Terry C. Gressner, age 74 of Kettering, passed away January 9, 2023. He was born August 21, 1948 in Dayton, Ohio to the late Roy and Constance "Connie" (Western) Gressner. In addition to his parents, Terry was preceded in death by his son, Keith Gressner; his sister, Sharon Morton and infant brother, Donald Gressner.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 54 years, Joyce Gressner; daughter, Cindi (Tim) McGlone; granddaughter, Shenna (Tom) Manoussakis; brother-in-law, Jeff Jerome; niece, Angie (EJ) Markley and many other loving family members and dear friends.
Terry graduated from Fairmont East in 1967. He worked at Kings Island (Lion Country Safari) for 17 years as an animal keeper mainly working with big cats. He loved working with the big cats and would love to tell us about the many stories from when he was there. After leaving Kings Island he ran/owned three different shops Eco-operative, EFX coffee house, and a coffee shop on Webster Street which later moved to the Second Street Market.
He loved to play guitar and was even in a band in high school, where he played bass guitar. He loved motorcycles. He would work on motorcycles even converting his own to a three-wheeler. He would paint bikes for others, and he would run/attend motorcycle swap meets. His favorite though was to ride them especially taking trips on the bike with his wife Joyce.
During the holidays he would love to grill/smoke meat. We have many memories of him grilling outside and even smoking different meats like ribs and brisket. He loved to go shooting and would spend time at the range to shoot. His all-time favorite thing though was spending time with his family, and it was our favorite thing too.
He was and is still loved dearly. He will be missed but will remain with us in memory and spirit. There are two quotes on grief that ring true "to grieve deeply is to have loved fully" and "what is grief, if not love persevering." He will live on with the stories we tell, our love for him, and the reminders we have of him that will help us hold him close to our hearts.
Family will receive guests from 1-3 PM on February 11, 2023 at Newcomer Funeral Home, Kettering Chapel, 3940 Kettering Blvd., Kettering, OH 45439, for a memorial gathering.
If desired, a one time donation can be made to Tunnel to Towers Foundation, in Terry's memory.
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