Regis Bookshar

Regis Alan Bookshar, 75, of Lyndhurst, Ohio, passed away peacefully on May 6, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family.

Born on October 4, 1949, in Uniontown, Pennsylvania, Regis was the youngest of three boys raised by Helen and George Bookshar. He spent his formative years in Cleveland, graduating from Collinwood High School before attending The Ohio State University, where he proudly played trumpet in the OSU Marching Band — an experience that sparked a lifelong devotion to music.

A gifted musician and passionate educator, Regis dedicated 36 years to teaching music, music theory, music history, and band. His impact on students was as lasting as his compositions. Outside the classroom, he founded and led the Regis Bookshar Trumpet Ensemble, performing at weddings, funerals, graduations, and community events. He directed the music and played for countless musicals, big bands, orchestras, and other musical performances throughout his career. Arranging music was one of his proudest accomplishments, and he leaves behind thousands of pieces that reflect his creativity and dedication.

Regis met the love of his life, Susan Owen, in 1991 while conducting the music for a Guys and Dolls production at the Chagrin Valley Little Theater. They shared 33 beautiful years of marriage, raising their son Rob with unconditional love, laughter, and support. Regis was a proud and devoted grandfather to Bennett and Rainey, and cherished his relationship with his daughter-in-law, Chloe.

Regis is also survived by his brother Duane Bookshar and sister-in-law Barb, as well as their children, Jess and Jodie. He was deeply proud of Jodie’s family — her husband Jeff and their son Everett. He was preceded in death by his older brother Dan Bookshar. Regis also shared a close bond with his brother-in-law Richard “Dick” Owen and his nephews Brad and Scott Owen, with whom he shared a warm and enduring friendship.

A calm, humble, and gentle soul, Regis brought peace and positivity to everyone around him. He never complained — not even during his 14-month battle with brain cancer. His quiet strength, warm sense of humor, and unwavering optimism touched all who knew him.

Regis was a lifelong Buckeye football fan and a loyal supporter of Cleveland’s sports teams, especially the Guardians and Browns. He never missed Jeopardy! or Wheel of Fortune, and found great joy in his weekly teachers’ bowling league — especially the end-of-year parties he hosted at home. Most of all, he loved being with family, making people feel welcome, and finding happiness in everyday moments.

He is survived by his beloved wife Susan, son Rob (Chloe), grandchildren Bennett and Rainey, brother Duane (Barb), nephew Jess, niece Jodie (Jeff), great-nephew Everett, brother-in-law Richard “Dick” Owen, nephews Brad and Scott Owen, and countless former students, friends, and colleagues who carry his spirit forward in music and memory.

Calling hours will be held on Friday, May 16, 2025, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at Brown-Forward Funeral Home (17022 Chagrin Blvd, Shaker Heights, OH 44120).

A celebration of Regis’s life will take place on Saturday, May 17, 2025, at 2:00 PM at Fairmount Presbyterian Church (2757 Fairmount Blvd, Cleveland Heights, OH 44118).

The family requests that donations be made in memory of Regis Bookshar to the Chagrin Valley Little Theater (https://cvlt.org/support/) or the Fairmount Presbyterian Church Music Fund.