G. Bruce Weir

BRUCE WEIR, age 74, passed away at his residence surrounded by his family April 11, 2012. Loving husband for over 54 years of Rita A. Weir (nee: Dettorre). He was the dear son of Gamble and Margaret Weir (both deceased) and son-in-law of Marshall and Olivia Dettorre (both deceased). Bruce was the devoted father of Debora L. (Gary) Warncke and Carrie B. (Daniel) Copfer and grandfather of Christopher (Carolina) Warncke, Matthew and Jonathan Warncke, Daniel Jr, and Amanda Copfer and great-grandfather of Ayden and Ethan Warncke and brother in-law of Jeanne Scallen. Bruce was a friend and inspiration to many. Born on May 20, 1937, in Pittsburgh, PA, his family moved to Lorain, OH in 1944 when his father became Superintendent of Lake Road Terminal Railroad at National Tube. He graduated from Lorain High School in 1957 and attended Fenn College (Cleveland State University) and then Kent State University where he graduated with a BSBA in Accounting. He began his career in public accounting with Coopers & Lybrand, became a CPA, and then worked in various financial positions within Pickands Mather & Co., which merged with Cleveland Cliffs Resources. He also taught accounting courses part time at Lorain Community College. On July 11, 1988, Bruce received the lifesaving gift of a heart transplant, which he will forever be indebted to Karen Gainer's selfless generosity. Bruce and Rita raised their family in Fairview Park, and now reside in Westlake. Bruce believed in community service and was active in many civic organizations including Jaycees and Band Boosters, serving as president of both. Bruce was the treasurer of his daughter's political campaign committee and served as the president of the Brick Mill Run Townhomes and King James North Board. In appreciation of the gift he was given, he was a Mended Hearts and Lifebanc volunteer who religiously visited Cleveland Clinic patients waiting for heart transplants and spoke to many civic and professional groups and organizations raising awareness for organ donation. He served as the Cleveland Chapter and International President of Transplant Recipients International Organization (TRIO), even testifying to the US Congress about organ donation issues. A Mass of Christian burial, celebrating Bruce's life will be Tuesday, April 17, 11:30am at St. Angela Merici Church 20970 Lorain Road, Fairview Park. PLEASE MEET AT CHURCH. Family will receive friends Monday, April 16 from 4-8PM at the CATAVOLOS-BERRY FUNERAL HOME 23040 Center Ridge Rd, Westlake. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bruce's memory to the Cleveland Chapter of TRIO, PO Box 93163, Cleveland, OH 44101.