Bruce A. Laughner, 84, of Warren, PA., died peacefully, Wednesday evening, March 2, 2022, at his home. He was born January 23, 1938, in Ridgway, PA., to the late Floyd and Beatrice Marie Olson Laughner. Bruce was a 1955 graduate of Ridgway High School. He was Lutheran by faith. He started his career in the Automobile Business at Hauck Motors in Ridgway in 1967. In the early 1970s he established Laughner’s Automart on Bootjack Hill in Ridgway. He was co-owner of Laughner & Reed Chevrolet/Cadillac in Ridgway in the late 1970’s and early 80’s. In 1984, Bruce located in Warren, PA., where he was employed as Sales Manager at Ed Shults of Warren. He later joined the Sales Team at Midtown Motors. Bruce became employed at Jones Chevrolet, Inc., in September 1992. He retired from the Sales Department in January 2003 and continued working for the Jones Family in the Parts Department until his full retirement in December 2017. Throughout the years in the Automotive Business, Bruce made many dear friends, including his coworkers and customers. Those who were fortunate enough to have known Bruce, knew him as a kind, gentle man who loved cars and the car business. He will be missed by many. He was a member of the Ridgway Elks Lodge and Warren Moose Lodge 109. Bruce had served with the U.S. Army Reserve.
He is survived by his wife of 33 years, Cheryl S. Stone Laughner whom he married October 21, 1988, in Warren, PA., 3 Children – Justine Gaspari and husband, Kenneth of Georgetown, S.C., Bruce G. Laughner, and Shawn Laughner and wife, Julie all of Ridgway, PA., 1 Sister – Patricia Wagoner and husband, James of Owensboro, KY, 4 Grandchildren, Dr. Brooke Gaspari and husband, Joe Kline, of Bluffton, S.C., Kelsey Gaspari, of Myrtle Beach, S.C., Cody Laughner and wife, Elle, Jordan Laughner, 1 Great Grandson, Legacy Laughner all of Ridgway, PA.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by 2 Sisters – Marilyn Silvers, Beatrice Dworkin, 1 Brother – James Laughner, a step grandson – Christopher Riley.
Friends may call at the Donald E. Lewis Funeral Home, Inc., 304 East Street, Warren, PA., on Sunday, March 6, 2022, from 1 to 3 P.M. A Memorial Service will follow at 3:00 P.M. with Rev. Jeffrey Ewing, Pastor of First Lutheran Church, officiating. Those wishing to place memorials may do so through Alzheimer’s Association. E-mail condolences may be sent by visiting www.lewisfuneralhomeinc.com
So very sorry to hear of the passing of Bruce. I have many good memories of time spent with him at Ed Shultz and Midtown Motors. My thoughts are with Cheryl and the family.
My heart is heavy at the thought of a world without Bruce’s smiling face. I enjoyed our summer talks on my porch. He will be missed.
Bruce, Cheryl and I all worked at Jones Chevrolet for 25 years plus! He was smart, hard working and funny! Very knowledgeable about automobiles! I’m glad I had a chance to catch up on things with him 2 weeks ago! RIP Bruce! Suky and Jerry
My sincere condolences, Cheryl. I remember hearing about all the fun times you guys had with my parents. Bruce will surely be missed.