Obituary of Gerald B. Eighmy

Gerald B. (Jerry) Eighmy passed away on Tuesday, May 15, 2018 after a lengthy illness.

He was born 17 December 1940 in Cleveland, Ohio. He moved to Conneaut early in life and has been a lifelong resident ever since. After graduating from Conneaut High School, Jerry worked on the ore boats for US Steel to gather up the money needed to go to college. He attended Heidelberg College in Tiffin, OH getting a degree in chemistry. Shortly after graduating, Jerry started working for his father, Harry at the family machining company, the Eighmy Corporation in Conneaut. Over the years, he helped the company to grow. In 1984, he started American Turned Products in Erie, PA. American Turned Products has grown into a thriving manufacturing company, with two plants in Erie County that serve the automotive, appliance, military and hydraulics industries.

During his time in the machining industry, Jerry became very involved with the National Screw Machine Products Association, now called the Precision Machined Products Association (PMPA), a national trade association, representing over 500 companies in the United States and Canada. Jerry served on many committees, the board of directors and served as the association President. Jerry received the merit award, the associations’ highest honor for his service to the association and industry.

Jerry was committed to serving the community in a number of capacities. He was a board member and past President of the NWPA Manufacturers and business association.  He served on the board of Brown Memorial Hospital for 25 years and chaired the board when the hospital became part of the University Hospitals of Cleveland health system. He also served on the UHHS board in Cleveland. Jerry has been instrumental in the creation of the SPARC project in Conneaut, the sports complex for the Conneaut School System. In addition to being the major monetary donor for the project, he donated the land for the track and soccer field, which bears his name. The Conneaut community has lost a true leader and major benefactor.

Jerry was an avid sports fan, a lifelong supporter of the Cleveland Indians, Browns and Cavaliers. He also was a big Ohio State and Army fan. He was a long-time member of the Kahkwa Club and especially enjoyed playing golf with his grandchildren. Jerry loved his family and loved working with many employees over the years. The number of lives he has touched over the years is countless.

Jerry is survived by his wife Mary of 56 years; sons Scott (Richelle) and Harry (Susan) of Erie; grandchildren, Christina Brown (Steve), Gerald S. Eighmy, Emily Eighmy, Mary Watkins (Evan) and Ellen Eighmy; step-granddaughters, Laura Nolting, Aimee (Alex) Schossler and Emily Nolting; and his sister, Linda Eighmy Chandler. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by parents Harry and Marian (Brewster) Eighmy; and  a brother Charles Eighmy.

Friends may call at the Thompson-Smith-Nesbitt Funeral Home, 345 Main St., Conneaut, 4-7pm on Thursday, May 17 and on Friday, May 18 from 10AM until 11AM at the First Congregational United Church of Christ, 211 Buffalo St., Conneaut, where funeral services will follow at 11:00AM with Rev. Frank Walford and Pastor Tim Kraus, officiating. Burial will follow at East Conneaut Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorials in memory of Jerry may be given to the Conneaut Sparc Foundation, online donations at www.conneautsparc.com or mail Conneaut Area City Schools, Attn: Jackie Miranda, 230 Gateway Avenue, Suite B, Conneaut, OH 44030.

Online condolences and guestbook available at www.thompsonsmithnesbitt.com