Tribute Wall
Wednesday
8
November
Visitation
2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Wednesday, November 8, 2023
M. A. Connell Funeral Home Inc.
934 New York Avenue
Huntington Station, New York, United States
Wednesday
8
November
Visitation
7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Wednesday, November 8, 2023
M. A. Connell Funeral Home Inc.
934 New York Avenue
Huntington Station, New York, United States
Thursday
9
November
Mass
9:30 am
Thursday, November 9, 2023
St. Hugh Of Lincoln R. C. Church
21 East 9th. Street
Huntington Station, New York, United States
Final Resting Place
Long Island National Cemetery
2040 Wellwood Avenue
Pinelawn, New York, United States
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Bachelor of Business Administration, Hofstra University, 1958.
Activities and societies: President of Student Body, Captain of the Varsity Rifle Team, Regimental Commander of the ROTC, Sigma Alpha Sigma Fraternity, Brotherhood Award, Boven-an Award, The George M. Estabrook Distinguished Service Award, Hofstra Alumni Achievement Award,
Distinguished Military Graduate Commissioned Second Lieutenant, US Army.
Investigator, claims adjuster Liberty Mutual Insurance Company, Lynbrook, New York, 1958-1959.
Real estate salesman Vigilant Associations, Incorporated, Huntington, New York, 1963-1964.
Advertising salesman Long Island Commercial Review, Plainview, New York, 1965-1966.
Special correspondent The Long-Islander, Huntington, 1966-1976.
Legislation aide New York State Assembly, Albany, 1976-1980.
Founding Director Handicapped Services County of Suffolk, Hauppauge, New York,
1980 - 2009 · 29 yrs
Vice President Nassau-Suffolk Health Systems Agency Incorporated, Plainview, 1987-1990, President, 1990.
Member Governor’s Accessible Transportation Committee for Suffolk County, 1990,
New York Telephone Statewide Consumer Advisory Council, 1992.
Founder, Chairman of the Board, President, Huntington Community First Aid Squad, Incorporated. 1969-1973, 78.
Member Governor’s Task Force on Emergency Medical Services, 1979.
Chairman New York State Emergency Medical Services Council, 1979-1980.
Chairman Long Island regional county International Year of Disabled Persons, 1981-1982.
Chairman Suffolk County Emergency Medical Services Task Force, 1986-1989.
Member Citizens Advisory county New York State Assembly Task Force on Disabled, 1982.
Advisory New York State Senate Select Commission on Disabled, 1987.
National President Association of Local Governmental Advisory for Disabled, advisory council, since 1987. 1983-1988.
Member Metropolitan Advisory Board New York State Senate Select Committee on Disabled, 1983-1986.
Member client assistance program advisory county New York State Commission on Quality of Care for Mentally Disabled, 1983.
Member Suffolk Regional Advisory Council New York State Division Human Rights, 1983-1989.
Board Directors Long Island Center for Independent Living, Incorporated, Levittown, New York, 1983-1991,
Suffolk Independent Living Organization, Incorporated, Medford, New York, 1985, Huntington (New York)
Member of New York State Education Commissioner’s Advisory Council on Vocational and Education Superior vena cava syndrome for Individuals with Disabilities, 1990, Chairman, 1992.
Member, Chairman Employability Committee New York State Education Commissioner’s Advisory Council on Vocational Rehabilitation, 1984-1989.
Treasurer Long Island chapter Medic Alert Foundation International, 1986.
PLANNING COMMITTEE CHAIRPLANNING COMMITTEE CHAIR
NY STATE HOSPITAL REVIEW & PLANNING COUNCIL NY STATE HOSPITAL REVIEW & PLANNING COUNCIL
1995 - 2008 · 13 yrs
EMT Ambulance volunteer
Achievements
Bruce Gregory Blower has been listed as a noteworthy social services administrator by Marquis Who's Who.
Membership
Served to Second lieutenant United States Army, 1959-1960.
Named honorary Fire Chief Town of Huntington, 1974,
Advocate of Year State New York Commission on Quality of Care for the Mentally Disabled, 1989.
Member Disabled American Veterans (life),
Eastern Paralyzed Veterans Association (life),
Paralyzed Veterans American (life),
PBOE Elks.
Huntington Community First Aid Squad, Life
Fomer chairman of the State Rehabilitation Council, to which he was appointed by the New York State Board of Regents. Set up by federal law, that Council has oversight on the vocational rehabilitation agencies. In New York State, those are: the Vocational and Educational Services for Individuals with Disabilities (VESID), and the Commission on the Blind and Visually Handicapped (CBVH).
Former member of Verizon corporate Consumer Advisory Board known as VzCAB. Prior to this appointment, he served on Verizon's New York statewide Consumer Advisory Council where he chaired its Disabilities and Lifeline Committee. At that time, Verizon was New York State's largest private industry employer.
Former chairman of each of the following emergency medical services councils: New York State, Nassau-Suffolk, and Suffolk regional EMS councils. Still serving on the Suffolk Regional Emergency Medical Services Council.
Former chairman of the board and president of the Nassau-Suffolk Health Systems Agency, Inc. This Long Island HSA secured the first federal Ryan White aids grant funding for a suburban area in the nation. Previously going only to cities, more than $20 million in federal grant funding was brought to Long Island through this HSA.
Charter member, served six terms as board chairman and president of the Huntington Community First Aid Squad, Inc.., an emergency volunteer ambulance corps. Put the first cardiac-care-telemetry, ALS ambulance into operation in Suffolk County.
VETS FIRST Volunteer RepresentativeVETS FIRST Volunteer Representative
United Spinal AssociationUnited Spinal Association
2009 - 2013 · 4 yrs
Married Clare E. Roden Blower, July 20, 1958 (divorced 1985).
Children: Clare Elizabeth, Bruce Gregory II, Erin.
Married Doris L. Leiter Blower, May 4, 1991.
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Howard posted a condolence
Saturday, January 20, 2024
I met Bruce in 1973 when I joined the first aid squad. He would be in the dispatch office and we had many chats over the years. A terrific guy. I'm glad I had the pleasure of knowing him.
Howard Riesel
December 17, 2023
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Thursday, November 16, 2023
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Blower Family Crest
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Wednesday, November 15, 2023
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Young Bruce
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Bruce ROTC and Fraternity
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Bruce military
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Bruce with children: Beth, Greg and Erin
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Bruce Huntington Community First Aid Squad
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Wednesday, November 15, 2023
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Bruce honorary Fire Chief
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Wednesday, November 15, 2023
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Bruce with family
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Bruce with Walter Thoms and families
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Wednesday, November 15, 2023
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Bruce's 65th Birthday
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Bruce and Doris
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Bruce at Daughter Beth's wedding and Stepdaughter Susan's wedding
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Wednesday, November 15, 2023
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Bruce with Family at wedding to Doris
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Bruce in Hawaii
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Bruce's Grandkids
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Bruce halloween
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Wednesday, November 15, 2023
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Posted on Facebook
Nicole Liegey Noakes
November 5 at 6:09 AM
·
It is with great sadness that I learned of my father’s best buddy passing.
Mr Bruce Blower was a kind, humorous, and intelligent man.
The town of Huntington wouldn’t be the same without him, and neither would I. He was my first introduction into politics.
He always had such a great support to me.
May the angels greet you at the gate and God bless you!
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erin posted a condolence
Wednesday, November 15, 2023
Posted on Facebook
From HCFAS members
Chris Roulo·
Rest in peace. Bruce Blower. You will always be a part of HCFAS’s Family
Jeffrey Brenner
May he and all of the great that came before us be a shining example of what truly amazing people can do when they come together. Bruce Blower #37 Charter Member HCFAS
Susan Otto
This breaks my heart. RIP Bruce
Dana-Lyn Golinsky DiDio
Wow. Sorry to see this. May he rest in peace.
William M. Billups
So sorry, Doris, May he rest in peace. Not only a member but a great neighbor.
John Hobgood
A pioneer in so many ways - great impact in the community.
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Wednesday, November 15, 2023
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Posted on FaceBook by
Pat Lumière
Today I mourn the loss of such an amazing person, not only did he touch me but changed the lives he connected with.
He was such a good man, patient, and tolerated all that he went through in life.
He has made me a better man, made me want more for myself and my family.
I love you and will miss you Bruce Blower
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erin posted a condolence
Wednesday, November 15, 2023
Memories from Eleanor Thoms
Bruce's childhood BFF Walter Thoms' wife
From Bruce's 65th Birthday
"Walter and you were in Kindergarten together and followed each other thru graduation from our mutual
Hempstead High School.
Mom Thoms was your Den Mother when in Cub Scouts.
In 1958, we got married within weeks of each other.
Then came 1960. We got a call to renew a long friendship you and Walter had. Yes memories - history in the making.
Remember our first outing to see Guy Lombardo at the Jones Beach Theater? Afterwards, the Pizza Parlor. Only we have these memories.
The many house parties. The pool Party on THAT Fourth of July!
The trips on dirt roads to the Catskills. Canada in a motor home. The navigator was supposed to be Bruce. Luckily Walt looked at the maps ahead of time.
Oh! My! How can I forget.
The Ambulance Squad and those conventions. Las Vegas. The shower in the Las Vegas hotel room.
The flashing lights with your "motor chair" to get through a lobby in the Catskills.
The only time you swam with your kids was in our pool.
Then we moved to Colorado. Your family came to visit. Four wheeling over 10,000 ft mountains.
You and Doris came out and we saw Rudolph and the deer come through our fields. That must have been a show just for you Bruce.
You have been an inspiration to me, your sense of humor, compassion etc. -- have kept me going.
Thanks Bruce for being "Bruce".
Love always Eleanor Thoms"
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Erin posted a condolence
Tuesday, November 14, 2023
Memories from Hank aka Harry Tranior Roden II
Bruce’s first brother in law
From Bruce’s 65th Birthday
“Beyond Eagle Eye
Bruce has - or at least had - about 20-10 vision, so you could not get away with much within his line of sight. One day eons ago I was putting up shutters on the front of 3 Meroke Ct and had measured and eyed and calculated the proper height of each. I was hanging the last of them, on the far right of the house and Bruce was watching and kibitzing from the driveway on the far left 50 feet away.
“It’s a bit low” he said of my last endeavor.
“No,” I said, “I measured twice. It’s right.”
“It’s a bit low, about a quarter inch or so, Hank,” Bruce insisted.
“Jeese,” I complained. “I tell you it’s on the mark. Here, I’ll measure it again.”
Damn. It WAS a quarter-inch low. Grumbling, I rehung it.
Unsafe Seating
At parties, a nice looking next door neighbor Marion Lombardo occasionally would skirt around
Bruce’s wheelchair and sit on his lap. Brice did not seem to mind at all.
Then Clare announced she was pregnant again (with who turned out to be Erin).
At the next party, Marion started to sit in Bruce’s lap again, stoped halfway, stood up,
looked at Bruce with mock consternation, and said,
“I’m not sitting THERE anymore!”
Wheelchair Racing
One night while returning from a restaurant in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Bruce and I came upon a nice downhill slope. I gave the chair a good push then hopped up to stand on its rear tubes, getting a ride. We had done this often and by shifting our weight, could maneuver at speed. When we passed a doorman standing back on a hotel driveway, we noticed him scowling with disapproval.
Bruce and I conferred, and went back up the hill. This time we got up a Really good head of steam, then whipped into the curved drive and aimed at the doorman.
He jumped back, saving his toes while we waved and laughed into the night.”
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Erin posted a condolence
Tuesday, November 14, 2023
Memories form Greg aka Bruce G Blower II
Bruce’s son
From Bruce’s 65th Birthday
“Bruce’s Uncle Robert (Bernstein) Burns had passed away. So, Bruce and Greg traveled down to Florida to make the arrangements. Robert, who had been ill with cancer, had made his requests known: he only wanted a one day wake in Florida.
It was winter and had begun to snow. By the time Greg and Bruce got to LaGuardia it was pretty heavy. No surprise their late afternoon flight was delayed. Greg called the funeral director to alert him of the delay.
The original plan was for them to pick up the burial suit for Robert after landing and deliver it to the funeral home. The funeral director agreed to meet at Robert’s condo to pick up the suit about a half an hour after the new arrival time.
As soon as Bruce and Greg got to the condo they began searching for an appropriate blue business suit. Since Robert had long been retired and in the hospital for a while, it took quite some time to find a suit. However, there was no underwear to be found.
Greg exclaimed he did not think he could live knowing that Robert would be sans underwire for eternity.
Bruce, however, being a practical person and realizing the funeral director was due any moment, made the call:
Uncle Robert would go into the Finale Frontier Commando!”
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Erin posted a condolence
Tuesday, November 14, 2023
Memories from Greg aka Bruce G. Blower II
Bruce’s son
From Bruce’s 65th Birthday
“About 20 years ago, Bruce had been invited to speak at some health-care related event in Syracuse NY. Greg and Bruce went up the day before the speech and were staying at the Hotel Syracuse. Now, everyone knows how Bruce is not the type of personality to rashly jump at any happening, he would relax and analyze things first.
Well, very early in the morning Bruce calls to Greg across the room to wake up. Greg groggily responds with something along the lines of …. We can still sleep a few more hours. Bruce says just go look out the window.
Now, Greg is thinking why the @#% should I look out the window when I could be sleeping. And Greg probably uttered those thoughts out loud too. Then Bruce calmly says, “ I think the hotel is on fire.”
So, then Greg looked out the window to see that the hotel was, in fact, on fire.
Fortunately, it was a small fire.
And not in the wing we were staying so there was no danger.”
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Erin posted a condolence
Tuesday, November 14, 2023
Memories from Greg aka Bruce G. Blower II
Bruce’s son
From Bruce’s 65th Birthday
“Being as active as he is and was, Bruce travels the NYS Thruway often. Years ago, the family had a brown Ford LTD that Greg and Bruce were using to go to Albany to attend yet another meeting. This particular time, it was to be a same day trip…. up early morning, attend meetings, drive back to LI. We had a CB in the car …… of course, to check traffic conditions ahead, not that we would speed or anything. For those who don’t regularly travel the thruway there are mile markers that can be used to determine position on the roadway.
On one segment of this trip Greg and Bruce kept hearing that there were “bears” (state troopers) on the run northbound. And hearing the mile markers other CBers were providing, gosh they seemed to almost be driving with us. By those reported mile markers they were soooo close to us for quite awhile.
Well, being so very astute, it took us only a few miles to realize where the police were and why they were so close to us.
You see the reports were saying “Smokey” was in a “plain brown wrapper” CB lingo for a brown car. We were in a big Ford LTD - a vehicle back then used by police - and it was brown - and we were wearing suits and overcoats. And to top it all off Bruce and Clare were reporters so we had “NYP” on the license plates, which actually stood for New York Press.
The CBers were telling us that WE were the police. No wonder it seemed as if the troopers were following us.”
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Erin posted a condolence
Tuesday, November 14, 2023
Memories from Greg aka. Bruce G. Blower II
Bruce’s son
Regarding Bruce’s driver and Man Friday: Bob Boehner
From Bruce’s 65th Birthday
“Since Bob and Bruce travel together so often, their routines are very established. Times are coordinated, gasoline filled, bathroom visits timed. However, one instance maybe their routine was a bit too choreographed.
As per their arrangement, Bob went to Dad’s house….completed their normal routines….coffee, briefcase, luggage, etc……
However, they wouldn’t find out until later in their hotel room that neither one had bothered to check to see if anything
was actually IN the luggage! Bruce had no clothes with him in Albany!”
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Erin posted a condolence
Tuesday, November 14, 2023
A memory from Travis James Antonacci
Bruce’s Grandson at age 3
From Bruce’s 65th Birthday
“Travis likes to play with Grandpa. Travis loves to feed him French fries and push him in his wheelchair.
Travis says he likes his Pop Pop (Grandpa).”
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Erin posted a condolence
Tuesday, November 14, 2023
Memories from John Peter Antonacci
Bruce’s Grandson at age 7
From Bruce’s 65th Birthday
“Grandpa is my best friend. He has lots of cool stuff in his office. He lets me play with his radio and computer - he showed me how to find HarryPotter.com.
Grandpa is very generous. He gave me lots of patches and an Army shirt.
Grandpa is still in my dinosaur club. (He’s been there for two years). When we have sleepovers we play football in the house. Grandpa lets me dribble the ball in the den.
Grandpa teaches me things - like how to blow bubbles with my gum.
When it’s vacation time Grandpa talks to me all the way to Virginia in his van. In Disney World he lets me ride on his lap.
I am glad I have such a great Grandpa.”
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Erin posted a condolence
Monday, November 13, 2023
From the Conte’s : Jim, Debbie, Sarah, Jeffery, and Samantha
Friends who are really Family
From Bruce's 65th Birthday
“Bruce is the reason I am involved in politics and why I am a Republican elected official. When he was first running for office back in 1973, I was hanging around his house because of his daughter Beth. I was told that if I wanted to hang out with his family, I would have to get in the green van and help stuff mailboxes. This was my first taste of what it was like to run for political office. I wasn’t sure what he was running for or who he was running against, all I knew that it was fun. One of my earliest political memories was walking a donkey down Main Street in Huntington to a donkey softball game at the YMCA. I was confused. Wasn’t the donkey the symbol of the Democratic Party? I later figured out that it would have been unrealistic to have an elephant baseball game.
Growing up in my house I was aware of a few things. I knew that my family owned Burger Haven, we went to church and school at St. Hugh and I played Little League. But in the Blower household, Bruce opened my eyes to a part of the world I had no idea existed. Bruce worked from his office writing stories for the Long Islander newspaper, He wrote mostly about fire, police, and ambulance activity throughout the Town of Huntington. He showed me that the government existed and they were really there to help people in time of need. I never looked back.
One of life’s major lessons was taught to me at an early age by this man in a wheelchair. He showed me that no matter what abilities that God gave us, we could and should use them to help our family, our community, and ourselves. Later in my life, when I was thrown a major health curveball, Bruce showed me, by example that we can persevere even in the most trying of times. He also showed me that when life throws you a lemon - you make lemonade.
Bruce has helped thousands of people, including myself, who needed his support and guidance dealing with their disability. When my body attacked me, I had a great teacher in life’s simple lesson, be compassionate to those who may be less fortunate and remember, “Don’t sweat the small stuff “.
Happy Birthday Bruce and thank you for allowing me to be part of your family.
Love The Conte’s”
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Erin posted a condolence
Monday, November 13, 2023
A Memory from Ann Marie Abrahamson neighbor
From Bruce’s 65th Birthday
“The first time I heard the name “Bruce Blower” it was on a white, green trimmed “Pot Holder”
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Erin posted a condolence
Monday, November 13, 2023
A note from Renee
Bruce’s friend and protege
From Bruce’s 65th Birthday
“Happy 65th Birthday to “El Presidente”
There are a very few people one meets in a lifetime that results in an immediate and ‘forever’ friendship - that’s how I felt when I first got to know Bruce.
You’ve been many things to me: a friend, a mentor, a brother - even my “boss” - but always someone whose advice I cherished above all others. I’ve often wondered why your opinion mattered so much to me - and I think it’s because it was usually the wisest opinion: the right balance between political astuteness and brutal honesty, and always exactly right.
My favorite memories are: countless trips to Albany in the van with Bob (and the inevitable fish dinners!) ( fish and Jack Daniel’s to be exact). Endless public hearings about every health care issue known to mankind, airing every possible opinion. The election of Bruce’s successor as President of the Board of Governors ( after we rewrote the bylaws twice to keep him in office) at which meeting the majority of the staff put on Duck noses during the vote to show their protest.
Bruce and Doris are the kind of people who really understand children and the magic of Christmas. In the almost 5 years since the triplets have been born, Bruce has never failed to pull up in front of our house during Christmas week with bags full of goodies for them. It’s just the kind of people they are - they love to spread happiness.
And the happiness they spread is no doubt returned to them tenfold - as it should be.
Love, Renee (El Jefe), Peter, Thomas, Catherine and Damian”
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Erin posted a condolence
Monday, November 13, 2023
A memory from Pat and Matt Dolan
From Bruce's 65th Birthday
“Remembering all the miracle trips up & down the stairs at the K of C.”
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Erin posted a condolence
Monday, November 13, 2023
A note from Bruce’s Cousin in-law Larry Roden US Marine retired
From Bruce’s 65th Birthday
“As many of you know, I have spent a good portion of my life in the military and the police and fire departments.
During those years I have had the good fortune to have been associated with many of the finest heroic men. I have been both proud and fortunate to have called most of them my friends.
I have known Bruce for over forty years now and I consider him to be one of the finest examples of “manhood “ and I feel most fortunate and proud to be his friend.
Bruce you are a man among men.”
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Erin posted a condolence
Monday, November 13, 2023
A Letter from Bruce’s Darling Niece Tara Roden Rutley
From Bruce’s 65th Birthday
“Dear Uncle Bruce,
I am so sad to miss your birthday, but as you know, I am expecting #2 in less than 2 months and a 6 hour car trip is not in the cards. But, I did want to let you know how much I love you and that my spirit is with you at your celebration.
My favorite memory of you is that whenever you use to send me cards or letters you always warned me to “Duck”
I miss those ducks.
My other favorite memory of you from my childhood is you eating the spicy Chinese mustard and crying your eyes out at the dinner table! I still can’t believe you enjoyed that pain! :)
Love,
Your Darling Niece Tara”
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Erin posted a condolence
Monday, November 13, 2023
A memory from Diane Weinberg
A neighbor and fellow HCFAS volunteer
“I worked with Bruce at the Huntington Community First Aid Squad for many years
on Fridays 11am - 3pm.
Bruce dispatched and four women rode then ambulance.
We were known as
Bruce’s Broads.
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Erin posted a condolence
Monday, November 13, 2023
A Funny Memory from Virginia Gaffney
A Meroke Court Neighbor of Bruce.
“We had many wonderful neighborhood New Year’s Eve parties in the distant 1960’s.
At one we pinned a name tag on each person’s back which, in some way, described them.
They were supposed to guess what it was.
Erin was about to make her entrance into the world so we gave Bruce the name
“Sitting Bull”.
He didn’t guess it.
A
Angela posted a condolence
Monday, November 13, 2023
November 6, 2023
Love, The Hoges. (Debbie's daughter Angela & son-in-law Tyler) sent flowers
“In loving memory of Bruce G. Blower,
May your heart and soul find peace and comfort.”
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Laura Riggio posted a condolence
Sunday, November 12, 2023
I am blessed and honored to have known Bruce. He lit up a room when he entered. My condolences to Doris and the family. Until we meet again in Heaven, my friend.
M
Michael Clements posted a condolence
Saturday, November 11, 2023
I'm going to personally miss Bruce. Over the years, I've developed a very close relationship with him and his family. I can clearly say he is the only person I know whose sense of humor was as warped as mine. For thatand the great time we've had over the years will be missed.
At least Bruce won't have to face the destruction of this great nation under Biden or the decimation of the local VA which was so important to him.
Bruce will greatly be missed. To me he was family
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Fran Brechter posted a condolence
Friday, November 10, 2023
My condolences to Bruce's family. I worked with him in Suffolk County Government. He was such a kind, wonderful man. He helped so many. RIP, Sincerely Fran B
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Angela Melledy posted a condolence
Tuesday, November 7, 2023
Bruce was a fine gentleman and advocate for people with disabilities. His column in Able Newspaper was a cherished addition that helped many. Rest well dear friend.
J
Jon Lehner posted a condolence
Tuesday, November 7, 2023
Receiving a Bruce handwritten note full of uplifting thoughts and wishes for your greatest success. The words were an inspiration on how to live life, because they came from someone who lived what he wrote.
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Hank posted a condolence
Tuesday, November 7, 2023
My standing on the back rods of the wheelchair with Bruce laughing like mad while we sped down the street in Puerto Rico scaring car drivers and pedestrians
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Lynn Perzeszty planted a tree in memory of Bruce Blower
Tuesday, November 7, 2023
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Bruce was kind.and thoughtful, he will be missed by everyone that had the pleasure of knowing him
Please wait
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The family of Bruce G. Blower uploaded a photo
Monday, November 6, 2023
/tribute-images/83681/Ultra/Bruce-Blower.jpg
Please wait
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