Obituary of Donald John Cover

Donald John Cover, 73, of Conneaut, passed away on December 21, 2014 after a spirited 18-month battle with cancer. He was born March 17, 1941 in Conneaut, the son of the late Dale and Alice (Rankinen) Cover Dickson. Donald graduated from Conneaut High School Class of 1959 and remained a lifelong area resident. Don worked at Rockwell International for 15 years until he bought his business in the Conneaut Harbor. He and his family owned and operated Gary's Delicatessen for many years, and he was also a commercial fisherman on Lake Erie. Mr. Cover enjoyed the outdoors and being close to nature. Some of his best time was spent camping at Conneaut Fish & Game Club and at Kennisee Grand River Campground in Geneva, where he enjoyed the wildlife, woods, water, campfires, and bird watching. When he was younger he also enjoyed hunting, fishing, bowling, playing slo-pitch softball, and in 1978 was State Trapshooting Champion of Ohio. More recently he could be spotted pedaling his blue three-wheel bike around town. He was a dedicated Ohio Fan always cheering for Ohio State and the Browns even if they weren't always playing their best. Don is survived by his three children, Julie (Robert) McCoy of Roanoke, VA; Bradley Cover and Stacey Cover, both of Brooksville, FL; a grandson Brandon Cover of Brooksville, FL; brothers Jack (Beth) Cover of Geneva; and Dale (Debbie) Cover of Mentor-on-the Lake. He was preceded in death by his parents. Many thanks to all family, friends, and hospice caregivers who made his life special in the end. He was known as a witty character who made people laugh. At his request no calling hours or services will be held, his cremains will be scattered at a location he enjoyed. Should friends desire, memorial contributions in his name can be made to the Hospice of the Western Reserve, 1166 Lake Ave., Ashtabula, Ohio.