Samuel Kenneth Bruce Jr.

Samuel Kenneth Bruce, Jr.

Naples, FL

Samuel Kenneth Bruce, Jr., 86, of Bentley Village, Naples, FL passed away on Tuesday, April 18, 2017.

Ken was known for his outgoing personality, friendly smile, sense of humor, big hugs, and thoughtfulness. He was a dedicated and loving husband, father and friend. He was a true gentleman.

Ken was born in Wakefield, MA and grew up in Manchester, NH but spent his summers on Lake Winnipesaukee, NH. He was a graduate of the Governor's Academy in Byfield, MA and received a degree in Engineering from Yale University in 1953. Ken served his country as a Seabee in the Navy, rising to the level of Lieutenant. He married his childhood sweetheart, Nancy Stebbins in 1952 and eventually moved to Glastonbury, CT where they raised their four children. He was employed for over 20 years by Standard-Knapp, a division of Emhart Corporation, where he became president in his early thirties. He left there in 1980 to become president of a division of Barry-Wehmiller in Clearwater, FL. He later moved back to Manchester, NH to become owner and president of Lyon's Steel.

When he retired in 1991, Ken and his second wife, Nancy VanDeusen, moved to Foxfire Golf and Country Club, Naples, FL. He is the past chairman of the PMMI (Packaging Machinery Manufacturer's Institute) in Washington, DC. He is also past president of the Yale Club of Southwest Florida, proud member of the St. Andrews Society of Southwest Florida, pace setter and mentor for Habitat for Humanity and member of the Council of World Affairs. He participated in youth oriented and local affairs in each community that he lived: Glastonbury, CT, Manchester, NH, Foxfire Golf and Country Club, Naples, FL. He enjoyed boating on the Florida Gulf and Lake Winnipesaukee, where he also spent many early mornings fishing for over 50 years. He loved tennis, golf, bocce, croquet and cribbage in addition to building and fixing things. He treasured his summers at Lake Winnipesaukee and Block Island, RI along with his annual visit to Cabo San Lucas. He loved to travel and enjoyed many special trips which included a half way around-the-world cruise.

Ken was predeceased by his parents, Samuel Kenneth and Hazel Witman Bruce; two sisters, Jean Bruce and Glena Decker; his first wife, Nancy Stebbins Bruce; grandson, Brendan Walker Yerry; and son-in-law, David Kovalcin.

Survivors include his wife, Nancy Van Deusen Bruce; daughters, Debi (Duane) Wilcox, Heather (Mark) Yerry and Elizabeth Kovalcin, and son, Samuel Kenneth (Karen) Bruce III; sister, Lois Bruce McAllister; sister-in-law, Tinka Stebbins; step-daughters, Tally Gentry and Linda (Craig) Mohr; grandchildren, Matthew (Mandy), Paige and Kathryn Yerry, Eric (Sarah), Geoffrey (Lisa), Craig and Elaine Wilcox, Stephen and Samuel IV (Brie) Bruce and Rebecca and Mariana Kovalcin, Justin and Emma Gentry and Tripp and Will Mohr; and six great-grandchildren.

We will forever be grateful to Avow Hospice for their loving care. Services in celebration of Ken's life will be held on Saturday, May 27th at Naples United Church of Christ, 5200 Crayton Road, Naples, FL. Service time to be announced.

A second memorial service will be held in New Hampshire at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that any donations be made to Habitat for Humanity/Collier County or Naples United Church of Christ. For online condolences, please visit fullernaples.com.