Bruce A. York

BAZETTA - Rev. Bruce A. York, 64, founding pastor of House of Prayer and Praise Ministries in Warren, Ohio, passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 23, 2014. Pastor York was born March 9, 1950 to Peter and Iva York and grew up in Bazetta.

Bruce graduated from Lakeview High School in 1968 and later became a journeyman electrician while working for Republic Steel. Bruce and his wife, the former Susan Myers, were married in 1972 and moved to Anaheim, California, in 1974. There, Bruce graduated from Melodyland School of Theology. While living in California, Bruce and Susan served at several ministries and grew their family with the births of their two children.

Bruce and his family returned to Bazetta in 1984 to found House of Prayer and Praise Ministries. Since returning to his hometown, Bruce lived his passion to serve his congregation and community and to preach the good news of Jesus Christ. He worked tirelessly to lead his congregation and meet their spiritual and practical needs while also supporting local police and firefighters, senior centers, homeless missions and families in need. He developed a variety of ministries within his small church to extend the hand of Christ to the community in tangible ways, through food, clothing and the meeting of other basic needs. Bruce also dedicated countless hours to colleagues, offering advice and support to the pastors of other ministries across the country and world. He spoke encouragement and guidance to these leaders, touching not only their lives but those of their congregants and the people with whom they came in contact.

Through these efforts, Bruce helped thousands of people in Trumbull County, Northeast Ohio, and far beyond. He took no greater pleasure than in caring for others and demonstrating the love of Christ to all he met. He spread joy, laughter, warmth and compassion daily. To know Bruce was to feel loved and supported.

He is survived by his wife, Susan; children, Laura and Jeremy; and brothers, Philip of Las Vegas, Nevada, David of Bazetta, and Peter of Nashville, Tennessee.

Along with his much-loved parents, Bruce was preceded in death by his older brother, Dennis.

Private funeral services have already been held, so the family wishes that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Pastor York's church: House of Prayer & Praise Ministries, 384 Johnson Plank Rd., Warren, OH 44481.

Arrangements were entrusted to McFarland and Son Funeral and Cremation Services Co, 271 North Park Avenue, Warren, OH 44481, 330-393-9621. Please visit www.McFarlandCares.com to view this obituary and send condolences.