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Bruce Drazen Obituary
Bruce A. Drazen, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend, passed away on April 10, 2012, surrounded by family and friends. Born in Miami, Florida on November 9, 1935, Mr. Drazen was a lifelong resident of Binghamton, NY, graduating from Binghamton Central High School in 1953. He attended Syracuse and Tulane Universities before entering the family business, Drazen's City of Fashion, a prominent staple of downtown Binghamton for over 70 years that had been established by his grandparents, Louis and Rose Drazen. Mr. Drazen was predeceased by his parents, A. Murphy and Mildred Drazen, as well as his first wife, Cynthia Walter Drazen. He was the proud patriarch of his family and is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Rosaleen Drazen and his seven children and 10 grandchildren: Jane and Steven Lawless and their children Emma and Ben, Douglas Walter and Kristen Drazen and their daughter Cynthia, Joanne and Paul Sweeney and their daughter Lacy, Melissa Drazen-Smith and Tom Smith and their children Maura and Connell, Brock Drazen, Sean and Molly McAleavey and their son Liam, and Alexander and Katherine Drazen and their children Dexter, Zack and Scarlet. In a Facebook tribute, Jon Layish, a close family friend, summed up Mr. Drazen's far reaching gift for enriching the lives he touched. "Even though Bruce passed away this week, his legacy will forever live on through his family and the many lives he has touched throughout his lifetime," Layish said. "Bruce was larger than life. He was kind, thoughtful and intelligent and made everyone feel inspired and special. Bruce, Rosaleen and the whole Drazen clan have become our second family over the last decade, and while I mourn his passing, I am thankful to have had the pleasure of his friendship for as long as I did." Bruce loved his family, friends and this community; he will be missed by those who knew him. Please join family from 12:30-2:30 PM on Sunday, April 15, 2012 at Ernest H. Parsons Funeral Home, 71 Main Street, Binghamton, NY. Friends are invited to share memories of Bruce from 1:45 to 2:15 p.m. A graveside service will be held at 2:30 p.m. at Westlawn Cemetery. Shiva will be observed at 21 Vermont Avenue Sunday following the funeral services as well as Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Please visit ParsonsFuneral.Com to offer your condolences.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Bruce Drazen
Peggy Spencer
April 6, 2022
Remembering Bruce 2022
I'll be forever grateful for his kindness and the impact his confidence in me had on my sense of self .
Peggy Spencer
April 6, 2019
Bruce is still remembered and thought about with fondness .
Years have passed. .but the memory of this fine man has not ...my best to Bruces family .
April 30, 2012
Alan and I are saddened to learn about Bruce`s recent passing. We hope you and the entire family will have only good times and many happy shared memories of a lovely man.
Alan and Betsy Lipetz Weiner
Ft Lauderdale, Florida
al / jacki ponterio
April 20, 2012
Dear Rosaleen and family,
jacki and I are so very saddened to learn of Bruce's passing. We recall the many happy memories shared with you, your family and Bruce's parents over the years. We still chuckle as we recall his ever-present quick wit. He will be missed and remembered fondly. Please accept our heartfelt condolences at this sad time.
Sincerely,
Al & jacki Ponterio
Dade City, FL &
Acworth, GA
Don Snyder
April 19, 2012
I met Bruce when his Dad intred him to the TV audience during his fasion show on TV 12. I was the directing that show in the control room of what was then WNBF-TV.He grew to be a gentle and loving family man and a warm and gentle person to those who knew him. Sincerely, Don Snyder
William Bruce
April 18, 2012
I remember watching his show as a kid. I had the luck to meet Bruce at Southern Tier Physical Therapy a few years back, Todd introduced him to me. Thought he was a nice fellow, Glad I met him!
Michael Foldes
April 18, 2012
Dear Rosaleen, so sorry to hear of Bruce's passing. He was in many ways "bigger than life," and always had kind words for family and friends. He will be missed. Our sympathies to you and the family. Sincerely, Mike & Margot Foldes
Charles Hall
April 17, 2012
Doug and Family,
Though I was a classmate of your father at BCHS we were not close at that time. I do remember his presence at school in ways that render him larger than life through his distinguished family name. My heartfelt sympathy is graciously extended to you at this mournful time of sadness.
In the name of Yahweh I pray.
Charles M. Hall
vittorio malchak
April 17, 2012
I can't believe Binghamton could ever have a multi story CLOTHING STORE and have a fashion show on "Television"
as we used to call it in the 1960's. I was a kid growing up in Binghamton and used to watch "Fashions for My Lady"- because my grandma loved it ~ she had so many hats from Drazens in the original boxes ! What a memory.
Deborah Goda
April 15, 2012
Douglas, I am very sorry for your loss.
Vicki Cannone
April 15, 2012
To the Drazen Family:
I've often thought of Bruce and the Drazen Family as a special part of my life while living in Binghamton. Some of the best times filled with lots of laughter were spent while working with the Drazen Family. When I visit Binghamton I will feel special warm memories when I wear my beautiful fur coat that I bought at Drazen's Furs from Bruce.
Wendy Kay Foldes
April 14, 2012
Dear Rosaleen, and the entire Drazen Family. Bruce was such a large part of Binghamton life and a wonderful example to those who worked with him and shared his gifts of giving to the community and to his family. I met Bruce when I was in my early teens and took care of his children. Later, I worked at the store. His passing will leave a void in the world, but I hope that the memories and good works will keep on giving. My condolences to you.
Steve & Erika Gennarelli
April 14, 2012
To Brock, Alex, Doug & Family:
Your Dad was always such an inspiration to all of us. You could never find a more dedicated and loyal family man than Bruce. His wife, kids & grandkids meant everything to him.
Please take solace that though Binghamton will never be the same without him, Heaven is now a more joyful place because of his presence.
linda rosenbaum
April 14, 2012
I was so saddened to hear of Bruce's passing. The Drazen family was a very special part of my growing up years on Orton Ave. and after. Bruce was such a warm fellow- always so kind when I, at times, saw him when I was in Bing.. My heartfelt sympathy to the family on your loss.
Linda Rouff Rosenbaum
Vaun & Fritz Dahlgren
April 14, 2012
Rosaleen & family,
We are so sorry for your loss..Bruce was a good kind man..He loved his family beyond all else. Our sincere condolences..The world will be a little less bright without him in it.
Phyllis and Dave Stearns
April 13, 2012
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Drazen family at this time.
Laurie Van atta
April 13, 2012
An unforgettable person and family, we are sorry for your loss but thankful to have known him. Laurie Van atta & Marc Newman
ed tallon
April 13, 2012
My deepest condolences to you and your family.
Tallon's of Virginia
Peggy Spencer
April 13, 2012
To the Drazen family,
Bruce has always held a special place in my heart. He was very kind to me as Drazen's Fashion for My Lady's first teen model.
I remember him coming to my home asking my parent's permission to put me on the show. He assured them he would take care of me and guide me through the process of appearing on the show and taking part in numerous fashion shows.
He was a man of integrity and followed through with his promise.
Bruce was professional accompanied with a great sense of humor.
Much of the advice he gave me as a young teenage girl followed me through adulthood. His words echo in my ears today.
He is appreciated and will be missed. The fond memories will live forever.
Warmly
Peggy Spencer
Marjan DeSilva McGuire
April 13, 2012
I worked for Bruce and Roaslee when I was a teenager as thier nanny.So many fond memories of going to the JCC to swim and have lunch with the family, Cape May vacations...Bruce was kind, loving and generous. My sympathy goes out to the Drazen family..
Bruce Smyk
April 13, 2012
My condolences to the family. Bruce was a breath of fresh air in the community. I loved listening to him. He will be missed.
Lori Peterson
April 13, 2012
So warm and kind. Binghamton has lost a wonderful Man. A true hometown role model and movie star. We who seen the " Fashions For My Lady Show" and the action surrounding the show and store in its "hay day" are so blessed. DOWNTOWN WITHOUT BRUCE DRAZEN. LETS ERECT A STATUE IN NEW ROUND A BOUT. MAY HE REST IN PEACE.
Judy Aasa
April 12, 2012
Dear Rosaleen, Doug, Alex, and the entire Drazen Family: My condolences to all of you on Bruce's passing. He was always funny, kind and helpful while I worked in the law office upstairs. I remember him singing and laughing, and telling stories. Be comforted in knowing how much he loved all of you. Rest in Peace, Bruce.
Tilly Evagelatos Carbo
April 12, 2012
To the Drazen Family:
Please accept our deepest sympathy for your loss.
May all your wonderful memories bring you comfort. He touched many lives.
Our prayers and thoughts are with you.
April 12, 2012
my deepest sympathy to the drazen family.....mike grieco bainbridge,pa.
Michael Heslin
April 12, 2012
To the Drazen Family: My condolences on the death of Bruce, your father, grandfather, friend, companion, husband. Bruce filled many roles. He filled them well. Bruce also filled a role in the history of downtown Binghamton, Binghamton Central H.S. and yes even to the guys who went to St. Patrick's Academy, just down Oak St from Central. He will be missed no doubt about it. But through his children and grandchildren the legacy that was attached to the Drazen name will be carried on for the future generations. Bruce was a good man!
Bob Pflug Jr.
April 12, 2012
To the Drazen Family,all my condolences my mom just passed 2 weeks ago and her coates from the store are still in great condition.
Esther Gilinsky
April 12, 2012
Our condolences to the Drazen family.
Jordon and Esther(Brachin)Gilinsky and family
Jimmy Zervos
April 12, 2012
Doug and Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you. May your dad rest in peace, and shine down upon all of you.
April 12, 2012
Dear Alex and Family,
Our Heartfelt Sympathy to you at this time. May the wonderful memories of your Dad be enjoyed forever.
Michael and Colleen Mondolfi
Beverly Tittl
April 12, 2012
My condolences to the Drazen Family,
Bruce was such a strong and sweet man and will be greatly missed.We all have fond memories of him and will keep him in our hearts.
Dan Pratt
April 12, 2012
I didn't know Bruce personally but I remember watching him his first time on Drazen City of Fashion show in the 50s. I met him on an elevator in his building long after that and we had a laugh about how nervous he was back then. I also remembered, to his surprise,that his program durring the 50s was the longest running full length show in the United States at that time.
My condolences to his family.
He seemed to be a very nice person.
April 12, 2012
Dear Rosaleen and Family,
I worked for your family many years ago as a baby-sitter/mother's helper. You had 6 children then and Sean was 2. You and Bruce were very kind and treated me like family. I have always remembered my time with your family with great affection, and I am so very sorry for your great loss.
Dorothy Merite
Don, Marlene Hodgson
April 12, 2012
Douglas,Kristen and Cynthia Sorry to hear of the passing of your father and grandfather.He will always hold a very special place in all of your hearts. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
April 12, 2012
Dear Rosaleen,
Our deepest sympathy to you and your family. We remember the fun times, the bridge club and getting together at Vestal Hills for dinner and dancing. He was special.
Bobbi & David Hoefer
Naples, FL
Ralf
April 12, 2012
sincere condolences from ralf hesse ,berlin
I worked for bruce and the dracens from 1972-75
as a windowdresser fresh from berlin , and they became my "family " during this time.perhaps rosaleen rembers me. sorry for your loss,
Tammy Withrow
April 12, 2012
Rosaleen and family.... Lou and I will miss Bruce very much, he will always be that special "big brother" and friend........ Lou and Tammy
. Muscatello Families
April 12, 2012
Sincere condolences from the Muscatello families of Binghamton. May his memory be for a blessing to you all!
April 12, 2012
Rosaleen:
Deepest sympathies to you and the entire Drazen family on Bruce's passing. Remembering lots of fun times with one of our favorite people.
David & Chellie
Charlottesville, VA
April 12, 2012
Dear Rosaleen
We are so very sorry for your loss. We have many fond memories of Bruce both as Neighbors and working together for downtown Binghamton.
Our deepest sympaathies are with you and all your children.
Suzy & Barry Benjamin
University Park, Florida
Renee Ciancio
April 12, 2012
Dear Rosaleen ~
My deepest condolences to you and your family.
"Blessed are those who mourn; for they will be comforted." Matthew 5:4
April 12, 2012
My sincere condolences to the entire Drazen family. I have known Bruce, his parents and his family for many years. I had the distinct opportunity to work for Bruce and "Aunt" Sallie and "Aunt" Edie and his mother, Millie at "Drazen's City of Fashion" during and several years after college. I have such fond memories and a so many "laughs" while there. I enjoyed every minute of the time spent with Bruce and this wonderful family. I was especially happy to have spoken with Bruce via phone just a few short months ago. What a joy to hear his voice and to know that he was the same lovable, kind and delightful man I remember. Rest in peace, Bruce. You will be sorely missed.
Donna Rotella Bryan
Naples, FL
Tony Williams
April 12, 2012
To Doug, Melissa and Family, My condolences to all of you.May your memories bring you comfort.
CARMINE VARANO
April 12, 2012
DOUG, MY CONDOLENCES TO YOU & YOUR FAMILY FOR YOUR LOSS.
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