Bridgeman

James Patrick “Pat” “Jim” Bridgeman, 95, longtime resident of Middlesex Township, died June 19, 2023.

Pat was born in Lenox, Iowa, on Oct. 11, 1927. His mother died when he was 14 months old, leaving his maiden aunts and uncles to help raise him. He spent the school months in town with his aunts and spent the summer on the farm with his dad and uncle. Although he had a difficult early family life, Pat was a phenomenal family man. He washed dishes, babysat, did housework and changed diapers at a time when most men did not.

After serving 12 years in the U.S. Navy during World War II and the Korean War, Pat became a union carpenter who single-handedly built the family house. Later in life, he enjoyed crafting furniture and large moving wooden toys for his family. As a long time member of Holy Sepulcher Church, he attended Mass every morning he wasn’t working. In addition to volunteering as a Boy Scout leader and CCD teacher, Pat was trained in several occupations, including Navy diver, barber, helicopter pilot and draftsman. In later years, Pat’s passion was taking his service dog, Robbie, to visit nursing home patients, amassing nearly 3,000 visits over 10 years.

Always ready with a quick joke, Pat was a quiet, honorable loving man whose strong values will forever guide us.

Surviving are his children, Erin Andrews (Philip) of Strongsville, Ohio, Leslie Bridgeman (the late Edward Brooks) of Saxonburg, Amy Kretz (Bruno) of Ijamsville, Md., Barry Bridgeman and James Bridgeman (Patricia), both of Middlesex Township; 13 grandchildren; and two great-grandsons. Many of his grandchildren bear his name.

Pat was preceded in death by his wife of 46 years, Lois von Briel Bridgeman.

BRIDGEMAN — Friends of James Patrick “Pat” “Jim” Bridgeman, who died June 19, 2023, are invited to visit with the family 9 a.m. Monday at Holy Sepulcher Church, 1304 E. Cruikshank Road, Butler.

A Mass of Christian burial will be at 10 a.m. A luncheon will follow at Glade Run Church’s fellowship hall.

Memorials may be made to Holy Sepulcher School.

Arrangements are under the direction of MCDONALD-AEBERLI FUNERAL HOME, 238 Crowe Ave., Mars.

Directions and condolences are available at www.mcdonald-aeberli.com.

Please sign the guest book at www.butlereagle.com.