David Patrick Wernert

David Patrick Wernert, age 78, of Toledo, passed away on December 22, 2025 at Ebeid Center, following a brief illness, surrounded by his loving family. Dave was born on March 17, 1947 to Rosemary and James Wernert. He was a 1965 graduate of Central Catholic High School. Immediately following graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, where he served on the U.S.S. Canberra, making four round trips across the Pacific back and forth to Vietnam, earning the National Defense Service medal. Following his honorable discharge, Dave pursued his 29-year career with the Toledo Fire Department, including many proud years as a Life Squad Paramedic. He spent the last few years of his active duty serving in the "Fireman Freddy" educational program, where he was affectionately known as "Fireman Dave" throughout the Toledo elementary schools, working closely with the Toledo Safe Kids program. Following his retirement, Dave volunteered his time with the Toledo Police Department's Retired Senior Volunteer Patrol (RSVP) program, paying check-up visits to seniors in the community. Preceding him in death were his parents, Rosie and Jim Wernert; loving brothers Skip and Steve Wernert; niece Nancy Wernert; and in-laws Rita and Bill Neeb. Surviving Dave to cherish his memory are his wife, Kathy Wernert; his adored daughter Michelle (Maggie) Wernert; step-son Michael (Shawn) Headley; awesome grandchildren Lucas, Sasha, and Parker; brother Tony (Kay) Wernert; sisters-in-law Mary Kay and JoAn Wernert; many very special nieces, nephews, and cousins (Wernerts, Hickeys, Wenzlers); and brothers-in-law Tom (Sue) Neeb and Mike (Vanessa) Neeb. Dave loved golf, anything and everything "Notre Dame," and most especially every precious moment at the Wernert cabin "up north." He had a thespian side, having grown up in a theatrical family and being in many of his mother's adapted plays with Cathedral Players to Fireside Players. He and his brothers were founding members of Half-Ass Productions, where celebratory comical SNL-type skits were put on for family, neighbors, and friends in backyards, garages, basements, and halls across town. He had an amazing circle of friends with whom he enjoyed innumerable cabin trips, good times at Lake St. Clair, North Carolina mountain golf courses, Toronto, day trips, board games, many historically significant (!) and memorable St. Patrick's Day birthday celebrations, and an occasional vodka and tonic. The family would love to have you join them for a visitation on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, from 3:00 - 7:00 p.m. at Coyle Funeral Home, 1770 S. Reynolds Rd., where a Toledo Fire Department Last Alarm Service will be held at 6:00 p.m. A Funeral Mass will begin on Wednesday, January 7, 2026 at 10:30 a.m. at Little Flower Catholic Church, 5522 Dorr St. Entombment will be at Resurrection Cemetery. Those wishing to make a memorial contribution in Dave's name may want to consider the Toledo Firefighters Museum where he spent many wonderful hours in "Jed's Room" teaching fire safety to Toledo's youngsters.

Tributes

David Patrick Wernert

March 17, 1947 - December 22, 2025