Alfred Bertram Glossbrenner

Alfred B. Glossbrenner age 84, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2009.

Al Glossbrenner was born in Indianapolis, grew up in Youngstown, and spent most of his adult life in Canton.

After six months at Williams College, he volunteered for the Army Air Corps, where he 'flew the Hump' of the Himalayas as part of the Flying Tigers of the 14th Air Force. Al was the navigator on a B-24 Liberator heavy bomber. Following World War II, he resumed his education, graduating with a degree in engineering from Lehigh University.

He spent his entire 38-year career at the Timken Company, retiring in 1987 as Vice President--Steel Operations. (He also spent several years as Vice President of the Timken-owned Latrobe Specialty Steel Company. A longtime member of the Association of Iron and Steel Engineers, like his father before him, he served as that organization's national president (1981). From the beginning,

Al was very active in the community, often in leadership roles. He provided financial support to many organizations. But equally important he gave of his time and energy. Those organizations included Junior Achievement and the Chamber of Commerce, the United Way, the Stark Mental Health Foundation, the Plain Local Schools Foundation, and the Red Cross of Central Stark County.

A particular favorite was Christ Presbyterian Church in downtown Canton where, among many other things, he taught Sunday School, worked in the church's food ministry, and served in every layman's position (deacon, trustee, and elder), sometimes for more than a single term.

Al and Caroline, his wife of 61 years, built a home in Hills and Dales that they designed with their love of hospitality and entertaining friends and family firmly in mind. 

Al was a past President of the Hills and Dales Homeowner's Association, a position he referred to as serving as 'squire.'

He was a member of the Retired Executives and Professionals Club. He also belonged to Brookside Country Club, but he was never interested in golf. Al's lifelong recreation--'my therapy' he called it--was building things. Whether it was a project for Aultman Hospital's Angel Auction or major additions to the four houses he and Caroline lived in over the years, Al Glossbrenner was never happier than when planning or working on a new construction project.

Al is survived by his wife, Caroline; son Alfred and daughter- in-law, Emily of Yardley, Pa.; son, David; four grandchildren Hilary, Emily, Mark, and Claire of Bakersfield, Calif.; and his brother, David W. Glossbrenner of Woodstock, Ill.

A memorial celebration will be held at Christ Presbyterian Church on Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2009, at noon, with Rev. Wendy L. Bausman conducting the service and Music Director Dr. David J. Kienzle playing the magnificent organ that, with many others, Al and Caroline contributed to building.

In lieu of flowers, please send contributions to the Nancy Russell Glossbrenner Memorial Fund at Christ Presbyterian Church. 

The Spiker-Foster-Shriver Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. You may sign our online guest book at: www. shriverfuneral homes.c om -