Richard Bruce
June 2, 1941 — April 17, 2025
Richard "Dick" Bruce, 83, of Stamford, CT, passed away peacefully on April 17, 2025, at Stamford Hospital. Born on June 2, 1941, in Flushing, NY, he was the beloved son of the late John D. and Anne M. (McGrath) Bruce and was preceded in death by his cherished wife, Nancy C. (Vitale) Bruce, in 2001.
A dedicated educator and coach, Dick spent more than three decades teaching and coaching sports at Stamford High School, where he built lasting connections with students, colleagues, and the broader community. Former students greeted him warmly with “Yo, Bruce!”—a testament to his enduring impact.
His bond with his daughter, Eileen, was admired by all, especially through their shared love of Stamford High School basketball. A passionate golfer, Dick enjoyed years on the green with fellow retired teachers, the “HAS BEENS,” and proudly celebrated a hole-in-one.
An advocate for educators and individuals with disabilities, he supported ARI (Always Reaching for Independence) of Stamford and was an engaged member of the Retired Teachers Association. Above all, he was a devoted father, brother, uncle, and mentor, whose quiet strength and kindness shaped the lives of those he loved.
Dick is survived by his beloved daughter, Eileen of Stamford; his brother, William of Cortlandt Manor, NY; his sister-in-law, Vivian Vitale (Rocky Brown) of Westford, MA; and his sister-in-law, Janet Bruce of El Cerrito, CA.
He is lovingly remembered by his nieces and nephews: John Bruce (Lisa) and daughter Alma of San Francisco, CA; Doug Bruce (Olga) and daughters Yasmine and Natalie of Old Greenwich, CT; Jim Bruce (Carolina) and daughters Noely and Nicky of Stamford, CT; Bryan Brown (Veronica) and children Robby and Casey of Hopedale, MA; Laura Venters (Michael) and children Daniel, Chelsea, and Aidan of Elkton, MD; Roger) their son, Maverick. Dick’s family adored him and his legacy will live on in their hearts.
There will be no calling hours. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, April 25, 2025, at 10:30 AM ET at Saint Cecilia Church, located at 1184 Newfield Avenue, Stamford, CT. Interment will follow at Queen of Peace Cemetery, Rockrimmon Road, Stamford, CT.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to:
• ARI of Stamford: https://www.arict.org/donate
• American Brain Tumor Association: https://www.abta.org/ways-to-donate/
Dick Bruce’s legacy lives on in every student he taught, every coach he mentored, every family member he supported, and every life he touched with kindness and purpose. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
A dedicated educator and coach, Dick spent more than three decades teaching and coaching sports at Stamford High School, where he built lasting connections with students, colleagues, and the broader community. Former students greeted him warmly with “Yo, Bruce!”—a testament to his enduring impact.
His bond with his daughter, Eileen, was admired by all, especially through their shared love of Stamford High School basketball. A passionate golfer, Dick enjoyed years on the green with fellow retired teachers, the “HAS BEENS,” and proudly celebrated a hole-in-one.
An advocate for educators and individuals with disabilities, he supported ARI (Always Reaching for Independence) of Stamford and was an engaged member of the Retired Teachers Association. Above all, he was a devoted father, brother, uncle, and mentor, whose quiet strength and kindness shaped the lives of those he loved.
Dick is survived by his beloved daughter, Eileen of Stamford; his brother, William of Cortlandt Manor, NY; his sister-in-law, Vivian Vitale (Rocky Brown) of Westford, MA; and his sister-in-law, Janet Bruce of El Cerrito, CA.
He is lovingly remembered by his nieces and nephews: John Bruce (Lisa) and daughter Alma of San Francisco, CA; Doug Bruce (Olga) and daughters Yasmine and Natalie of Old Greenwich, CT; Jim Bruce (Carolina) and daughters Noely and Nicky of Stamford, CT; Bryan Brown (Veronica) and children Robby and Casey of Hopedale, MA; Laura Venters (Michael) and children Daniel, Chelsea, and Aidan of Elkton, MD; Roger) their son, Maverick. Dick’s family adored him and his legacy will live on in their hearts.
There will be no calling hours. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, April 25, 2025, at 10:30 AM ET at Saint Cecilia Church, located at 1184 Newfield Avenue, Stamford, CT. Interment will follow at Queen of Peace Cemetery, Rockrimmon Road, Stamford, CT.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to:
• ARI of Stamford: https://www.arict.org/donate
• American Brain Tumor Association: https://www.abta.org/ways-to-donate/
Dick Bruce’s legacy lives on in every student he taught, every coach he mentored, every family member he supported, and every life he touched with kindness and purpose. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
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