Dennis "Denny" Herbert Bridinger

Dennis Herbert "Denny" Bridinger, 79, of Naples, Fla: died Friday, Oct. 20, 2015,in Fla.  He was born to Chalmor and Madeline (Werling) Bridinger, May 24, 1936, in Tiffin, Ohio. Denny was formerly married to Carol (Sutton) Bridinger.

He is survived by his sons, John (Ania) and Dan Bridinger both of Venice Fla. area.   He is further survived by his sister, Martha (Muxie) Hartman of Columbus, Ohio and three brothers, Michael, Thomas and Richard (Roberta) Bridinger all of Tiffin.

Denny attended St. Joseph Elementary school and was a 1954 Calvert High School graduate.  Denny "Moose" was noted for his football prowess.  He attended the University of Detroit on a Full Football Scholarship! Unfortunately, he broke his arm early on-upon recovery he transferred to Heidelberg College and played for the Legendary Coach Paul "The Fox" Hoernemann.

While in college he helped "Dig Graves" for his dad at Greenlawn Cemetery.  He also worked for Dick Routh at Routh Packing Company on the Sandusky River.  It was at this meat packing plant that Denny further developed his already "Muscular Physique!"  He spent time during the summer working on a freighter on Lake Erie! (Yes-He even was Santa Claus)

Upon graduation in 1960, Denny received a telephone call from Art Modell, owner of the Cleveland Browns.  He remained through training camp with the likes of legends, Paul Brown, Jim Brown, and Lou Groza.  Denny was offered a contract for $7,500.  However, he decided the "Tuff Life of the Pro Life" was not for him.

Thus he became a Biology and Spanish teacher at local Thompson and Republic schools.  In the middle 60's he ventured to Marion Pleasant as a coach and teacher.

Next, late 60's, he coached swimming and taught at Colonel Crawford.  In the late 70's he took a break from education and became the director of Lake Hope in southeast Ohio as he loved the outdoors-especially birds.

Lake Hope was a short stint as education called again. Denny pursued his second Master's degree, this time in Education Administration.  He took a job at Frontier Local on the Ohio River.  This job was near West Virginia! He obtained a Master's degree from West Virginia University (Mountaineers).

His last educational stop was New Albany High School near Columbus, Ohio.  He remained in Columbus and continued to substitute teach and tutor!

His last years, he lived in Venice Fla. near his sons, John and Dad.  He was proud of his sons, and loved them very much.

Denny LOVED birds-He was a real pro!  He knew them all and their calls.  He loved teaching! His students were his second family! Denny also loved and respected his many former priests and nuns, from whom he developed faith base.  He devoured hamburgers, peanut butter, and his mom's dressing.  He truly loved his dad, mom, and Grandpa Landy!

RIP Denny, your family loves you!  Touchdown Victory!

Memorial Mass will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 21, 2015, at St. Joseph Catholic Church with Rev. Joseph Szybka officiating.  Friends and family may call one hour prior at the church.

Memorials may be made to Calvert Catholic Schools in care of Traunero Funeral Home and Crematory, 214 S. Monroe St. Tiffin, Ohio 44883 (419) 447-3113.