Bruce Bitner Gresham

Bruce Bitner Gresham died on July 17, 2013 at home. A Memorial Service will be held 11:00 AM, Monday, July 22, 2013 at the Geneva First United Methodist Church, 89 South Broadway, Geneva, Ohio. The family will greet friends following the service. Bruce was born on April 22, 1931 in Akron, Ohio and had been a resident of Geneva since 1968. He was a graduate of Akron University with his degree in industrial engineering. He served in the Naval Air Reserve for 10 years. Bruce worked at General Tire and Rubber Company for 10 years in Wabash, IN and also worked for Geneva Rubber Company before retiring from Molded Fiberglass Company in Ashtabula, OH in 1993. Bruce was an active member of the Geneva Rotary Club and enjoyed the camaraderie and special friendships over 45 years. He had a passion for golf and bridge and played in numerous golf and bridge clubs where more long lasting friendships were made. One of the first things the family did when moving to Geneva was to join the Geneva First United Methodist Church, and again over the past 45 years many friendships developed. His love of family came first and he treasured the holidays, camping, family trips and reunions. His survivors include his wife of 58 years, Martha Johns Gresham; three children, Johns (Mary) Gresham of Greenville, NC, Jill (David) Smalley of Geneva and Mark (Michelle Shinew) Gresham of Columbus, OH; grandchildren, Louis, Johns, Krista Gresham, Lucas & Jacob Gresham and David Smalley; brother, Norm (Sandy) Gresham of Folsom, CA and many nieces and nephews throughout the country. Bruce was preceded in death by his parents, Norman and Helen Gresham; sister and brother-in-law Barbara and Jim Bosley; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Pauline and Bernrd DeWitt; sister-in-law, Kay Halbower and nephews Greg, Bryan and Norman. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to the Geneva First United Methodist Church Memorial Fund, 89 South Broadway, Geneva, OH 44041. Arrangements are being handled by The Behm Family Funeral Home, 175 South Broadway, Geneva, OH 44041.