Terry Lee Brugger, 74, of Strasburg, Ohio passed away on Thursday, March 20, 2025 at Aultman Hospital in Canton, Ohio surrounded by his loving family following a period of declining health.
Born in Dover, Ohio on April 22, 1950, he is the son of the late Zane and Marlene (Hanni) Brugger, whom he respected and loved deeply all the days of his life. He married the former Vicki Frutig, and she survives.
Terry is a 1968 graduate of Garaway High School in Sugarcreek, Ohio. There his achievements included four years of chorus including All County Chorus and County Solo and Ensemble. He was a dedicated member of the Gazette Staff, Boys’ State, and Franklin Society. In addition, he played basketball and football for the Garaway Pirates.
Terry’s formal education began at The Ohio State University where he studied engineering. He would later graduate from Otterbein University with a degree in Business with the class of 1982.
Professionally, Terry had been employed at Union Camp, PPG, and Ideal Industries. He was retired from Zimmer Surgical, and also the Tuscarawas County Metropolitan Housing Authority in 2024. Terry handled all of his duties with precision and care. He was hardworking and dedicated. Terry was a member and attended the Wooster Highway Church of God in Dover, Ohio. Terry was also a member of the Petersburg, Illinois Clown Band where he played bass drum and traveled the state of Illinois with the band performing in numerous parades throughout the Summer season.
Terry will be remembered for always making time for his family. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. His passions included spending time on his boat at Atwood Lake. He was also an avid sports fan supporting the Cleveland Indians and The Ohio State Buckeyes.
In addition to his wife Vicki, he is survived by six children Joel Brugger of Navarre, Tiffany Neidenthal of Canton, Tara (Chris) Barr of New Philadelphia, Jonathan (Kathryn) Brugger of Dover, Angela (Jason McWilliams) Shetler of Newcomerstown, and Branden (Samantha) Barney of Dundee; grandchildren Brittany Duke, Brandon Neidenthal, Brooke Withers, Nicholas Barr, Bethany Barr, Nathaniel Barr, Jacob Abrigg, Lucille Brugger, Deegan Barney, Eliza Brugger, Hudson Barney, and Lincoln Brugger; ten great grandchildren; and siblings Donald (Sheryl) Brugger, Justine (Gary) Stefanko, and Bruce (Cassie) Brugger.
He is preceded in death by his parents.
Services for Terry will be held at 11:00 am on Tuesday, March 25, 2025 at the Smith-Varns Funeral Home in Sugarcreek with Pastor Seth Harding officiating. Burial will follow at Dundee Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home on Monday, March 24, 2025 from 5 to 8 pm and one hour prior to the service on Tuesday.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Wooster Highway Church of God in Dover, Ohio.
Smith-Varns Funeral Home
330-852-2141
www.smithfuneralhomesugarcreek.com
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