Brice Jerald Westfall

Brice Jerald “Wes” Westfall, 84, passed away peacefully on September 23, 2024, and maintained a relentless determination to overcome his health challenges in recent years. We are thankful to the caregivers at Right at Home, Story Point Pickerington, and CorsoCare Hospice who cared for Wes with kindness, compassion, and dignity. Wes was born in Dayton, Ohio on September 26, 1939, to the late Brice and Wanda (Holland) Westfall. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Judy Westfall; his brother, Kenny Lee (Cheryl) Westfall, and adored family and friends with whom he shared many moments of joy and laughter. He will be deeply missed by his daughters, Jennifer (Jon) Newman, Kelly (Andy) Virgin, Courtney (Sean) Shisler, and Kristin (Jimmy) Figliola; grandchildren, Abby Newman, Evan Virgin, Sarah (Drew) Vanscoy, Jack Shisler, Sam Shisler, Nick Figliola, Max Figliola, and Emma Figliola. He had no greater joy than sharing his love of sports with his grandchildren, often attending their games taking a front row seat and self-appointed coaching role. Wes shared his childhood with many special cousins and friends in Newark, Ohio and was a 1957 graduate of Newark High School. He began his career in restaurant management but found his true passion when he joined the Ohio State Athletic Department in 1973. Over the years, Wes worked with all Ohio State sports programs and served as the Equipment Manager for men’s and women’s basketball. He never viewed his work as a job but as a labor of love and privilege to represent THE Ohio State University. He fostered a tireless work ethic (for those that know, it really does matter how you fold your towels!), pride, loyalty, and lifelong connections. He always remembered everyone by name and something special about them that went beyond the game. While he had a front row seat to many memorable games, Big Ten championships, and the 2007 men’s basketball national title game, he often reminded us that our success was not measured in the number of wins but in the strength of our character. He was a friend and confidant, could always find humor in any situation, appreciated a job well done, and graced us with his colorful commentaries and life lessons through his many “Wesisms!” In 2007, Wes received an honorary Varsity O from the Ohio State Men’s Athletics Hall of Fame Association. He retired in 2009 and remained a lifelong Buckeye. In addition to his cherished career with Ohio State, Wes shared his dedication to all athletes, volunteering as the operations manager for the Ohio Special Olympics state games for forty years and was celebrated with their Honorary Head Coach Award. He was also a lifelong member of New Home Masonic Lodge #338. Wes will be memorialized with a Mass on Friday, October 4, 2024, at 10:30am at Seton Parish, 600 Hill Road N., Pickerington, OH 43147, followed by a private burial at Saint Joseph Cemetery. There will be no calling hours preceding the service. A celebration of life will be held at a later date for family, friends, and Buckeyes to join us as we celebrate Wes’ legacy. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Ohio State Basketball Student Manager Fund (Donations may be mailed to Ohio State University, 2400 Olentangy River Road, 8th Floor, Columbus, OH 43210) or Ohio Special

Brice Jerald Westfall

September 26, 1939 - September 23, 2024