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Bruce Stearns Obituary
Rev. Bruce H. Stearns passed away on March 6, 2011 at the age of 88 after a brief illness. Bruce was born on June 11, 1922 in Syracuse NY to Rev. Harold George Stearns and Ruth Sampson. He had five siblings; Warren, Paul, Lois (Conti), Dorothy (Marks), and Anne (Blodgette), and was married to Faye Jackson for 51 years. He attended Syracuse University for a year before enrolling in the US Army Air Force where he served as a B24 co-pilot 2nd Lt. in the 15th Air Force 450th Bomb Group in Italy during WWII. After the war he attended Hamilton College and Union Theological Seminary in NY. Rev. Stearns was a 3rd generation Methodist minister who preached for over 40 years in the Central NY Conference, including churches in Buffalo, Hornell and Newfield. He retired in 1989 to his boyhood home of Elmira NY. Bruce loved sports, particularly football, basketball and golf; both as a participant and spectator. He also loved music and played the flute and guitar.
He is survived by his brother Warren, sisters Dorothy and Anne; children: Pam (Edward) Shaw, Dennis (Martha), Sue (Paul) Gardner, Wesley (Jenny); nine grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
He is predeceased by his wife Faye (2/18/02), sister Lois (10/5/05) and brother Paul (2/9/10).
A small family funeral and burial is planned. For further information please visit:
http://www.valleyoflife.com/?relative/index/&1531
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Bruce Stearns
6 Entries
Donna Clark
April 4, 2011
I am very sad to hear of Rev. Stearns.He was a very kind person and helped my mother and our family in our trying times. He will be missed.. He is with our Lord and is watching over us
Sally & Ron Clayton
March 17, 2011
Bruce and Faye were very special people in our lives. We first met at the Newfield UMC when the choir was singing "I'll Fly Away" and they joined us right away. We have many happy memories of them through church, barbershopping and camp. May God comfort their family.
Chuck Osmin
March 13, 2011
I remember Rev. Stearns both as a pastor and as a substitute teacher. I remember him as a man who was deeply concerned with the youth of Park Methodist Church and who was always in great humor. He will be missed.
March 13, 2011
We are sadened to hear of Rev. Stearns passing. He married us in 1974 in the new church at Webbs crossing road. May the Lord keep his family in His hands Don and Joanne Kenyon. Columbia, SC
Chuck Difasi
March 13, 2011
So sorry to hear of Bruce's passing. He and Faye were great neighbors, and will be greatly missed. My deepest Sympathy to Dennis, Pam, Sue, and Wesley and your families.
Dave Williams
March 13, 2011
I remember Reverend Stearns from Park United Methodist Church when the church was at the edge of Union Park in Hornell, NY. Late 60's and early 70's. May all who mourn find comfort in the knowledge that he was a good man and goes to the place that Christ prepared for him.
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