Donald Anthony "Pepsi" Bersacola's Obituary
Donald Anthony “Pepsi” Bersacola, 91, of Middleburg Heights, Ohio, passed away peacefully on October 18, 2025. Born on December 5, 1933, in Boston, Massachusetts, to the late Anthony S. and Lelia W. Bersacola (née Corsetti), Don lived a remarkable life filled with love and unwavering devotion to his family.
For seventy beautiful years, Don shared his life with his high school sweetheart and beloved wife, Paula (née Greeley). Together they raised five children: Lisa J. Zver (Patrick), Laura L. Bersacola, Donald A. Bersacola, Jr., Leslie P. Dempsey (Michael), and Derek E. Bersacola. He was a devoted “Papa” to ten grandchildren—Ashley E. Zver, Patrick M. Zver, Jr., Savannah L. Hill, Jon C. Hill, Jr., Drew A. Hill, Taylor A. Furlo, Derek C. Hill, Brandon J. Hill, Derek E. Bersacola, Jr., and Colin M. Dempsey—each of whom brought him immense joy.
A proud Marine, Don served his country honorably during the Korean War aboard the USS Leyte, where he earned a Purple Heart. Following his service, he graduated from Harvard Business School and went on to build a successful career as an executive at Cole National Corporation and a business owner. A man of exceptional integrity and leadership, Don was known as a straight-shooter—powerful, yet always a gentleman—admired by colleagues and loved by all who knew him.
Don was a man of sharp wit, endless charm, and impeccable style — GQ before GQ was popular. He was a master at bringing people together, whether hosting unforgettable gatherings or sharing laughter over a glass of Johnny Walker Black. To his loved ones, he was their pillar — deeply loved and respected.
A passionate fan of the New England Patriots, Boston Bruins, and Boston Red Sox, Don ALWAYS had an opinion. When he wasn’t cheering for his teams, he was often found frustrating himself on the golf course or, more peacefully, out back cleaning the pool while listening to Sinatra and music from the Big Band era.
In the end, he joined his cherished “Uncle Eddie”—Edward G. Corsetti—who was awaiting his “Sonny” with open arms as he arrived Home.
Visitation will be held Wednesday, October 22nd, at Jardine Funeral Home from 3:00–7:00 p.m. The funeral service will follow Thursday, October 23rd, at 10:00 a.m. at St. John Neumann Catholic Church, with burial at Woodvale Cemetery, Middleburg Heights. Immediately following, all are welcome to join in celebrating Don’s remarkable life at Trivs Restaurant & Lounge, 17100 Royalton Road, Strongsville, Ohio.
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