In loving memory of Bruce Elliot Ison, who dedicated his life to his family, died Oct. 6, 2026.
Bruce was born in Cleveland on June 8, 1942. He graduated from Cleveland Heights High School, Miami University and earned his master’s from University of Akron.
Bruce began his career in the steel industry more than 50 years ago, learning every aspect of the business before building a company around a simple belief; a business should be a family. He had a true entrepreneurial spirit, yet he never lost sight of the people who mattered most: his family, friends and employees.
The latter part of the last seven years of his life was marked by his challenges with Inclusion Body Myositis, but despite his mobility struggles he never stopped fighting.
Bruce is survived by his beloved wife of fifty-nine years, Audee (nee Stiel). The two of them met outside of Corky and Lenny’s. He asked her out for the night of her sister’s wedding. When she told him about the conflict he said, “Can’t you get out of it?” That’s all it took. Years of laughter and beautiful memories both in Cleveland and Sarasota.
Together they had treasured daughters, Lindsay, Whitney (Aaron Weisenberg), and their precious grandchildren Tate, Wyatt, Skyler and Willow.
He will be remembered for singing in the car, playing catch, repeating movie lines at the perfect moment, guessing the murderer of every mystery, his witty sense of humor, for games of “gotcha last,” and for always making everyone in his life feel special.
He was pre-deceased by his parents Carolyn (nee Nyberg) and Jack Ison, his mother and father-in-law Miriam (nee Meltzer) and Wilbur Stiel and brother-in-law Lee Weisberg. Bruce is also survived by his brother Richard (Laurie Barron), Arnold (Carol), his sisters in law, Marla Weisberg, Holly Stiel (Bill Apton) and many cherished nieces and nephews.
Special thanks to Bruce’s caregivers, Chef and Tez. The kindness, support and love they showed our family will be carried in our hearts forever.
Services will be held at 11 a.m. on Oct. 9 at Berkowitz-Kumin-Bookatz Memorial Chapel 1985 S. Taylor Road in Cleveland Heights.
To view the service, please go to bkbmc.com and select Bruce Ison obituary, scroll down to the Services Section and click on “Join Livestream."
Shiva will be observed following interment at the home of Whitney and Aaron Weisenberg, 7 Laurel Hill Lane in Pepper Pike, Oct. 9 until 5 p.m. and on Oct. 11 from 1 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m.
Contributions in Bruce’s memory may be made to whatever charity is meaningful to you.
May his memory be a blessing and may the kindness he gave so freely continue through all those who were fortunate to know him.