Capt Bruce W. Pearce

1931 - 2023

Old Lyme - Captain Bruce W. Pearce, USMC (Ret.), age 91, went to his rest Saturday, June 10, 2023. Bruce was born in Flatbush, Brooklyn, N.Y., the first day of December 1931. He was one of six children born to Luna and Maurice Pearce.

Bruce enlisted in the United States Marine Corps at the age of 17 and was sent to fight in the Korean War. While there, he was with the 1st Marine Division in the infamous Battle of the Chosin Reservoir, an engagement legendary in the history of the Corps.

Upon returning home, he married the love of his life, Doris Jane Grimes of Waterford. Bruce served as a drill instructor at both the Parris Island and San Diego Recruit Depots. He was then commissioned as a second lieutenant. Marines who rise through the ranks from enlisted to officer are known as a "Mustang." He bore the designation proudly. He was deployed to Viet Nam and fought in the infamous Battle of Hue during the Tet Offensive. After 30 years in his beloved Corps, Bruce retired as a Captain. He and Doris settled in Old Lyme, to be near Doris' large family. He was a letter carrier in the USPS in Niantic, for 20 years.

Bruce loved his garden and having fires in his kitchen fireplace. He was an extraordinary and adventurous cook. Most of all, he loved entertaining folks in the front of the fire. Bruce was an extremely funny guy and was known for his ability to tell a good joke. Most of all, Bruce was kind, generous, and had a heart of gold. He was the very best father in the world.

He is predeceased by his wife Doris; and his daughter Susan Pearce Roper. He is survived by his daughter Nancy; and two grandchildren, Benjamin Bruce Shopper of Portland, Ore., and Rachel Susan Shopper of Asheville, N.C.

Bruce was a Marine to the end. "Semper Fidelis, Dad. . . . Always Faithful."

A graveside service with military honors will be held at 12:30 p.m. Friday, June 16, at Fountain Hill Cemetery, 57 High Street, Deep River. To sign the online guestbook, visit www.fultontherouxoldlyme.com.