J. Bruce Gasaway

1939 - 2024

GASAWAY, J Bruce

J Bruce Gasaway, known affectionately as Bruce to his friends and family, passed away peacefully at home on December 17, 2024, at the age of 84. He was born on December 27, 1939 in Bellefontaine, OH, to the late Richard and Mildred Gasaway. Bruce's life was marked by his absolute love and dedication to his family, his passion for golf, and his unwavering kindness and remarkable sense of humor that brought joy to all who knew him. At Bellefontaine High School he met his sweetheart, Sharon Elliott. Thus began their forever love affair and a 64 year marriage. They married and had two children while Bruce was attending Bowling Green University, where he became a proud member of the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity and earned a Business degree. He was offered a job at Inland Manufacturing, so he moved his family to Dayton and began his 30 year tenure at General Motors. Bruce had a distinguished career at GM, including ending in charge of hazardous waste disposal for multiple GM plants. But his roles as loving husband to Sharon, and father to Lisa (Tom Amspaugh) and Stacy (Thomas J. Reichert II), were the roles he cherished above all others. Together with Sharon, they built a life filled with love, laughter, and shared dreams. A 3rd generation only child, Bruce was constantly filled with wonder whenever he looked lovingly at the extended family he and Sharon created. His eyes would fill with joy and he would say, "All of this, from Sharon and I." His legacy will continue to flourish through the grandchildren he treasured so much - Taylor Amspaugh and her wife Ana Santiago, Jordan Fox, Thomas J. Reichert III and his wife Desiree, and Jeremy Bruce Reichert and his wife Shelby. He patiently taught every grandchild the game of golf, and each of them are in turn excellent golfers with many memories of playing the game with grandpa. His great-grandchildren, Ranen, Nola, Jeremy Bruce Jr., and Ford Thomas, will grow up hearing tales of their great-grandfather's warmth, and the love he had for each of them. He was an excellent golfer, and long-time member of Miami Valley Golf Club. Bruce was a humble man, but with a smile he would admit to being extremely proud when he won the Men's Club Championship, and the Senior Men's Club Championship in the same year - the first man to ever do it at Miami Valley. His friends and fellow golfers knew him as a formidable opponent on the golf course and a generous mentor off it. His sportsmanship and skill were admired by all who had the pleasure of playing a round of golf with him. Bruce's life was a testament to the power of kindness, the strength of family bonds, and the joy that can be found in everyday moments. He was a truly loving and devoted husband, a kind and gentle father, a loyal friend, and an extraordinary human being. His memory will be cherished and kept alive by the stories shared by those who loved him, and the lives he touched. A visitation will be held at 10:30-11:30 AM Saturday December 28, 2024 at Baker Hazel & Snider Funeral Home 5555 Philadelphia Dr. Dayton OH 45415 with a service to begin at 11:30 at the funeral home. Interment at Shiloh Park Cemetery. Donations in lieu of flowers to the local charity For The Love of Children, flocdaytonohio.org As we say goodbye to J Bruce Gasaway, we celebrate a life well-lived and a man well-loved. His spirit will continue to guide us, and his memory will forever be a source of happiness and inspiration. Bruce's journey on this earth may have come to an end, but the impact of his love and laughter will resonate for generations to come. Online memories and condolences may be left for the family at www.bakerhazelsnider.com