Bruce Metzger

Bruce A. Metzger, age 71, of Bolivar, died March 8, 2024, while in Hennis Care Center at Dover following a brief illness.

Born in Twin City Hospital at Dennison, Bruce was a son of Rita Ortenzo Metzger and Harry Metzger. He was a graduate of St. Mary’s School at Dennison and went on to obtain his Bachelor of Education and Master’s in Mathematics from Kent State University.

He taught for many years at Sacred Heart, Indian Valley, New Philadelphia, and Quaker Digital Academy. Bruce was an adored educator and co-worker. He took pride in remembering his former students and was respected for being a beloved math teacher. Even among his peers, he earned the nickname, ELB (Everybody Loves Bruce) and Smoothie.

In his younger years, Bruce enjoyed golfing. He was an avid sports fan who enjoyed traveling to Cleveland, Pittsburgh, and Cincinnati to watch various sports teams. He loved playing games of chance, whether he was playing the lottery, or sitting at the roulette table, Bruce enjoyed the thrill that came with the wins. Bruce also had a great love of classic movies and was an avid watcher of TCM. In addition to his love for movies, sports, the lottery, Bruce was a history buff who loved reading, researching, and learning about various people and historical events.

Additionally, Bruce enjoyed trying new foods and new restaurants and enjoyed gifts of spices and ingredients from out of the way shops and locations. He also liked working crossword and sudoku puzzles and later in life became quite a lover of animals. He generously donated to many animal causes as well as others that had a special meaning to him.

Bruce will be missed by his partner, Lisa Host; his children, Stephanie Metzger, CJ (Erika) Metzger; his grandchildren, Elanor and Ethan Metzger, and his brother, Reverend William Metzger.

In addition to his mother and father, Bruce was preceded in death by his daughter, Jessica Metzger, and a brother, Dick Metzger.

A celebration of Bruce’s life will take place on Saturday, March 16, 2024, from 3:00 – 5:00 PM in the Geib Funeral Center at Dover. In keeping with Bruce’s wishes, cremation care has taken place. 

Bruce honored the memory of his daughter Jessica through donations to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation and in honoring both he and Jessica the family asks those who are able to direct donations to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, 13770 Noel Road, Suite 801889, Dallas, TX 75380 or to the Tuscarawas County Humane Society, 1432 Tall Timber Road NE, New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663.