Bruce Harrison Buchholzer

Bruce Harrison

Buchholzer "Mr. B"

June 2, 1929

February 20, 2012

Bruce passed into eternity at the residence he has loved for more than 40 years. His wife Linda was by his side. Complications of Alzheimer's disease had won the battle. He will join his parents, Julius and Kathleen Buchholzer; brothers, Julius Wendell and Richard Barton; sister-in-law, Edna; niece, Wendy; and nephew, Richard (Rick) Jr. in the family burial site in Rose Hill Burial Park.

Born June 2, 1929, Bruce was the youngest of four Buchholzer children and resided in the Akron area his entire life. He attended Fairlawn Elementary School. After graduating from Riverside Military Academy in Gainesville, Georgia, he proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. While serving in the Ohio Defense Corp, now known as the Ohio National Guard, he was appointed the rank of First Lieutenant, receiving several citations and awards.

Upon returning to civilian status, Bruce entered into the family business at Hower's Department Store in East Akron. He was Vice-President at the time of his father's death in 1961 and Bruce and his brother, Richard, chose to pursue other avenues, thus closing the store. During the following five years, Bruce joined the WCUE radio station as Senior Account Executive. Before starting his own agency, Bruce was Senior Vice President of the Stalker Advertising Agency. Then in 1972, the Bruce Buchholzer Advertising Agency was founded. President, Bruce H. Buchholzer retired in 2010 after 35 years.

Bruce maintained a Real Estate license for several decades with various Brokers in the Akron area. He also acquired his Master Mason Degree in Lodge No. 666 on February of 1954.

Much like his father, J.J. Buchholzer, Bruce was very civic minded and he followed the example of giving back to the community he had grown up with.

Among the many groups and organizations that Bruce shared both his time and financial support were: Haven of Rest, Victims Assistance, Salvation Army, Boy Scouts of America, East Akron YMCA, Akron Beacon Journal Charity Fund, the American Heart Association Akron Chapter, Bluecoats, the Akron Zoo and numerous others.

In the year 2000, Bruce was inducted into the International Soap Box Derby Hall of Fame. As the first President of the Derby in 1974 and chairman in 1975, he is credited with the reorganization that saved the Soap Box Derby after Chevrolet dropped their sponsorship. He was active in the Derby, hosting awards dinners, working race days, taking pictures, etc. until 2008.

The Summit County Sports Hall of Fame was another longtime love of Bruce's. He had participated in the growth of the organization for some 40 years. Last year the Robert O. and AnnaMae Orr Foundation gifted $50,000 to create "The Bruce H. Buchholzer Scholarship Fund" to them in honor of Bruce's retirement from the foundation in 2010. Robert and AnnaMae had been very close friends of Bruce's for many years and Bruce was a founding trustee and very instrumental in the foundation which has gifted monies to support many area causes.

The Akron Area Boards of Trade was yet another area that, like his father before him, Bruce devoted much time to. He served as President of the East Akron Board, the Akron Board and the West Akron Board over the years and helped very much in the growth of the Boards in Akron. Bruce was given the "J.J. Buchholzer Award" named for his father for outstanding dedication and achievement where Governor Rhodes was in attendance at the ceremony.

Bruce recently retired as the longest standing member of The Rogues Investment Group. This was a great group of guys that Bruce enjoyed, had great fellowship with and would meet almost every month over the past 40 years. Many great dinners and parties were enjoyed at the Portage Country Club where Bruce and his friends were longtime members.

"Mr. B" as he was fondly called, will be missed by a neighborhood that he so enjoyed. Neighborhood parties and parades, fireworks at 4th of July, he was the man with the camera at every type of get-together. The almost daily trips to Walgreens and Acme 1 for "something", the little trinkets given out to clerks and cashiers at the holidays. Yes, Mr. B will be missed, but hopefully, memories will bring you a smile.

Left to smile at his memories is Bruce's family. The love of his life is Bruce's sister, Eleanor Erickson of Los Angeles, Calf.; Bruce's devoted and loving wife, Linda; sister-in-law, Fran Buchholzer; nieces, Karen Buchholzer Stevens (Tom), Julie Buchholzer, Lynn McCuistion (Mark); nephews, Mark, Wayne and Lee Erickson; several great-nieces and nephews. Bruce brought much humor and joy to Linda's family, Linda's daughter, Tammy Miller; son, Troy Howell; grandchildren, Jonathan (Tiffiny) Blackburn, Jay and Anna Miller, Brandon Howell; great-granddaughters, Dannika and Carmin Blackburn.

Special friends that have helped Bruce and Linda through this all to fast "'long goodbye" of Alzheimer's disease are Jeff and Nancy Iula and David and Karen Day, whom were always "on call" for Bruce and Linda's needs and support, Bob Zeh, whom without, daily life would have been unbearable and Andrew Wiegand, Bruce's buddy, at get-togethers and outings.

A special "hug" goes to Linda's grandson, Brandon, who without his help, the last trip to Florida would not have been possible. Thanks so much to Linda's sister, Carolyn in Florida whose long distant support has been unwanning. Also, Linda's lifelong friends Gay Hargreaves and Carol Willey for "being there" day or night to support Linda's emotional needs, on difficult days and nights.

Hospice of Summa was wonderful in these last few days. Dr. Elliot Schprechman M.D., and his staff have been so supportive throughout Bruce's illness- Thanks to all of you for asking about Bruce and sending cards etc. Bruce loved life and for the most part, lived it well.

Private service and burial where Military Rites will be conducted by the U.S. Army, VFW Post 7971 and American Legion Post 473 at Rose Hill Burial Park.

Should you desire, please join us for a Memorial Celebration of Bruce's Life on Sunday, March 11, 2012 at 3 p.m. at Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel, 85 N. Miller Rd., Akron with Celebrant, Kevin O'Brien officiating. Friends may call one hour prior to the service time on Sunday. Memorial contributions may be made to any of organizations above or to one of your choice. Please also keep the Alzheimer's Association in mind. This is a terrible heartbreaking disease that is afflicting so many.




FAIRLAWN Chapel