May 2024 Volume 6

INDUSTRY NEWS

Remembering Jerry Bressanelli Former President, Canton Drop Forge

Jerome (Jerry) Patrick Bressanelli, 87, passed away Sunday, March 3, 2024, in his North Canton home. Born March 17, 1936, in Upper St. Clair, Pennsylvania, Jerome, known affectionately as Jerry, was the son of John and Ada (D’Longa)

He is survived by his loving wife, Donette Bressanelli; daughters, Therese Swango, Tracy Raczak (Ron), and Tamara Bressanelli; grandchildren, Mylauna Swango, Jessica Vrba (Justin), Jennifer Raczak (fiancée Brad), and Jeromy Raczak (Abby); brother, Eugene

Bressanelli (Janet); and is preceded in death by his parents and four siblings, John Bres sanelli Jr., Madeline O’Brien, James Bres sanelli, and Betty Migliorini. “Jerry was a kind leader who transformed CDF into a leading aerospace forging company. He was respected and admired by employees, customers, and vendors alike. He had both a business and technical background that helped Canton Drop Forge succeed, but most importantly he cared about CDF’s employees and the future of CDF. A former president of the FIA, he helped the FIA find direction during a difficult period,” said Brad Ahbe, President, Canton Drop Forge. “He was known to hold court with FIA members and attendees at the many FIA Annual Meet ings he attended. Jerry was a fun gentleman who always had other people in mind.”

Bressanelli. He excelled in academics and sports, earning the distinction of two-time All-American in Soccer (1955 and 1956) while attending the University of Pittsburgh (Pitt). In May 1958, he was honored with the Athletic Committee Award for excel lence in scholarship, athletic achievement, and sportsmanship. Jerome graduated summa cum laude in 1958 with a Bachelor of Science in Metallurgical Engineering, and his name adorns the Varsity Walk at the Cathedral of Learning on the Pitt campus. After graduation, Jerry spent 25 years at Colt Industries in various technical and mana gerial roles, culminating in his tenure as Vice President of Colt’s Crucible Stainless and Alloy division, overseeing quality and technical service. In 1984, he transitioned to Canton Drop Forge as Vice President of Technical, later assuming the role of Vice President of Manufacturing. By 1990, he

The Forging Industry Association staff and members send our condolences to all that knew Jerry personally and professionally. The loss of this great industry leader will be felt, and his presence will be missed.

ascended to the presidency of Canton Drop Forge. Over his career, he secured eight patents and authored numerous technical papers. Jerry married Donette Marinelli on June 24, 1961, at St. Therese of the Little Flower Catholic Church in Uniontown, Pennsylvania, a union that spanned 62 years until his passing. He was a respected member of the Beadling Soccer Club, honored with induction into the Beadling Soccer Hall of Fame. His life centered on faith, family, and his professional pursuits.

FIA MAGAZINE | MAY 2024 79