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.