Thomas Norman Jesser

Thomas Norman Jesser (June 26, 1933-June 11, 2025)
Thomas Norman Jesser, just shy of his 92nd birthday, passed away on June 11th with his loving family by his side. Tom leaves us with a large and wonderful legacy of family, friendships, and professional and faith-related achievements; yet, most will remember him as a loving, kind, and caring man. Dad, Jido (Grandpa), Uncle Tom, Cousin Tom, Brother-or whatever you called him-you probably enjoyed calling him.
Tom was a lifelong resident of the Akron area. Born in an apartment above an uncle's bar on June 26, 1933, he attended St. Vincent Grade School and graduated from St. Vincent High School (1953), where he was editor of the school paper and played baseball. He attended The University of Akron, where he played lacrosse and was a member of the Lone Star fraternity.
Tom served his country with honor, first as an enlisted man and later as an officer in the United States Army. He eventually attained the rank of colonel and also served as a Sgt. Master in the National Guard. While proud of the service he provided, he had the highest respect for those in our military who served in active conflict and held a special compassion for the injuries and losses they suffered in doing so.
After working in his dad's bar, Jesse's Lounge, and attending college, he decided the family bar business was not for him and entered the training and career of a life and health insurance agent. Tom's career spanned many decades in the insurance industry as the owner of The Jesser Agency. He was civically involved as a former member of Rotary, many local clubs and associations, and at one time ran for a state representative role in Ohio.
His most special interest was being a dedicated servant and parishioner at Our Lady of the Cedars Maronite Catholic Church in Fairlawn, which was founded at its original Codding Street, Akron site in the 1930s by his father, Norman Thomas Jesser, along with many Lebanese Maronite Catholic immigrants who came to Akron at the turn of the century. Like so many immigrants to the U.S. at that time, they came, found work, and focused on a way to bring their faith with them from their land of origin. As an adult, among other service and career awards honoring his dedication, Tom was awarded the Massabki Award from Our Lady of the Cedars and the Father Mahar Alumni Award from St. Vincent–St. Mary High School.
Tom's most cherished role in life was that of "family man." His wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were all recipients of his dedication-generously sharing his wisdom, faith, and constant support in their lives. Tom's devotion to his wife and love since the 4th grade, Yvonne (née Berbari of Massillon, Ohio), was well known. Their love for each other-handholding, support, and life-long bond-is an inspiration to all who knew them.
Tom's kindness, sense of humor, and passion for life will always be remembered.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Norman and Edna Jesser; his in-laws, Nicolas and Mary Berbari (née Frem); his eldest son, Norman Jesser; and many loving relatives.
Tom is survived by his wife of 68 years, Yvonne; sister, Doris Khoury; daughter-in-law, Lisa Jesser (Murdocco); sons, Tom Jesser Jr. and John (Erin) Jesser; daughters, Elizabeth (Tom) Shaffer and Jennifer Jesser Ringer; 17 grandchildren and their loving spouses; 12 great-grandchildren (and counting); and many nieces and nephews.
The Jesser family would like to thank the wonderful staff at Greenview Assisted Living, Buckeye Hospice and Personal Caregiver, and dear friend and caregiver Nora Burks for their dedication to Tom's care and quality of life.
Friends may call from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 18th, at Ciriello and Carr Funeral Home, 39 S. Miller Road in Fairlawn, Ohio.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 19th, at Our Lady of the Cedars Maronite Catholic Church, 507 S. Cleveland-Massillon Road, Fairlawn, OH 44333.
Private family interment will occur later at Moore's Chapel Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Our Lady of the Cedars Maronite Catholic Church 507 S. Cleveland-Massillon Road Fairlawn, OH 44333 and/or The Wounded Warrior Project www.support.woundedwarriorproject.org
To send flowers
to the family or plant a tree
in memory of Thomas Norman Jesser, please visit our floral store.