Bruce Howard Grasser
Bruce Howard Grasser, age 84, of Concord Township, passed away peacefully on June 9, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family.
Born on March 8, 1941, and raised on Cleveland’s west side, Bruce graduated from John Marshall High School, in 1959, where he was a standout football player and wrestler. It was there, at just 15 years old, that Karen Irene Tatousek caught his eye. Their love story began in high school and continued through college.
Bruce earned a full-ride athletic scholarship to Iowa State University and during his sophomore year he and Karen were married on Dec. 29, 1961, at Christ Methodist Church on West 136th Street in Cleveland—right in the midst of a blizzard. Relatives traveling from Buffalo, N.Y., were stranded by the storm, but nothing could stop their beginning. Together, they built a life anchored in deep love and shared purpose. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 2011 and remained devoted to one another until Karen’s passing in 2014.
Bruce graduated from Iowa State in 1964 with a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering and later earned his MBA from Case Western Reserve University. He was a lifelong Cyclone—loyal, proud and actively involved—later serving as a Governor on the Iowa State University Foundation Board of Governors. His passion for learning, mentoring and giving back shaped his life and inspired others.
In 1973, Bruce and Karen moved to Chardon to raise their three children and became deeply rooted in the community. He served as president of the Chardon Schools Board of Education from 1978 to 1984 and was a lifetime member of the Chardon Methodist Church.
Bruce began his career with Lubrizol, in 1968, where he worked for nearly 40 years. He retired in January 2007 as Managing Director of International Mergers and Acquisitions.
Throughout his career, Bruce was a trusted leader and a natural mentor—sharing his time and insight with countless colleagues and graduate students through Case Western Reserve University’s EDGE program, connecting the next generation to meaningful experience in the Northeast Ohio business community.
He embraced life fully—golfing, riding his motorcycle and traveling. Over the years, he enjoyed trips to Florida and Hawaii, but his favorite getaway was the family’s annual two-week summer tradition in the Adirondack Mountains, a retreat they honored for more than 50 years. The memories made during those times remain priceless to the family he so loved.
More than anything, Bruce was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. He never missed a game, a performance or an opportunity to show up for his family. His steady presence, deep wisdom and kind heart were the foundation of their lives.
Bruce is survived by his son, Chuck Grasser, of Hambden Township; twin daughters, Shelly Grasser (Kim Wright) and Susan Aveni (Jim), both of Concord Township; and his beloved grandchildren, Joseph, Jillian and Michael Aveni, and Callen and Nicholas Tommasone.
He was preceded by his beloved wife, Karen, in 2014; and his brother, Ken Grasser.
Visitation will be held at Burr Funeral Home, 116 South St., Chardon, on Thursday, June 26, 2025, from 2-5 p.m., with a memorial service to follow at 5 p.m.
A private interment will be held at Chardon Municipal Cemetery at a later date.
The family requests that memorial contributions in Bruce’s name be made to The Foundation for Geauga Parks at https://www.foundationforgeaugaparks.org/pages/donate; or Hospice of the Western Reserve at https://www.hospicewr.org/Give.
Arrangements are entrusted to Burr Funeral Home and Cremation Service. The family invites you to visit Bruce’s obituary at www.burrservice.com to share memories, offer words of comfort and post condolences on his Tribute Wall.
