Obituaries
Dennis Clarence Kerek, 87
July 18, 2024
Dennis Clarence Kerek was born December 30, 1936, the son of the late Stephen J. and Mary M. Kerek. He lived 87 wonderful years as a loving father, grandfather, and great grandfather before passing away peacefully on July 18, 2024.
Dennis was born in Columbia, before moving to Lancaster and proudly graduating from Lancaster Catholic High (1954) and Franklin and Marshall College (1958).
Dennis started a family in 1957, working part time at Kerek Air Freight while juggling college. His hard work ethics enabled him to graduate debt free.
His professional career began as an accountant for RCA, followed by employment as a Wage and Salary Analyst at Sperry Rand New Holland, and Unisys, Blue Bell PA, before finally settling into his lifelong passion as the proud owner of Strawberry Hill Restaurant.
His love for wine and the food business was fostered by his brother Stephen, original owner of The Carriage House Restaurant, Lancaster PA. Dennis, affectionately known as Grandpa Strawberry, retired in 2012.
Dennis trained and competed in various local and regional races before running and finishing the NYC Marathon in 1985, at the age of 49.
Daily Mass was of utmost importance, followed by excursions through Lancaster Central Market, frequenting local coffee shops afterwards. Dennis could always be found dancing to local bands, especially a band with a horn section. He also loved surprising the youth at Resurrection Catholic School, sometimes showing up with a snow cone machine.
His love for food and wine started early with Kerek’s Catering, including travel to favorite places, New Zealand, France, and California Wine country. He enjoyed many NYC wine tastings and shared his love of wine with patrons at Strawberry Hill Restaurant. His best culinary specialties were BBQ (Kate-Ster-Q), Subs with meat from Mandros and his famous spaghetti sauce.
Denny shared his passions with his 6 children: Karen K. Napolitan, Stephen M. Kerek (Terry), Susan Jennifer Vastola (A. Paul), Christine K. Miller (Steve), Dennis Christopher “Chip” Kerek (Samantha), and Allison K. Williams (Dustin); 9 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, with one on the way, as well as 3 siblings: Gregory Kerek (Pat), M. Stephany Lombardo (James), and Thomas. His brothers, Stephen R., and J. Jeffrey preceded him in death.
He will be missed by many dear friends especially Nancy, Dickie, Jay & Steve.
Family and friends are invited to gather from 5-7 PM on Wednesday, July 24, 2024, at Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home, 2421 Willow Street Pike, Willow Street, PA 17584. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, July 25, 2024, at 11 AM at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 440 St. Joseph St, Lancaster, PA 17603. The family will receive guests beginning at 10 AM. Interment will immediately follow at St. Joseph New Catholic Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial contributions in Dennis’ name to St Joseph Catholic Church.
Watch the tribute videoLeave a condolence on this Memorial Page
Condolences to the Family
February 19, 2025
Hi Kerek Family, your Dad was a neat guy, I would alway talk with him after 6:30 Mass. I the guy that send him New Year Cards. I just realized he had gone to heaven, when they prayed for him at 6:30 mass. As I always say: We don’t lose someone, We just get a special Guardian Angel! Great Memories Ed
July 25, 2024
Farewell Dennis may you rest in peace. It’s been a long time since we last met but how can one forget the El Hefe Extravaganzas? Thank you, Chip and the staff for providing the memories! May you be granted a blessed repose, and may your memory be eternal.
Bob Dano
July 25, 2024
My condolences to the family. I saw Denny last year & got to chat . It was nice. We are all getting old. Time flies.God bless all
Gwen Hartman
July 24, 2024
Steve , Christine and family. Sending condolences on the passing of your father. Such an occomplished man. So thats where you both got it from! May fond memories carry you lightly through. God bless. Darlene Wentzel-Dommel.
July 23, 2024
we are sending love and prayers and remembering so many good times at Christine’s Memorial Day party’s and Marion court nights , and stopping by strawberry hill !
Colleen and charlie tirella
July 23, 2024
Our condolences to the Kerek Family,
We always enjoyed going to Strawberry Hill when visiting my family, and of course my brother Johnny would always be there . There was always a great vibe and of course great food. Your dad really loved what he did and He loved my brother Johnny as well.☘️ R.I.P. Dennis 🙏
Gerry and Sherry Quinn
July 23, 2024
My memories of Dennis include Juliette Ave bbq’s, Strawberry Hill dinners, seeing him at Central Market and in his Grandview yard. Trusting your memories will last a lifetime and see you through your current grief. My condolences to your whole family!
Rebecca Hambright Hennessy
July 23, 2024
Sending heartfelt condolences and lots of fond memories. Talented and kind man♥️
Scott and Pat Oberholtzer
July 22, 2024
Steve, sorry to read of your father’s passing. Condolences to you and your family. Wishing you peace and good memories.
Patti
July 22, 2024
So very sorry for your loss prayers of comfort for the entire family.
Donna Spenader
July 21, 2024
Peace and Love to The Kerek Family. Dennis will be missed, yet fond memories of him are indelible and are etched in our hearts and soul for eternity. Dennis is such a kind and generous person who always found time at Strawberry Hill to greet folks with a kind word and a sip of wine. He makes us feel special, and he has a heart of gold. He always spread joy, and was fun to be around; his zest for life inspires people to be happy and look on the bright side of things. These qualities are evident in his lovely family as well. For a great person, instills greatness in others. And remember, a person of God lives for eternity, Up Above. Cheers, My Friend!
The Lafferty Family
July 21, 2024
So many wonderful memories with Dennis are flooding my mind. Paris, Champagne and Cognac countries, and Stawberry Hill–all places of some of the best times of John’s and my lives. From Dennis and my spending a day at Le Louvre and visiting the basilica of Saint Denis, to a private white-glove luncheon with Christian Pol Roget, to discovering Pierre Ferand’s distillery and spending the day with the owner, to orange hot dogs in Les Tuilleries, and the many evenings at Strawberry Hill as “Pamster” and “le duc de Bourdonnais.” My thoughts and prayers are with you all as you celebrate a truly remarkable man.
Pam Lyons-Neville
July 21, 2024
I babysat for Dennis’ 5 kids (before 6 kids) as a teen living by them on Juliette Ave in Lancaster. Always a fun guy–and very nice to me. I send condolences especially to the kids. Peace to you all.
Julie Bucher (now in Mt Gretna)
July 21, 2024
‘Denny’ and I caught up with each other briefly after high school. What an incredibly sweet guy. I remember him with great affection. May you, his family, be comforted and blessed by the Lord Jesus Christ, the Only One Who is able to guide you through this crazy world. My heartfelt sympathy to you on this great loss of yours.
July 21, 2024
Karen and Mike,
Very sorry to hear of the passing of your father. I only met him once at a dinner at Strawberry Hill (great food) and he seemed like quite a character. He also had a wonderful life. To live in one’s heart is never to die.
Joe Segro
July 21, 2024
I am so sorry for your loss.
- Visitation
- Wednesday, July 24, 2024
- 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
- Charles F. Snyder III Funeral Home and Crematory
- 2421 Willow Street Pike
- Willow Street, PA 17584
- Map and Directions
-
Get Maps and Directions > - Services
- Thursday, July 25, 2024
- 11:00 AM
- St. Joseph’s Catholic Church
- 440 St. Joseph Street
- Lancaster, PA 17603
- Map and Directions
-
Get Maps and Directions >
