Bruce M. Kestner

Bruce M. Kestner, of Shadyside, formerly of Portersville, PA, passed away on January 7, 2026, after a year-long battle with cancer. He was the son of the late Garnette and Elmer Kestner. He was preceded in death by his brother, Wayne. He is remembered as a dearly beloved friend by many, and as a chosen family member of the Spitz Cohan family.

After growing up in Warrendale, PA, Bruce studied geology at Case Western University in Cleveland, OH. Following college, he went into business with his father, Elmer. With their incredible woodworking talent and dedicated work ethic, Bruce and Elmer created Kestner Wood Products. The business became a regional leader in its sector, and was widely respected as a trusted source of high-quality wood flooring, doors and trim.

Bruce lived for many years in Portersville, but fell in love with a house in Shadyside, one that eventually became his passion project. He loved spending his free time restoring and renovating it. Bruce was most proud of his handcrafted new kitchen with wood floors, paneling and countertops.

Being in the city also led him to meeting his dear friend of 30 years, Kathryn Spitz Cohan, whom he met volunteering for a theater production. He became a member of the family, going to films and theater with Kathryn and taking long hikes and talking about literature with her husband, Jeffrey. Though Bruce never had children of his own, he was a doting godfather to their daughter Killian. He was like another parent to her, having been one of the first people to hold her after she was born.

Bruce was a Renaissance Man. He loved literature and was incredibly well-read, especially in the classics. He particularly loved Dickens, although he also enjoyed contemporary writers such as George Saunders and Amor Towles. This wasn’t just a passive pursuit. He was an aspiring writer, and drafted several short stories in recent years, which he hoped to see published someday.

Baseball was another passion. If the Erie SeaWolves were playing at home on a Sunday, you would usually see Bruce and Elmer in the ballpark. It was a father-son activity that Bruce treasured.

His heart was in both the countryside and the city. He enjoyed living in Pittsburgh and walking to the local cafe for a quick breakfast at 6am. He also enjoyed hiking the beautiful Pennsylvania hills, identifying different trees for his frequent companions, Jeffrey and Maizie, the border collie.

Bruce enjoyed traveling and took birthday trips to locales such as New Orleans, LA, Savannah, GA, Charleston, SC, and San Juan, PR. He loved good food, liquor and new experiences. He also cherished his roots. The pandemic gave Bruce the opportunity to reconnect with his high school friends, the “Men of Harlech,” playing Hearts online together every Tuesday.

What really distinguished Bruce, though, was his gentle and selfless nature. When his father’s health deteriorated, Bruce put everything aside to care for him 24/7. He was kind and helpful toeveryone he met. Bruce was always willing to go the extra mile for others. He was the epitome of a good man. We miss him deeply and feel a grief that defies words. Our memories of Bruce will keep him alive in our hearts and thoughts always.