Timothy John Lassan

Timothy John Lassan, 73, peacefully passed away on Monday, August 31, 2026 following a lengthy battle with renal disease. Tim is survived by his devoted wife of 43 years, Diane; beloved cats Helga, Jenny and Penny; sister-in-law Linda Silver of Warren: nephew Mike (Michelle) Silver of Youngstown; cousins, Rebecca (Mike) Roob, Daniel (Carol) Hull and Judy (Bob) Mantarro, all of Cleveland; plus numerous cousins-in-law and second and third cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Dorothy Lassan; in-laws, Nickolas and Betty Konos; aunt Julia Kundrat and his uncle David (Jean) Hull.

Born in Lakewood, OH on March 11, 1953, Tim grew up in Parma Heights, graduating from Valley Forge High School in 1970. After graduating early, he worked at Republic Steel in Cleveland, going on to earn his MA in Industrial Design from Kent State University. His career as a tire designer began at the BF Goodrich Company in Akron, followed by working as a sales agent for Relco Locomotives. Returning to the corporate world, he finished his career at the Firestone Tire Company, now Bridgestone/Firestone. While there, Tim was awarded numerous patents for his tire designs.

Tim had a lifelong love affair with trains. When trains were mentioned in conversation, his face would light up, and he usually had a few stories to share. He was a founding member of the Northern Ohio Railway Museum (NORM), in Medina County, to which he belonged since he was a teenager. At one time, he served on the board as an officer. During the museum’s formative years, he worked at the museum almost every Saturday. As his illness progressed, he was less able to do so, though he remained a member up until his death. In addition, Tim held membership in numerous local rail groups; the Akron Railroad Club, the Akron, Canton & Youngstown (ACY) Railroad Historical Society, the Northeastern Ohio Railroad Historical Society and the Western Reserve O-Scale Club, plus many other groups around the country. Tim was also a fan of aviation and earned his pilot’s license in 1970.

In addition, he enjoyed photography, local history and travel. Tim had an irreverent sense of humor and loved to laugh. He would often gently tease someone, with a look of mischief in his eyes. Kindness and generosity were second nature to him, and he happily aided anyone in need of help. Locals may remember he was an avid member of the Kent Historical Society for many years, helping with the restoration of the Kent Railway Station (first home of the Society). Tim served as the Franklin Township representative to the Portage Area Regional Transit Authority (PARTA) for several years and volunteered at the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad.

The family is deeply appreciative of the loving care Tim received from the staff at Tamarack Ridge Health and Rehabilitation and Summa Hospice. Special thanks to Jody, Shannon, Jon, Tanya and Kim.

Memorial services will be held on Friday, September 25, 2026 at 1:00PM at Bissler & Sons Funeral Home and Crematory, 628 W. Main St. Kent, OH 44240. Inurnment will follow at Standing Rock Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made, in his name, to the Northern Ohio Railway Museum, PO Box 458, Chippewa Lake, OH 44215-0458.

Services in the care of Bissler & Sons Funeral Home and Crematory.