Michael A. Bridinger

Michael A. Bridinger, 72, of Tiffin, died at 6:44 a.m.  Friday, October 30, 2020 in St. Catherine’s Care Center, Fostoria.  He was born to Chalmer and Madeline (Werling) Bridinger, October 25, 1948, in Tiffin, Ohio.

He is survived by the love of his life and Fiancee, Ann Forrest of Tiffin, her son, Mario (Marta) Martin; two special granddaughters, Sara and Sonia; two brothers, Tom Bridinger, and Rick (Bobbi) Bridinger both of Tiffin; along with multiple nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, a brother Dennis, and a sister, Martha (Muxie) Bridinger.

Mike attended St. Joseph Catholic Elementary school, was a 1966 Calvert High School graduate, and was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church. He worked at Routh Packing, Big N, Advertiser-Tribune, and Hayes Albion. He graduated in 1970 from the University of Toledo and taught at St. Mary Catholic Elementary.  In 1973 he was the Superintendent of Greenlawn Cemetery along with his mother, Madeline. After 1973, he became owner of Bridinger Monuments, and he sold advertising for Continental Cablevision and retired as the Senior Advertising Account Representative at Time Warner Cable.  He helped to establish the Calvert Foundation during the 1970s and was involved with its growth.  Mike ran “Big Mike” sandwich stand and he called BINGO at the St. Joseph Festival.  Mike helped Buzz Kirkhart establish the first Tiffin University Football Team after successful Calvert State Championships in 1980 and 1981.  An avid politician, he served as a Seneca County Commissioner, a member of the Board of Elections and a member of the Ohio Association of Election Officials.  He was a former Calvert High School Foundation board member, past President of the Calvert High School Board, board member of the Tiffin Municipal Athletic Field 1998 Campaign and former Seneca County Republican Party Central Committee member.

Mike loved antiquing and searching for old Ohio history books and local memorabilia.  He also enjoyed traveling, especially to the Florida Keys each December.  He absolutely loved his hometown and surrounding county.  Wherever he traveled, he never met a stranger and always asked where people were from.  When he in turn was asked, he always proudly responded "From the fine City of Tiffin, Ohio!"

A masked walk through visitation for family and friends will be 3-5 & 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, November 3, 2020, at Traunero Funeral Home and Crematory, 214 S. Monroe St., Tiffin, Ohio  44883 (419) 447-3113.  Visitors are asked to wear masks and social distance as they walk through, pay respects, and exit without lingering.

Prayers will be said at 10 a.m. Wednesday, November 4, 2020, at the funeral home, followed by the funeral Mass at 10: 30 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, officiated by Rev. Joseph Szybka. The rosary will be recited 30 minutes prior to the Mass at the church.  Burial will follow in Greenlawn Cemetery.

Please consider contributing to F.A.C.T., St. Joseph Catholic Church, Calvert Catholic Schools, or a charity of the donor’s choice.

For out-of-town flower orders, to offer condolences to the family, or to view the Celebration of Life video, go to: www.traunerofuneralhome.com