In Memory of John Francis Herberger. age 79, born 11/19/1945, died 8/09/2025 - Akron, New York

John Francis Herberger

The checker fraternity has lost another passionate adherent! John Francis Herberger of
Akron, New York, passed away Saturday morning, August 9, after a lengthy illness in hospital and
in rehabilitation centers. He was born November 19, 1945. John was one of 11 children; 2 other
siblings predeceased John. Of the 8 remaining siblings, 6 were able to attend John’s memorial
service. John and his wife Carol were married 44 years. They were very close and John’s passing
has created a terrible void in Carol’s life.
On Friday, August 15, at the Taylor and Reynolds Funeral Home in Lockport, New York,
relatives and friends of John gathered to mourn his loss, pay their respects, and share stories of
their association with John. His step-daughter, Luci, did an excellent job of gathering and
displaying photos and articles of events in John’s life. So many of the items were about John’s
serious participation in the grand old game.
John was a strong MAJOR player finishing third in a national tournament many years ago.
Before closing his casket John’s best checker board and checkers, which had been on display with
him, were carefully placed at his side in the coffin.
Following the 2 hours of sharing, Pastor Robert Dean led a brief memorial service at the
funeral home and at John’s burial site. Before leaving John’s grave, all present laid a hand on
John’s casket as a sign of respect for John, and to bid him farewell.
It was my privilege to be John’s friend for almost 60 years. He was a much better player than I.
During the past 5 years we played 26 4 game 3-move matches over the internet. Before covid we
would travel to one another’s homes for a day of GAYP checkers. I treasure my fond memories of
association with John Francis Herberger particularly across the board.
Submitted by Ken Shoesmith

Published by Taylor and Reynolds Funeral Home: 8/11/2025:

Obituary of John Francis Herberger Sr.
John Francis Herberger Sr. entered into rest August 9, 2025. Born November 19, 1945 in Lockport NY, he was the son of the late Donald F. and Virginia (DeNeau) Herberger.

John Herberger worked for many years at VanDeMark chemical as a furnace man. Loving husband to Caroline for 44 years. Dear friend to Ken Shoesmith.

John's passion was checkers. John started playing checkers at the early age of 7.

John ranked 45th nationally in the United States. John was a master checker player who once played Tom Wissel, the national champion, to a draw when he was only 20 years old. John has played checkers for several community benefits playing 10-20 people at once. He played the Canada Open against Bruce Morrison in 2010 which was a 20-game match. Bruce Morrison won the contest 5 to 4 with the other 11 games ending in a draw. John then played him again the following year in Montreal, QC. John defeated Bruce this time 7-2 with 5 draws. Mr. Morrison conceded the match after 14 games. Also John was invited to the NIagara County Sheriffs picnic anually to play the Sheriffs.

John had the opportunity to play against Millard Hopper, checker champion of the World.In 1964 at the New York World’s Fair, Hopper set up a booth, took on all comers, sometimes a dozen at a time, played some 5,000 games, lost three. John met him in NY a few years later, they played about a dozen games- John defeated him 3 times. In a similar fashion, John played locally where he'd set up 12 tables at the Niagara County Fair and take all comers. On at least one occasion, he played blindfolded, with his back to his opponents. The squares were individually numbered. They would call out what numbered square they moved to, and he would verbally reply with his move, going from one player to the next. He was undefeated.

John is survived by his beloved wife Caroline (Lang) Herberger. Beloved father of Lucie (Jim Coleman) Hill and the late John Francis Herberber Jr. Grandfather of Adam Hill (Natalie), Alexis Hennebohl, Racheal Miller, Jacob Miller, Aiden Hill (Kaylie Weczerek), Ethan Hill and Corey Davis. Dear brother of Thomas (Patricia) Herberger, Ann (Stephen) Gordon, James (Maria) Herberger, Patricia (David) Denny, Michael (Linda) Herberger, Donna Herberger (Stephen Rycyna), Virginia "Ginny" Herberger (Thomas Lumb), Theresa (Todd) Layer and the late Mary Rita (Cislo) Herberger and Mark Herberger. Also survived by several nieces and nephews.

Friends may call from 12-2 on Friday August 15, 2025 at the Taylor & Reynolds Funeral Home 70 Niagara Street, Lockport NY 14094, where the Funeral Service will be held at 2:00 pm. Interment in Cold Springs.

Published by echovita  8/11/2025:    https://www.echovita.com/us/obituaries/ny/lockport/john-francis-herberger-sr-20167331

Published by Taylor and Reynolds Funeral Home: 8/11/2025:    https://www.taylorandreynolds.com/john-francis-herberger/

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