Jerry Robert Garber

Jerry Robert Garber, 59, passed away on January 31, 2025 in Akron, Ohio. Born on March 14, 1965, Jerry spent his entire life in and around the Akron area, the community he loved and called home.

Jerry had an abiding love for music and was passionate about playing guitar. He found joy in cheering for the Cleveland Browns and listening to the music that spoke to his soul. Throughout his life, Jerry faced many challenges but ultimately discovered peace, acceptance, and love through the relationships he built with those around him. He cherished the enduring bonds he shared with his family and found comfort in the care and companionship of the staff at Timberland Ridge Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center and Bella Care Hospice.

Faith provided hope, solace, and inspiration in Jerry's life. He enjoyed attending services at Cottage Grove Evangelical Congregational Church and Faith's Foundation Ministries in Akron whenever he could. He also deeply valued the time he spent with Chaplain Kristen from Bella Care Hospice, whose support brought him great comfort as he entered the final chapter of his life.

Jerry is survived by his brothers, James (Christy) and Jeffrey (Diane) Garber; aunt, Shirley Garber; cousins, Karine (Robert) Leary, Gary (Shirley) Billips, Sylvia, Van (Anne), William (Lisa), Mark (Patty) Garber, and Elena Velasquez; brothers-in-law, Richard Vanaman and Kevin (Shari) Baker; nephews, Gregory and James (Melanie) Vanaman, William (Michelle), Jason (Myra), and Joshua Garber; nieces, Mary Jill (Donavon) Powell, Elizabeth (Christopher) Cooper, and Victoria (Matthew) Kaloplastos; great nieces and nephews, Kierstyn (Nolan) Williams, Peightyn Powell, Sean (Emmy), Jonathan, Caleb, Isaac, David, Christopher, Jasmine, Mia, and Jago Garber, Sarah Jennifer, Abigail, Daniel, John, Stephen, Nathan, Mary, Uriah, Judah, and Samuel Vanaman, Lucie and Jameson Cooper, and Beau Kaloplastos; great-great nephews and Nieces, Baracaia and Lavender Garber, and Paisley and Gabriella Williams.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Grant (Sarah) Garber and Clifford (Mary) Billips; parents, James (Patsy) Garber; aunts and uncles, Grant (Margie), William (Helen and Beverly), and Trent Garber, Robert (Pauline) Billips, and Jerry (Carolyn) Brabham; sisters, Jill Garber and Jennifer Vanaman; cousins, Paul, Grant, and David Garber, and Scott Brabham.

Jerry's memory will live on through the love he shared with his family and friends. May those who knew and loved him find comfort in remembering his journey toward peace and finding his salvation.

A funeral service will be 11:00 a.m. February 21, 2025 at Cottage Grove EC Church, 3133 Cottage Grove Road, Akron with Pastor Kevin Baker officiating.