WARREN - Bruce Birrell, 85, passed away Tuesday, Nov. 27, 2012.
He was born April 17, 1927, in Warren, the son of the late honorable George Henry and Mary Ann Rook Birrell.
Mr. Birrell graduated from Warren G. Harding High School in January 1945. He attended Yale University from 1946 to 1950. He attended Case Western Reserve University and graduated law school in June 1953. He was admitted to the Bar in August 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.
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Mr. Birrell married Joan Laiblin on Nov. 24, 1956. She preceded him in death August 1994.
Mr. Birrell was elected city solicitor of Warren in January 1958 and served three two-year terms. He was named Jaycees Young Man of the Year in 1958. He was very active in 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.
He is survived by two daughters, Barbara (Kirt) Hyde of Chardon and Lisa (Tom) Turner of Chagrin Falls; two grandchildren, Cameron Bruce Turner and Virginia Birrell Turner; three stepgrandchildren, 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.
The family will receive friends from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at First Presbyterian Church, 256 Mahoning Ave. N.W., Warren.
A celebration of Bruce's life will be held at a later date. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Carl W. Hall Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the American Legion Post 278, Boys State Program, 2237 N. Park Ave., Warren, OH 44483, or to the memorial fund of First Presbyterian Church, 256 Mahoning Ave. N.W., Warren, OH 44483.
(special notice)