi, and held memberships at various times in the Society of Ecological Restoration, American Conifer Society, the Men’s Garden Club of Youngstown, the Northeast Ohio Christmas Tree Growers and the Mahoning Valley Landscape Nursery Association.

His warm smile, patient guidance and tireless efforts to share the magic of plants enriched the lives of all who knew him. Whether explaining the subtle intricacies of soil health or encouraging a child to cultivate their first seed, David embodied the nurturing spirit of his craft.

As we mourn the loss of David, we also celebrate the kindness of the Ohio Living caregivers, Bethany, Jessica and Theresa, who helped guide him home with love. Thank you for everything.

He is survived by the love of his life, the former Elizabeth A. Hall, whom he married March 25, 1989; his four children, son, Jason A. (Melissa) Goerig of Charlotte, North Carolina, twin daughters, Valerie R. (Nicholas) Goerig D’Eramo of Columbus and Emily L. Goerig of Columbiana, and son, Phillip D. (Tara) Goerig of Imperial, Pa.; six grandchildren, Olivia, Dexter and Logan Goerig, and Ruth, Joan and Heath D’Eramo; two step-grandchildren, Lydia and Henry Deutsch; and cherished nieces and nephews. David is also survived by a sister, Kathryn (David) Goerig Eastlake of Sandusky; a brother, Raymond P. (Leslie Weidensee) Goerig of Dayton; a sister-in-law, Cheryl Goerig of Dana Point, California; a brother-in-law, Ron Everhart of San Juan Capistrano, California; and his wife’s siblings, Joseph (Veronica) Hall Jr. of Leetonia and Jeanne Workinger of Cape Coral, Florida.

David was preceded in death by his brothers, Francis Leo Goerig III, Wayne W. Goerig and Jayme J. Goerig; a sister, Karen Goerig Everhart; and his parents.

The family will receive friends 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025, and 10 to 11 a.m. Monday, Jan. 20, 2025, all at the Warrick-Kummer-Rettig Funeral Home, Columbiana.

A funeral service will be held 11 a.m. Monday, Jan. 20, 2025, at the funeral home in Columbiana, with Pastor Bruce Rhodes officiating.

Burial will be at a later date in Oakdale Cemetery, Leetonia.

In lieu of flowers, the Goerig family requests that any gift offerings in memory of David be made as a donation to Greenford Christian Church, c/o Elkhorn Valley Christian Service Camp Fund, PO Box 53, Greenford, OH 44422; or the Columbiana County Park District, Greenway Bike Trail, c/o Friends of the Park, 130 Maple St., Lisbon, OH 44432.

As we say goodbye to David, we honor a life that flourished like gardens he tended — a life of care, growth and beauty. David’s memory will live on in every flower that blooms and every tree that sways in the wind.

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

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