Bruce Henry Giersz

Bruce was born in Cleveland to the late Henry P. and Phyllis (Jelinek) Giersz. He was preceded in death by his brother, Dale Giersz, and by two very special companions, his beloved dog Oscar and cat Penelope.

Bruce leaves behind his loving wife, Mary (Schroeder) Giersz; daughter Jennifer (Bill Smith) Giersz; sons Todd (Christine Burnat) Giersz and Zachary Giersz; daughter Madelyn (Matthew Zaremba) Giersz; grandson Alex Fisher; brother Wayne Giersz; sister-in-law Barbara Giersz; brother-in-law Michael Schroeder; several nieces and nephews; and, of course, his beloved fur babies.

Bruce lived a life that was full of family, laughter, sunshine, good food, animals, music, movies, and more than a little bit of stubbornness.

He proudly served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam era. For most of his working life, Bruce was a buyer of toys and party supplies—a fitting career for someone who never completely lost his playful side. In retirement, he devoted many years to the St. Matthew’s school kitchen, where he generously gave his time and talents. He also announced lacrosse games at St. Francis DeSales for his children, creating memories that his family will treasure forever.

Bruce loved to cook and was, according to his family, the best cook. He made incredible desserts, including his legendary Buckeye Bars. He had one very important culinary rule: NO SPICE. None. Absolutely not. Bruce also had a deep and unwavering devotion to Coca-Cola. He drank nothing else—and if necessary, Coca-Cola had to be shipped all the way to Hong Kong so he wouldn’t be without it.

He loved poker, photography, movies, music, and spending time outdoors. Give Bruce a sunny day, a place to lie outside, and a pool, and he was a happy man. Sunshine was his friend, and he was always ready to soak up as much of it as possible.

Bruce was also a lifelong jokester. He loved making people laugh and rarely took life—or himself—too seriously. He was famously stubborn and was known for doing exactly what he wanted to do, exactly when he wanted to do it. Those who knew him best wouldn't have wanted him any other way.

Bruce was involved with Krazy Kops, an organization that supported Shriners Children’s hospitals, reflecting his generous heart and desire to help others.

And then there were the animals. Bruce really, really loved pets. Dogs and cats seemed to know immediately that Bruce was their person. They were naturally drawn to him, and he to them. His fur babies were an important part of his life, and his family knows that somewhere, Oscar and Penelope are waiting to welcome him home.

Bruce leaves behind a lifetime of stories, laughter, photographs, recipes, jokes, memories, and the unmistakable sound of a Coca-Cola being opened. He will be deeply missed by the people who loved him—and by every dog and cat lucky enough to cross his path.

The family will receive friends from 4:00 – 8:00pm on Friday, August 14, 2026 at Schoedinger Worthington. Mass of Christian burial and military honors will be held Saturday August 15th at 12:00pm at Church of the Resurrection in New Albany.

In Bruce’s memory, the family suggests donations to Honor Flight Columbus, CHA Animal Shelter, or, in a way Bruce would surely appreciate, the gift of blood to the American Red Cross.

Bruce was one of a kind. Stubborn, funny, generous, loving, sun-loving, animal-loving, dessert-making, Coke-drinking, joke-cracking—and deeply loved.

He lived life his way, and he left a little more laughter behind wherever he went