Bruce Kephart

1951 - 2022

Bruce Kephart, age 70, of Concord, OH passed away at his daughter’s home on July 3, 2022, with his loving family at his side. Bruce fought a courageous 7-month battle with stomach cancer. Bruce was born in Painesville, OH July 9, 1951, and was the son of the late Murray C. and Anna Marie Kephart.He graduated Painesville Harvey in 1969 and then went on to The Ohio State University graduating in 1973 with a degree in Economics. Bruce joined the United States Army as a First Lieutenant serving at Fort Benjamin Harrison in Indianapolis. Following the Army, Bruce began his business career in banking. He spent almost 19 years at Bank One where his last position was manager of corporate banking for Northeast Ohio. During this time, Bruce obtained his master’s degree from Stonier graduate school of banking at the University of Delaware. After Bank One, Bruce joined First Merit bank where he was a Regional President with a specialization in commercial lending for 19 years, covering Northeast Ohio. He can be credited to help give many Lake County businesses their footing and on a path to great success.He was active in his community during all of his professional career holding positions such as; former president of Lake Health Association, former president of the Lake County school board, former board member of United Way of Lake County, former president and board member of Leadership Lake County- receiving the “Leader of the Year” recognition in 2010. He also enjoyed his activity and friendships as part of the Gyro Club of the Western Reserve.During his youth, Bruce played baseball and was a proud member of the winning Little League State Championship team in 1963. He played football at Harvey High School under John Mummey.Bruce was married in 1973 to his wife Constance (Connie) Wayner; they were high school sweethearts. He loved and cherished her with all his heart, and she loved him back just as much. They have been locked at the hip for the last 55 years and enjoyed raising their family in Lake County.In 2013, Bruce retired at the age of 62 to enjoy their winter home in Estero FL, at Copperleaf Country Club where he and Connie made many friends. He had a fierce passion for golf, winning many of his club’s championships over the years and enjoyed traveling to courses across the USand in Europe. Most of his travel remained in the United States where he loved hiking with friends and family in our nation’s National Parks.To say he was a die-hard Cleveland and Ohio State sports fan would be an understatement. Only the closest, most-trusted family members were allowed to watch the Ohio State vs. Michigan game with him each year.Bruce is survived by his wife, Connie; his two beloved children, Elizabeth (Ethan) of Kirtland and Christopher of Worthington; grandchildren, Corrine, Avery, Delaney, Finnian, Maisy and Julian; brothers, Tim and Roger (Wendy) and sister Lisa (Wes). He also leaves behind many special friends who considered him a brother.He was preceded in death by his parents, sister-in-law Betsy Kephart, sister Judy Ress and brother-in-law Jerry Ress.Bruce was always the life of the party. He was generous, loved to read, could always be counted on for a good prank and lived his life to the fullest. He will be missed by so many.Friends will be received 12:00-3:00 PM and 5:00-7:00 PM Thursday, July 7, 2022, at Spear Mulqueeny Funeral Home, 667 Mentor Avenue, Painesville, Ohio.A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 9:30 AM, July 8, 2022 at St. Gabriel’s Catholic Church, 9925 Johnnycake Ridge Road, Concord, OH 44060.Donations in Bruce’s memory may be sent to St. Gabriel’s Food Pantry 9925 Johnnycake Ridge Road Concord, OH 44060 or Hospice of the Western Reserve P.O. Box 72101 Cleveland, Ohio 44192.