In Memoriam -- Bruce Birrell
Atty. Bruce Birrell passed away Nov. 27, 2012.
He was the son of the late Honorable George Henry and Mary Ann Rook
Birrell. He was born on April 17, 1927, in Warren.
Mr. Birrell graduated from Warren G. Harding High School in January of
1945. He attended Yale University from 1946 to 1950. He attended Case
Western Reserve University and graduated law school in June of 1953. He was
admitted to the Bar in August of 1953.
Mr. Birrell started his own law practice in 1956 and practiced law up until his
death. He served in the U.S. Navy in 1945 and was stationed in San Francisco.
Mr. Birrell married Joan Laiblin on Nov. 24, 1956. She preceded him in death
in August of 1994.
He is survived by two daughters, Barbara (Kirt) Hyde of Chardon and Lisa
(Tom) Turner of Chagrin Falls. Bruce also had two grandchildren, Cameron
Bruce Turner and Virginia Birrell Turner; three step grandchildren, Gavin,
Brynne and Mitchell Turner; and many four legged canine critters, whom he
adored.
Bruce was preceded in death by two brothers, George and William, and his
second wife, Gretchen Roemer Birrell.
Mr. Birrell was elected City Solicitor of Warren in January of 1958 and served
three two year terms. He was named Jaycees Young Man of the Year in 1958.
He was very active in the First Presbyterian Church, where he was Clerk of the
Session, and on the Board of Deacons and Trustees.
Mr. Birrell was a member of the American Legion and served as Chairman of
the Boys State Committee. Bruce also served on the Board of the American
Cancer Society, was a member of the Young Republicans, and served two
terms on the Board of the VNA. He was Treasurer of the Upton Association,
Treasurer of the Trumbull County Historical Society, and was a member of the
Kinsman Historical Society, and the Knight Templars. He was also a member
of the Trumbull Country Club and The Buckeye Club.
The family will receive friends at the First Presbyterian Church, 256 Mahoning
Ave., N.W., Warren, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 1, 2012.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that contributions be made to the
American Legion, Post 278, Boys State Program, 2237 N. Park Ave., Warren,
OH 44483 or to the memorial fund of the First Presbyterian Church, 256
Mahoning Ave., N.W., Warren, OH 44483.
A celebration of Bruce’s life will be held at a later date.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Carl W. Hall Funeral Home.