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Bruce Besemer
Bruce Besemer died unexpectedly of natural causes December 5, 2023 in Jarvisburg, NC.
Bruce enjoyed reading, cooking and woodworking. He had a great sense of humor, mostly sarcastic but always in good spirit. He could easily spend a day relaxing watching history shows or Sci-Fi.
Bruce entered the Marine Corp after graduating from Lyndon State College in Vermont. He completed Officer Training School which started his military career as a Lieutenant. Upon his Honorable Discharge he had risen to the rank of Captain.
After the Marine Corp, Bruce relocated to Browndale, PA where he began his next chapter. He owned a bar and grill from 1988 to 1991. He was able to put his cooking talents to the test within the community catering regularly.
Director of Food Service at the Lackawanna County Prison in Scranton, PA and working for Penn Foster were his last two places of employment before retirement.
Knowing Bruce, one would know that he enjoyed travel. He had visited many areas in the world before retirement. He had options on where to spend his retirement years. He made it well known that his place was on a beach chair in the Outer Banks of North Carolina. He spent his retirement years where and how he wanted, on the beach, traveling with family and occasionally working seasonally.
He leaves behind his wife, Faith; his sister and brother-in-law, Linda and Dave Regis; Nephews, Mark, Donald, Brian and Brian’s wife, Michelle.
If you were a friend of Bruce, you know who you are because he kept his true friends near to his heart and all were considered family.
A celebration of life will be held in Florida in January, please reach out to Faith Besemer or Mark Regis for details. Please share a word of sympathy with the family at www.gallopfuneralservices.com.
Condolences
Faith I am so sorry for your loss. I’m just around the corner if you need anything. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Cherish the memories.❤️💔😢
Bruce was my next door neighbor. A very kind man who I trusted with a key to my house and a helping hand whenever I needed it. Bruce would literally be the first in line to give the shirt off his back if someone needed it. Our dog, Boone, loved Bruce, too, and spent a week with him one time when we were out of town. Such a great neighbor, and an even better friend. We will miss you, Bruce. And Faith, you’re a sweetheart and tough in a very healthy way. May the days ahead be even better than you could hope for. Becky and I are very proud of you and love ya a bunch.
Bruce is and will always be my most unlikely friend. My husband, my mother, my children, my sisters, and I love him dearly and we are brokenhearted to know he is on the other side instead of here with us. He was the toughest nut I ever knew, and I am so privileged to have known him. Bruce built my baby’s cradle from scratch, he always knew how to miter cut a corner on the first try, he roasted a chicken better than I could, he knew my bug-out plan, and he always treated me with love and respect. I miss him more than words can say. My husband, Steve and I would like to send our deepest condolences to his wife, Faith, to his sister, and to his nephew, whom he always spoke so highly of. Bruce, I will keep a candle lit for you, my friend. Thank you for writing us into your stars. We’ll see you on the other side and we “love ya, Sweetie” and I’ll “hug the muppets” for you too.
So very sorry to Faith, family for Bruce's sudden passing!
My heart breaks for all of us. Such a loss. I love him dearly... I remember when he was born, him as a baby, a toddler, child, teen, Marine and so on. He is a terrible loss! My heart breaks. Sincere condolences to Faith, Linda, Dave and the boys and all who knew and loved him. My hugs and love and a little extra attention to "Bob," as I'm sure Bob will miss him, too. Such sad news.
I am so very sorry that my cousin, Bruce, has passed away. He was much too young -- my sympathy is with Faith, Linda and Dave.
We're sorry to hear of Bruce's sudden passing. Hoping that you will be comforted with good memories of happy times. Blessings, Aunt Betty and Karen
So sorry for your loss, we live across the street from Bruce and he was a very nice man, we will miss him in the neighborhood.
May the memories you created carry you thru this. So sorry to hear this news
I'm very sorry to hear of Bruce's passing. I always called him Captain and he called me Private Privett. So glad he and Faith were able to come to California for a visit. I remember when we met back in 1981 in the Bay area. And visiting he and Faith in PA in 2000. Good times! Rest in Peace Bruce. Hugs and condolences Faith. We're here for you and love you my friend.
Faith I am so sorry for your loss RIP Bruce
So sorry you’re going through this Faith, We didn’t know Bruce, but you are a wonderful friend. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and all of Bruce’s family. Hugs all around!
Faith, Linda, Dave and Family. We are so sorry for your loss. Thinking of you at this time.
My condolences to Faith and the family. I remember many many good times at the Buckhorn with Bruce and Faith, and his great culinary skills, along with his wit and humor. Always a good time with him, and lots of great memories. May he Rest in Peace. Semper Fi Bruce.
Very sorry for your loss, had many great times at the bar. Rest in peace
Bruce was my friend and mentor, my regards to his family and I know he will be missed. JailHouse John Ferrand
I worked with Bruce at Lackawanna County Prison. He trained me to become a Food Service Director myself and I often tell coworkers about him and how awesome he was. I am very sorry for your loss. He was a good man and one of the smartest people I have ever had the pleasure to meet.
Faith: I am very sorry to hear the sad news of Bruce passing. You and he took over the old watering hole in Browndale, and helped keep up the old traditions. May God Bless and keep him. My heart goes out to you.
So sorry for your loss. Hugs and prayers to you. Michelle’
There are no words to express the sadness of Bruce’s passing. Sending many prayers to all of his family at this time.
So sorry to hear of Bruce’s passing. Sending hugs and prayers for comfort & peace to Faith, Linda and the family and all those who were blessed to call him “friend”. Sincerely, Cousin Deb & Aunt Joan Besemer
My very heartfelt sympathy goes out to you, Faith. You two were inseparable. May God give you peace.
Please accept my most sincere condolences to the entire family!! Our men are leaving us much too soon!! Praying God will comfort you in this time of sorrow!!
We are shocked and so sad to hear of Bruce’s passing, Faith. I was counting on another VT visit with me home this time! Our college memories of driving in his black van to maple sugar in NH and go tubing remain ‘forever memories.’ Sending you so many hugs.
So sorry for the family's loss! Faith, stay strong! We love you! Time to move forward and have peace in your life. May God rest his soul! If you need us we'll be there! Such a sad ending!
Really sad news. Have many wonderful memories of Bruce from Buckhorn and the club cookouts. My sincere condolences goes out to you Faith and your family. He will not be forgotten!
Very sorry Faith! I will always remember the happy days at the Buckhorn. Fred Glavich
Dear Faith. Sending my sincere condolences to you at this difficult time. Those we hold close in our hearts never truly leave us💕 God Bless 🙏🏻🦋
I remember fondly when we went with Faith & Bruce and my parents to Yosemite back in the early 80s. Bruce made the best sausage & peppers I've ever had - even my dad liked them! But my favorite memory is when Faith & Bruce visited us in Sacramento. We had a parrot named Biggy Bird and Bruce just loved him. Biggy Bird sat on Bruce's shoulder almost the whole visit, and he usually didn't like people - especially men. Anyway, we sat down for our steak dinner with the bird still on Bruce's shoulder. Bruce kept giving Biggy Bird little pieces of his dinner and that bird was so happy. When Bruce finished eating, he turned his head and faced Biggy Bird and said "all gone". In a split second, that bird clamped on to Bruce's nostril with his big beak, and then violently shook his head, all while Bruce was screaming! The rest of us were too stunned to do anything for what had to seem like an eternity to Bruce. We finally got the bird to let go, and Bruce was such a good sport. He wasn't mad. He was in pain, but not mad. The next morning he said his nose was throbbing all night, but he still wasn't mad. In fact, we joked about that incident every single time we talked - even just a few months ago. I am glad he never got a nose ring where that scar was. Rest in Peace, Bruce. If you run into Biggy Bird up there in Heaven, don't offer him any food, my friend.
FAITH i'm so sorry to here about Bruce we always had such a good time together at the Buck Horn . I know how you feel ,my heart goes out to you. Love Always Janet Curtis
I know, it took me a long time to write this, but as you all know, grief has its own way of guiding the ship. Bruce was so many wonderful things to so many people. Myself included. I didn't see him often once we grew up, but when I did, he would always make me feel like the most special cousin on earth. I'm sure he did that with all of his cousins, family and friends. I thought of him often and sometimes we even shared a few words on Facebook. I missed not seeing him, as I do with all of my cousins and their families. I miss him now, more than words can say. As James Brown sang: "I always thought that I would see you, just one more time again." He is forever in my heart. My love and condolences to all who knew him.
Faith I am so sorry for your loss. I’m just around the corner if you need anything. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Cherish the memories.❤️💔😢
Bruce was my next door neighbor. A very kind man who I trusted with a key to my house and a helping hand whenever I needed it. Bruce would literally be the first in line to give the shirt off his back if someone needed it. Our dog, Boone, loved Bruce, too, and spent a week with him one time when we were out of town. Such a great neighbor, and an even better friend. We will miss you, Bruce. And Faith, you’re a sweetheart and tough in a very healthy way. May the days ahead be even better than you could hope for. Becky and I are very proud of you and love ya a bunch.
Bruce is and will always be my most unlikely friend. My husband, my mother, my children, my sisters, and I love him dearly and we are brokenhearted to know he is on the other side instead of here with us. He was the toughest nut I ever knew, and I am so privileged to have known him.
Bruce built my baby’s cradle from scratch, he always knew how to miter cut a corner on the first try, he roasted a chicken better than I could, he knew my bug-out plan, and he always treated me with love and respect. I miss him more than words can say.
My husband, Steve and I would like to send our deepest condolences to his wife, Faith, to his sister, and to his nephew, whom he always spoke so highly of.
Bruce, I will keep a candle lit for you, my friend. Thank you for writing us into your stars. We’ll see you on the other side and we “love ya, Sweetie” and I’ll “hug the muppets” for you too.
So very sorry to Faith, family for Bruce’s sudden passing!
My heart breaks for all of us. Such a loss. I love him dearly… I remember when he was born, him as a baby, a toddler, child, teen, Marine and so on. He is a terrible loss! My heart breaks.
Sincere condolences to Faith, Linda, Dave and the boys and all who knew and loved him. My hugs and love and a little extra attention to “Bob,” as I’m sure Bob will miss him, too. Such sad news.
I am so very sorry that my cousin, Bruce, has passed away. He was much too young — my sympathy is with Faith, Linda and Dave.
We’re sorry to hear of Bruce’s sudden passing. Hoping that you will be comforted with good memories of happy times. Blessings, Aunt Betty and Karen
So sorry for your loss, we live across the street from Bruce and he was a very nice man, we will miss him in the neighborhood.
May the memories you created carry you thru this. So sorry to hear this news
I’m very sorry to hear of Bruce’s passing. I always called him Captain and he called me Private Privett. So glad he and Faith were able to come to California for a visit. I remember when we met back in 1981 in the Bay area. And visiting he and Faith in PA in 2000. Good times! Rest in Peace Bruce. Hugs and condolences Faith. We’re here for you and love you my friend.
Faith I am so sorry for your loss RIP Bruce
So sorry you’re going through this Faith, We didn’t know Bruce, but you are a wonderful friend. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and all of Bruce’s family. Hugs all around!
Faith, Linda, Dave and Family.
We are so sorry for your loss. Thinking of you at this time.
My condolences to Faith and the family. I remember many many good times at the Buckhorn with Bruce and Faith, and his great culinary skills, along with his wit and humor. Always a good time with him, and lots of great memories. May he Rest in Peace. Semper Fi Bruce.
Very sorry for your loss, had many great times at the bar. Rest in peace
Bruce was my friend and mentor, my regards to his family and I know he will be missed.
JailHouse John Ferrand
I worked with Bruce at Lackawanna County Prison. He trained me to become a Food Service Director myself and I often tell coworkers about him and how awesome he was. I am very sorry for your loss. He was a good man and one of the smartest people I have ever had the pleasure to meet.
Faith: I am very sorry to hear the sad news of Bruce passing. You and he took over the old watering hole in Browndale, and helped keep up the old traditions. May God Bless and keep him. My heart goes out to you.
So sorry for your loss. Hugs and prayers to you.
Michelle’
There are no words to express the sadness of Bruce’s passing. Sending many prayers to all of his family at this time.
So sorry to hear of Bruce’s passing. Sending hugs and prayers for comfort & peace to Faith, Linda and the family and all those who were blessed to call him “friend”.
Sincerely, Cousin Deb & Aunt Joan Besemer
My very heartfelt sympathy goes out to you, Faith. You two were inseparable. May God give you peace.
Please accept my most sincere condolences to the entire family!! Our men are leaving us much too soon!! Praying God will comfort you in this time of sorrow!!
We are shocked and so sad to hear of Bruce’s passing, Faith. I was counting on another VT visit with me home this time! Our college memories of driving in his black van to maple sugar in NH and go tubing remain ‘forever memories.’ Sending you so many hugs.
So sorry for the family’s loss! Faith, stay strong! We love you! Time to move forward and have peace in your life. May God rest his soul! If you need us we’ll be there! Such a sad ending!
Really sad news. Have many wonderful memories of Bruce from Buckhorn and the club cookouts. My sincere condolences goes out to you Faith and your family. He will not be forgotten!
Very sorry Faith!
I will always remember the happy days at the Buckhorn.
Fred Glavich
Dear Faith. Sending my sincere condolences to you at this difficult time. Those we hold close in our hearts never truly leave us💕 God Bless 🙏🏻🦋
I remember fondly when we went with Faith & Bruce and my parents to Yosemite back in the early 80s. Bruce made the best sausage & peppers I’ve ever had – even my dad liked them! But my favorite memory is when Faith & Bruce visited us in Sacramento. We had a parrot named Biggy Bird and Bruce just loved him. Biggy Bird sat on Bruce’s shoulder almost the whole visit, and he usually didn’t like people – especially men. Anyway, we sat down for our steak dinner with the bird still on Bruce’s shoulder. Bruce kept giving Biggy Bird little pieces of his dinner and that bird was so happy. When Bruce finished eating, he turned his head and faced Biggy Bird and said “all gone”. In a split second, that bird clamped on to Bruce’s nostril with his big beak, and then violently shook his head, all while Bruce was screaming! The rest of us were too stunned to do anything for what had to seem like an eternity to Bruce. We finally got the bird to let go, and Bruce was such a good sport. He wasn’t mad. He was in pain, but not mad. The next morning he said his nose was throbbing all night, but he still wasn’t mad. In fact, we joked about that incident every single time we talked – even just a few months ago. I am glad he never got a nose ring where that scar was. Rest in Peace, Bruce. If you run into Biggy Bird up there in Heaven, don’t offer him any food, my friend.
FAITH i’m so sorry to here about Bruce
we always had such a good time together
at the Buck Horn . I know how you feel ,my
heart goes out to you. Love Always
Janet Curtis
I know, it took me a long time to write this, but as you all know, grief has its own way of guiding the ship. Bruce was so many wonderful things to so many people. Myself included. I didn’t see him often once we grew up, but when I did, he would always make me feel like the most special cousin on earth. I’m sure he did that with all of his cousins, family and friends. I thought of him often and sometimes we even shared a few words on Facebook. I missed not seeing him, as I do with all of my cousins and their families. I miss him now, more than words can say. As James Brown sang: “I always thought that I would see you, just one more time again.” He is forever in my heart. My love and condolences to all who knew him.