Roger Bresnahan

Roger M. Bresnahan

Roger M. Bresnahan, age 84, died peacefully with his faithful and devoted wife, Margaret, by his side, on November 10, 2024. Born January 2, 1940, Roger was a Toledo native graduating from Central Catholic High School in 1958. He started his college career at the University of Dayton and finished at the University of Toledo in 1963 earning a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering.

While in college, Roger became the president of the Fraternity Chapter of Pi Kappa Phi. Devoted to his faith, Roger was the vice president of the Newman Club. Roger also worked part-time as a draftsman/ technician/ and maintenance man at Palmer Associates. Dedicated to his country, he also was part of the ROTC program through college.

In the spring of 1963, Roger married the love of his life, Margaret. He was commissioned 2nd Lieutenant in the US Army Field Artillery Corp. He attended the Air Defense Artillery Officer Training at Ft. Bliss, Texas and White Sands, New Mexico. He graduated top in his class, granting him security clearance for nuclear release.

After his training Roger was transferred to New York City Defense Headquarters (command and control of 19 Nike Missile Batteries). His assigned duty was as a Surveillance and Entry Officer. He was promoted to Strategic Air Command Liaison and then to Headquarters Training Officer for the Missile Master System. During his time, he produced training materials and scripts for exercises. Roger had received the Army Commendation Medal for outstanding Service.

Roger returned to reserve status in 1965 and joined the 983 Engineering Battalion (based at U.T.) as a Construction Officer and rejoined Palmer Associates as a project engineer. He completed ready reserve requirements in 1969 and was honorably discharged from the Army.

Roger and Margaret celebrated the birth of their son, Kevin, in 1970. Kevin, though he was born developmentally delayed and autistic, brought unimaginable joy and purpose into their lives.

At Palmer, he worked on projects for major clients; Toledo Scale Systems Division, Owens Illinois, Prestolite, Owens Corning Fiberglas, Libbey Glass Container, Libbey Owens Ford, Anchor Hocking Glass, Toledo Engineering, and many others. He was responsible for patents that were assigned to the clients. He obtained professional registration in 1971 and was promoted to Electrical Department Manager, then associate, eventually becoming a partner.

After Palmer, Roger worked independently as a consulting engineer on projects for the city of Toledo and Conforming Matrix, among others. Eventually he joined Squared D Company as a consulting technical representative and sales associate. He then joined Northwest Controls as a technical representative which became part of Crescent Electric, until he retired in 2007.

Palmer encouraged community service which brought out Roger’s servant heart. He was a member of the local chapter of the Society of Professional Engineers, President of the local chapter of IEEE, Institute of Electrical Engineers. He was twice voted Engineer of the Year, named Distinguished Alumnus of University of Toledo College of Engineering, was active in United Way Agencies, including United Health Services, the ARC, Association for Retarded Citizens, and was elected president of the Mental Health Association.

Roger was appointed to the Lucas County Board of MRDD in 1986. He served 10 proud years, the last 6 as president. He worked closely with the superintendent to phase out the MRDD schools and was instrumental in creating the first purpose-designed adult services center in Lucas County. After leaving the board, he was asked to re-establish the Board of Community Living Options, a subsidiary organization, and served as the president. He later rejoined the MRDD Board and again served the maximum allowable terms. He was assigned a position as the Adult Services Liaison which included Lott Industries for his entire term with the board. After privatizing, Lott asked Roger to continue serving as a board member.

Roger was preceded in death by his parents and his beloved son Kevin.

Roger’s legacy of service and character is survived by his wife, Margaret; his brother Michael and his children; sister, Michelle (Fahringer), and his sister-in-law, Therese Gongola.

A private family service will be held.