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Councilman Armbruster dies at age 66

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Jim Armbruster pictured outside Armbruster Florist in Middletown, Ohio Oct 1, 2009. The Middletown City Council member died Sunday, March 21, 2010 at the age of 66.

Staff photo by Gary Stelzer Jim Armbruster pictured outside Armbruster Florist in Middletown, Ohio Oct 1, 2009. The Middletown City Council member died Sunday, March 21, 2010 at the age of 66.

By Ryan Gauthier and Denise Wilson
Staff Writers Updated 10:27 AM Monday, March 22, 2010

MIDDLETOWN — City Councilman Jim Armbruster, who recently underwent open heart surgery and showed signs of improving, died Sunday, March 21, according to his family.

He was 66.

Mr. Armbruster’s son, Matt, said his father died at 5:20 a.m. Sunday.

Rachel Lewitt, a spokeswoman for the Armbruster family, said Jim passed away peacefully early Sunday morning “due to complications with his heart.”

“The family is grateful for the excellent care doctors and nurses provided and are so deeply touched by the love and support the community has shown,” Lewitt said. “We ask that everyone please continue to respect the Armbrusters’ privacy at this time.”

Condolences can be sent via the Wilson Schramm Spaulding Funeral Home, which is handling arrangements for the family. The specific date and time of a visitation and funeral have not yet been released.

Middletown Mayor Larry Mulligan said he was saddened by the news.

“Middletown lost a great friend in Jim Armbruster. Jim will be missed,” he said. “He was well respected. It will be a loss (to the city). My sympathy and prayers go out to his family.”

City Manager Judy Gilleland declined comment out of respect for the Armbruster family.

Former Middletown Councilman Tony Marconi could not be reached for comment.

Last week, Lewitt said Mr. Armbruster was in “critical” condition, but was showing “major improvements.” She called it a “very positive update,” and said the family was “thrilled” with the news.

Lewitt said Mr. Armbruster was eager to return to the family’s florist business and his seat on Middletown City Council.

Mr. Armbruster was taken to the hospital by ambulance on March 6, after experiencing shortness of breath at Bob Evans restaurant on Village Drive. He was eating breakfast with his wife when he apparently had trouble breathing, according to fire department officials.

Mr. Armbruster was elected to his second term on City Council in November.

Throughout his first term, Mr. Armbruster sought to raise awareness of blight in the community.

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