In Memoriam
Bruce R. Comisar
Bruce Comisar died on December 27, 2023, in Dayton, OH. Here are his obituary and a remembrance by his classmate Don Van Doren ’64.
- Obituary, Dayton Daily News
- Remembrance, Don Van Doren ’64
Obituary
Dayton (OH) Daily News
December 31, 2023
Bruce Comisar
1964 Yale graduation
Bruce Rodney Comisar, born on August 19, 1942 in Bayonne, NJ, passed away on December 27, 2023, due to complications from a fall. He fought the good fight, but his body was weary and could not go on. He was preceded in death by his parents, Max and Janice Comisar.
Bruce was raised in Dayton, OH and graduated from Oakwood High School where he was the quarterback of the football team and a titled tennis player. He went on to attend Yale University, and then to Vanderbilt University, where he earned a law degree. Returning to the Dayton area, he took over his father's businesses, the four-star King Cole restaurants in Dayton and Indianapolis. He became well known for owning and operating several other restaurants including Greensleeves in Indianapolis, the Yankee Tavern in Centerville, and the Lincoln Park Grill in Kettering. The restaurant business was made for Bruce — or perhaps Bruce was made for the restaurant business. He was kind, well spoken, and made everyone feel comfortable in his establishments.
Bruce Comisar
recently
Bruce and his wife, Bobbie Rollstin Comisar, were married for 39 years, during which they traveled extensively. The Caribbean islands were their favorite destinations. They shared a love of golf, had many close friends, and enjoyed a full life together.
Bruce was definitely a "foodie" and lobster was his favorite indulgence. He had a huge sweet tooth, preferring hard, crunchy cookies over the soft, chewy ones. Bruce and Bobbie enjoyed many hours in the kitchen together, experimenting and creating, producing countless memorable dinners for family and friends.
Bruce is survived by Bobbie and his three children, Dr. Bruce Rodney Comisar Jr. of Columbus, OH, Bradley Comisar of New York City, and Anne Comisar (Basil) Goulandris of Nassau, Bahamas, as well as his six grandchildren, Brian and Matthew Comisar, Katie, Caroline, George and Grace Goulandris, and his in-laws, Chuck and Gerry Larkin, and Bill and Lisa Rollstin.
Bruce was a son, a father, a husband, a brother-in-law, a nephew, and a friend. Those lucky enough to call him one of those titles will hold a special place in their hearts for him. A celebration of life will be held at Dayton Country Club on Saturday, January 13, 2024.
Remembrance by Don Van Doren ’64
January 2, 2024
Bruce Comisar suffered a severe fall on December 4, 2023, resulting in several broken vertebrae among other injuries. At the time, Bruce had been recovering from some previous illnesses, but the fall further complicated his recovery. He went into intensive care, but his overall health continued to deteriorate. He died on December 27.
At Yale, Bruce resided in what was then known as the Slave Quarters in Pierson with a group of friends and roommates that included Jorje Zalles, Peter von Mertens, Nick Benjamin, Larry Tierney ’63, and me in various combinations over the years. Bruce was always gracious, slightly formal and reserved, and unfailingly helpful — qualities that would serve him well when he assumed leadership of his father’s highly regarded restaurant business.
That business was centered on the King Cole in Dayton, Ohio, consistently one of the top-rated restaurants in the Midwest. Bruce took the reins when his father died in 1974 and continued the tradition of premier-quality food, sumptuous facilities, and excellent service, all provided by a loyal, dedicated workforce. He expanded the business successfully to other properties in Dayton and Indianapolis, until economic downturns there led to closures around the turn of the century.
Bruce seemed to pull away from Yale activities over the years. He hadn’t attended recent reunions, but he and I stayed in touch. When Diane and I were driving our wine cellar cross-country from New York to New Mexico a dozen years ago, we stopped at Bruce’s home. Bobbie, Bruce’s ever-ebullient wife, insisted that we stay the night. We had a wonderful evening, fueled in part by tapping into the cargo in our car to complement an outstanding meal that Bruce made. We reminisced about Yale, traded stories, and caught up on each other’s activities over the years. In the morning Bruce fixed one of the most delicious breakfasts we have ever eaten, and sent us on our way.
Bruce was a gentleman and a fine friend. I will miss him.