Bruce F. "Toby" Wesson 

Bruce F. "Toby" Wesson Obituary

Bruce Freeman Wesson, affectionately known as Toby to his friends and family, passed away peacefully in Summit, NJ, surrounded by his loving family. Born on July 30, 1942, in Glen Ridge, NJ, Toby was a beacon of kindness and generosity throughout his 83 years of life.

A dedicated student, Toby graduated from Montclair High School (where he met his beloved Betsy in French class) and then received a BA from Colgate University and an MBA from Columbia University. His educational pursuits and unparalleled work-ethic laid the foundation for a remarkable career in finance. Before becoming a founding Partner at Galen Partners in 1991, Toby spent 23 years at Smith Barney as a Senior Vice President and Managing Director in the Corporate Finance Division. He was revered for his leadership, and his acumen and integrity were evident as Chairman of the Valuation and Opinion Committee for Corporate Finance, where he was responsible for the firm's valuations and opinions.

Toby's professional success was paralleled by his commitment to service. He held esteemed positions on the Board of Directors of Witco, Taro Pharmaceuticals, Ocular Sciences (OSI), and MedAssets to name a few. His dedication to his alma mater, Colgate University, was profound, serving as a trustee for nine years and as President of Colgate's Alumni Corporation Board of Directors. Toby's philanthropic spirit also shone in his roles as Chairman of the Board of the Overlook Hospital Foundation, as a board member of the Reeves Reed Arboretum and as a volunteer for St. Teresa of Avila.

An athlete who played football at Colgate, Toby became a passionate fan of ice hockey watching his three sons embrace the sport. He was an ardent supporter of Beacon Hill Hockey and he founded the ice hockey team at Summit High School, where there is a Toby Wesson Award that is given annually to a player who represents the qualities of good character and hard work that he embodied.

Beyond his professional and philanthropic endeavors, Toby's heart belonged to his family. Married for over 60 years, he was the beloved husband of Elizabeth (Betsy) Wesson, and the proud father of Kimberly Wesson Clough (David), Kristen Wesson Hartgers (Bobby), Stephen Bruce Wesson (Regan), David Harrison Wesson (Breene), and Jeffrey John Wesson. He was also the cherished Poppy/Poppy Wes to Wes Hartgers, Amy Wesson, Mark Wesson, Brooke Hartgers, Matthew Wesson, Charlotte Wesson, Susan Hartgers, Caroline Wesson, Ryan Clough, Samuel Wesson and Elizabeth Clough. Predeceased by his parents, Harrison and Dorcas Wesson as well as by his older brother Donald, Toby is survived by his brother Michael Wesson (Michelle), and sisters Sally Cogan and Wendy Benchley (John).

An avid fisherman and golfer, Toby found joy on fishing trips to the Canyon, golf trips with his brothers and sons, and in family celebrations at Elihu Island or at the beach. Toby was a devoted father and grandfather who never missed the opportunity to cheer his children and grandchildren on in games, dance recitals, shows, or school concerts. His unwavering support and optimism were the family's treasured constants.

Toby’s optimistic outlook on life was contagious, inspiring everyone he met to see the good in the world and in others. Toby's legacy is not only in the successful career he built or the institutions he served but in the love he shared and the lives he touched.

As we bid farewell to Bruce Freeman Wesson, we celebrate a man who lived a full and meaningful life. His love of family, spirit of giving, work-ethic and unyielding optimism will forever be cherished and remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Toby’s memory may be made to The Overlook Foundation or to Summit Hockey. If donating to Summit Hockey, be sure to unclick the Tip box to avoid a service fee.

For those unable to attend in person, Toby's Funeral Mass will be live-streamed. On the morning of his Mass click here to view.

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