Obituary of Anthony G. Jessie

Anthony Guy Jessie, 92, died peacefully in the early morning hours of Thursday, August 9, 2018. Anthony – known to friends and family as “Tony” – was born on January 2, 1926, in Cincinnati, Ohio, and then spent much of his childhood in Akron. He signed up for military service in the midst of the Second World War, and served in the South Pacific with the 2nd Marine Division from 1943 to 1946.

Upon returning from the war, he convinced Akron University to admit him as a student, in spite of not having a high school degree, and graduated in 1953 with a degree in Industrial Management. He had a 45-year career at Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company in Akron, where he continuously demonstrated his tireless work ethic.

An intensely private and quiet person, Tony nonetheless had a mischievous sense of humor, which you could easily miss if you weren’t listening closely. He was also an animal lover, and adopted both dogs and cats from shelters throughout the latter part of his life.

He was fiercely loyal to, and protective of, his family and those he cared for. All who knew him will miss this loving, complicated, intelligent, kind, and conscientious man, who lived with tremendous integrity.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 65 years, Elise; two brothers, Chester and Pete; and sister Carmie Cowie. He is survived by two sons, David (Rosaelena Villaseñor) Jessie and Mark (Jackie) Jessie; daughter-in-law Karen Jessie; grandchildren Heather (Garth Proctor) Gessino, Darin (Lex Hubany) Gessino, Sarah (Don Stafford) Jessie, Hannah (Nate) Freet, and Stephen (Melissa Harbin) Jessie; great-grandson Michael; step-grandchild Jessica (Chris) Schneider; step-great-grandchildren Elliotte, Macy, and Micah; and numerous loving nephews, nieces, and cousins.

There will be a private interment at Chestnut Hill Memorial Park in Cuyahoga Falls at 11 AM on Friday, August 31. Those wishing to make a memorial gift may donate to the Friendship Animal Protective League of Lorain County, 8303 Murray Ridge Road, Elyria, OH, 44035-4746.