Retired BJ printer Bernie Factor dies

Bernard G. Factor, Jr., 95, passed away on July 8, 2014.

Born in Zanesville, March 8, 1919, to the late Bernard Sr. and Margaret (Kunkle) Factor, his family came to Akron where he attended St. Bernard's Grade School and then St. Paul's Grade

Bernard Factor

School. He attended St. Vincent High School, Garfield High School and St. Joseph Academy in Rensselaer, Indiana before enlisting in the U.S. Army in 1942. 

He was attached to the 2nd Armored Div., 17th Engineer Battalion, Co. B and saw action in N. Africa, Sicily, Omaha Beach at Normandy, St. Lo and the Ardennes in the Battle of the Bulge, and was part of the first occupation force of Berlin.

After the war, he returned to his trade as a printer and worked for Firestone Tire and Rubber Co. in the print shop run by his father, Adcraft, Akron Typesetting/Danner Press and the Beacon Journal. He served as Steward for the International Typographical Union.

In 1947, he was married to the love of his life, Mary Agnes Plazo Factor at St. Paul's Catholic Church. 

A dedicated family man, he found time to pursue his love of sports. He played Fast Pitch Softball on a Firestone Industrial League Team and in 1996 was inducted into the Softball Hall of Fame. He was also a member of the Akron District Golf Association and bowled and played golf in the Print Craft League. 

An 88-year member of St. Paul's Parish, he sang in the men's choir and served as an usher. He was also a member of the Third Order Secular of Mt. Carmel, invested in 1954 and professed in 1955. 

He loved watching his kids, grandkids and great-grandkids play sports.

His survivors include wife of 67 years, Mary A (Plazo); children, Bernard III (Kathleen), Maureen (Dick) Cannon, Michael (Sue), Richard (Lori), Ed (Marianne), Rosemary (Don) Tarosky, Margaret Factor, William (Pam), Robert (Becky), Gerry (wife, Becky, deceased); 24 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren.

Calling hours will be on Friday morning from 10 a.m. to Noon at St. Paul's Catholic Church. Fr. Matthew Pfeiffer and Fr. Ralph Thomas will concelebrate a Mass of Christian Burial at noon. Interment will be at Holy Cross Cemetery where Firestone VFW Post 3383 will render military honors. In lieu of flowers, please make memorial donations to St. Paul's Catholic Church. 

Please go to www.dunn-quigley.com  to view Bernard's Book of Memories or to leave condolences. 

Since Bernie was at St. Paul's for 88 years he probably ran across Harry Liggett, the late founder of this BJ Alums blog, and Harry's late wife, Helen.