ATHOL - Bruce V. Simula Sr., 58, of Pequoig Avenue, died unexpectedly on Saturday, June 23, 2012, at home after being stricken ill.
He was born in Athol, May 9, 1954, and grew up in Wendell. He was a 1972 graduate of Mahar Regional School in Orange.
He was the beloved son of Joyce Taylor Simula LaFountain of Athol; beloved father of Bruce Veikko Simula Jr. of Tampa, Fla.; beloved brother of Reikka B. Simula Gooden of Amherst; beloved uncle to Randy C. Lutz of Providence, R.I., Jack Perez of Ellington, Conn., Raymond Marrero of Manchester, Conn., and Millie Marrero of Brooklyn, N.Y., and a great uncle loved and adored by Jeremy Lutz of Providence, R.I. Bruce also leaves his uncle, Arthur L. Taylor of Rock Hill, S.C., and many cousins. Bruce's closest friend, Alan McDougal of Tennessee, will forever miss his buddy.
Bruce was predeceased by two sisters, Martha Siaz and Muriel Marrero.
Bruce was a Vietnam veteran who served in the Navy aboard the USS Missinnewa, touring Greece, France and Italy among other countries. After an honorable discharge, he was self-employed the remainder of his working years as a tree surgeon.
Bruce relocated to South Carolina for most of the 90s, returning to Massachusetts in 2004 to help care for his elderly mother. His return and care started with a month-plus surprise trip for his mother to Graceland and Mardi Gras, the dream trip of her life. He made sure his mother went on all tours of Graceland and saw every available part open to the public.
Bruce's daily presence in the lives of his mother and sister will be greatly and deeply missed.
His cooking at the family gatherings that included his mom, sister, niece, nephews and grandnephew will be missed.
Bruce loved Harley Davidsons, swap meets, and his pets, Fuzzy, Cookie and Fat Dog.
There were no calling hours.
A committal service, with military honors, was held at the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Winchendon.
Arrangements were under the direction of Witty's Funeral Home in Athol. One may sign the guest book online at:
www.wittyfuneralhome.comPublished by The Recorder from Aug. 22 to Aug. 24, 2012.