HOLYOKE – Born September 26th, 1937, the son of the late Doris and George Whittingham of Westfield, MA. Passed peacefully at the Holyoke Soldier’s Home, in Holyoke, MA on August 29th, 2016.
After graduating Westfield High School he worked with his father in the family owned Whittingham’s Shoe Store of Westfield.
Bruce enlisted in the US Army serving from April 6, 1959 to April 23, 1962, was recipient of the good conduct medal, and honorably discharged. The majority of his army service was spent in Germany.
He was a graduate of Holyoke Community College in 1965 with an Associate Degree in Science. Followed by graduation from Central Connecticut State College with Bachelors of Science 1968, and 1972 graduate of Westfield State College with a Master Degree in Education. Bruce taught English and Reading in the states of MA, CT, NH, and FL for 24 years. After his retirement from teaching he returned to his hometown of Westfield, MA in 1999 and enjoyed buying and selling antiques.
Bruce enjoyed a long loving relationship with his companion Priscilla. Together they enjoyed bird watching, traveling, music, and singing together with the “Do Re Mi Singers” of Westfield, MA. As well they sang together in a local gospel music group. He was an accomplished trumpet player and enjoyed performing with the “Rhythm Ramblers”. Bruce enjoyed baseball, basketball and played tennis for many years. He was proud to be an avid “Boston Red Sox” fan.
He served on the Board of Westfield Council of Aging, as well as, the Highland Valley Council on Aging. Bruce enjoyed time spent, activities and trips through the Westfield Senior Center. He was a member of “The Westfield Missionary Alliance Church” Westfield, MA.
Bruce is survived by his companion Priscilla Yantiss, of Southwick, MA; his daughters Gena Brumitt of Canada and Laura Whittingham Miller of FL, son Robert Whittingham of New Hampshire. His four grandchildren; Siena McLachlan of Canada, Chelsie Miller of Snellville, Georgia, Austyn Whittingham and Dylan Whittingham of Merrimack, N.H. Bruce will be sadly missed as well by his niece Linda Hills Messenger of CT, and nephew Donald Hills and wife Abby of Westfield. He is also survived by his great niece Erin D’ambrouso of Glastonbury, CT, great nephew Bruce Witham of Thomaston, CT, and brother-in-law Edward McLemore Sr. He was predeceased by his great nephew Michael Corey of Torrington, CT, and his sister Beverly McLemore of Panama City, FL.
The family would like to express their gratitude for the exemplary loving care and attention of the Holyoke Soldiers Home staff throughout his courageous journey with Alzheimer’s Dementia.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made in his memory to the Alzheimer’s Association. The Firtion Adams Funeral home of Westfield, MA is in charge of the arrangements. There will be no calling hours. A service will be held at the Mass Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery Chapel, 1390 Main St., Agawam, MA on Friday September 9th, 2016 at 1pm. A luncheon in celebration of Bruce’s life and accomplishments will follow at the Rosewood Estates Community Center, in Southwick, MA at 2pm.
