David M. Berk Jr.

David M. Berk Jr., "Dave," age 62, passed away unexpectedly on November 9, 2026, at his home in Centerville, Ohio, after a battle with stage 4 cancer. Born on June 20, 1964, in Washington Court House, Ohio, Dave will be remembered as a warm, loving, and funny man whose energy seemed always in motion. He loved to talk, never knew a stranger, and carried through life a deeply selfless spirit and a genuine desire to help others.

For many years, Dave worked as a salesperson, building relationships everywhere he went through positions with Radio Shack, Piqua Battery, Zep, Aqua Falls, and First Star Logistics. Later, he transitioned into sports consulting, where he worked with Fox, ESPN, and Bearcat Insider. While at First Star Logistics, he was also part of the Bengals On The Brain Podcast. Dave further shared his knowledge and passion for athletics as a Producer/Editor for First Star Media Group and as a football recruiting analyst and consultant.

Most people knew Dave through football. For more than two decades, he dedicated countless hours to helping young athletes and their families navigate the path to college. He will be remembered for the relationships he built with coaches and for the belief he showed in the young people he supported. He did more than recommend players to coaches; he helped families understand what needed to be done, offered guidance, and worked to open doors for kids who deserved a chance. His impact was felt not only in sports, but in the encouragement, honesty, and care he gave to so many.

Before football became such a central part of his life, baseball was Dave’s first love. In the early 1980s, he tried out for both the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Cincinnati Reds. Missing the cut for the Pirates by just .2 seconds on getting the ball out of his catcher’s glove to second base marked the end of that pursuit, but his love of the game and of sports in general never left him.

Away from work, Dave enjoyed sports in all forms and took special pleasure in collecting baseball cards, bobbleheads, and sports memorabilia. He also loved music and listened to a wide range of artists, including KISS, The Monkees, The Beatles, Queen, The Who, Billy Joel, and Rick Springfield. These interests reflected his enthusiasm for life and the joy he found in sharing what he loved with others.

Of all the roles he held, the ones that meant the most to Dave were husband, dad, and grandpa. Those closest to him knew that his family was at the heart of his proudest accomplishments and deepest happiness.

Dave is survived by his loving wife of 34 years, Debbie; children, Brandon Berk, Logan Berk, Amber Berk, and Kyle Berk; grandchildren, Bryton, Breanna, Ashton, Maddox, David, Gracie-Lynne, Raelyn, Autumn, Kylahni, and Nicolai; mother, Eleanor Berk; brothers, Rodney (Tina) Berk, Greg Berk, and Jeff (Julie) Berk; as well as many nieces, nephews, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, David M. Berk Sr.. 

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, November 17th, 2026 from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm at Newcomer Centerville Chapel (820 Miamisburg-Centerville Rd., Dayton, OH 45459). Funeral service will begin at 4:00 pm.

Dave will be remembered with love for his generous heart, his tireless encouragement of others, and the many conversations, laughs, and moments of kindness he shared so freely. His life touched family, friends, athletes, coaches, and countless others, and his memory will continue to live on in the people he helped and the relationships he treasured.

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