Harold Traunero

Harold Traunero, 82, passed away Sunday, June 16, 2024, leaving behind a legacy marked by adventure, friendship, and remarkable memories. 

He was born April 26, 1942, in Tiffin, the son of Charles, a skilled machinist, and Laurel, a dedicated homemaker, and grew up alongside his siblings, Joe and Kathleen. 

At Old Fort High School, he was a standout athlete, lettering in baseball, basketball, and track. He held the Seneca County title in the 440-yard dash in 1958 and 1959 and anchored the mile relay team that held the county record for nearly 30 years. As a junior, he and his Stockaders teammates played in the regional basketball finals only to lose to Elmore. He was an outstanding shortstop and played baseball for Old Fort his freshman through junior years. When his family moved to Chula Vista, California in his senior year, he attended Hilltop High School where he hit for average, had multiple home runs, and was the school baseball MVP. 

Harold found his calling as a Safeway meat cutter where he made lifelong friendships with his colleagues in the industry. He enjoyed sport and adventure and was always open to competing in a bowling league or on a softball team with his grocery friends. He was an excellent racquetball player who won several tournaments and was an avid downhill skier who enjoyed skiing Heavenly, Squaw Valley, and Mammoth Mountain. He owned fast cars, loved to fly his many airplanes, and enjoyed hanging out with his friends at the Barona and Ramona airfields in California. 

Harold raised his son as a single father and was an excellent role model who portrayed great character, honor, and respect. He shared his passion for life with his son and was a pillar of strength and support for his family and friends. He was a loving grandfather to his two grandsons and a loyal and loving caretaker for his mother, brother, and best friend, Howard, as they all became ill. Harold was a dog lover and had a penchant for Boxers, of which he owned a few. Throughout his life, he cultivated deep friendships and created unforgettable experiences and adventures. He had a zest for life and was active throughout its entirety. He snow skied, hiked National Parks, and rafted Class III whitewater rapids all well into his 70s. He was also a great golf partner and loved to play with his friends and family on a weekly basis. Harold will be dearly missed by all who knew him for his infectious laughter, generous spirit, and unwavering love for his family and friends. His legacy lives on in the countless stories of his daring escapades and the memories of the cherished moments shared together. 

He is survived by his son, Todd; daughter-in-law, Brenda; sister, Kathleen; brother-in-law, Bobby; grandsons, Jacob and Joseph; and nieces and nephew, Amy, Lindsey, and Sean. Harold's celebration of life will be 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024, at Pleasant Ridge United Methodist Church, SR 101 at CR 38, rural Tiffin.  Burial is in Pleasant Ridge (Egbert) Cemetery.

Local arrangements are by TRAUNERO FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORY, 214 S. Monroe St., Tiffin, Ohio 44883 (419)447-3113.

To send condolences or order flowers, go to www.traunerofuneralhome.com