Emeric C. Wallerick 1933-2025

Emeric joined the Army after graduating from Rayen High School. He served two years from 1956 to 1958, stationed at the Pittsburgh Weather Bureau. He then joined the Army Reserve for an additional two years.

Emeric made a career working for Republic Steel in Campbell. He held several positions at the plant and retired in a supervisory role in the 1990s. He worked for Bargain Port in Austintown for a brief time, but as they closed, Sears recruited him to work in their tool department. Shortly after starting, he became known as “The Tool Man” and appeared on local television shows for many years before the Christmas holiday season, promoting the newest tools and gadgets that would make wonderful gifts. He genuinely enjoyed helping people with their choices.

In his spare time, Emeric adored reading any car magazine he could get his hands on, and he could easily identify the make / model / year of a car in a photograph by just the grill or one taillight lens. He loved collecting model die-cast cars, especially those from his favorite NASCAR driver, Dale Earnhardt. Emeric also enjoyed tinkering around with his 1938 Chevrolet Master Deluxe Coupe. He loved scouring his magazines for parts and accessories that rendered his car complete and show-worthy. Sundays during the summer were spent on the road heading to car shows with his beloved ’38 Chevy.

Emeric never met a stranger and would often bend over backwards to help others. He always had a joke to tell to brighten someone’s day.

Melanie’s last words to her dad are “Dad, you were finer than frog hairs. Catch you on the flip side.”

Emeric leaves behind two daughters, Lisa Wallerick of Vero Beach, Florida, and Melanie Roberts, with whom he made his home, of Port Charlotte. He also leaves nephews, Ricky (Mary Margaret) Thomas, David (Sue) Thomas and Donny (Michelle) Thomas, all residing in Northeast Ohio.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Mary Wallerick; his beloved wife of 57 years, Maria, who passed away Nov. 22, 2016; and his sister, Mary Thomas, who passed away Nov. 25, 2022.

In lieu of flowers, Melanie is requesting donations be made to Empath Tidewell Hospice, 1144 Veronica St., Port Charlotte, FL 33952.

She also wishes to express her most sincere thanks to Truewood Assisted Living, Maria’s Home Services and to Roberson Funeral Home & Crematory, as well as Tidewell Hospice. A special thank you to Natanya and Mireya, who visited daily to help take care of Emeric. He appreciated all they did for him up until the very end.

A private service will be held at Calvary Cemetery on Belle Vista in Youngstown, where Emeric will be interred next to his wife, Maria.

Arrangements by Roberson Funeral Home & Crematory, Port Charlotte Chapel. Friends may visit www.robersonfh.com to extend condolences to the family.

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