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Bruce Draper Obituary
Bruce Draper, 68, beloved husband, father, grandfather, son, and brother, was
called home to the Lord on October 25, 2022, after a short but valiant fight with glioblastoma. He was born to Jeanette and the late J. Donald Draper on July 18, 1954, in
Wilmington, DE.
Before graduating from the University of Delaware with a degree in engineering, Bruce married his high school sweetheart, Dorothy Ferenc. He went on to attend Princeton University Graduate School for electrical engineering. Bruce worked at Sandia National Laboratories for 42 years, where he was named Distinguished Member of the Technical Staff, specializing in microelectronics. He retired in 2019, giving him more time to pursue his wide-ranging interests in amateur radio, guitar, volleyball, dog agility training, and biking. He left an incredible legacy as a mentor to many, a loyal friend, and our fiercely dedicated patriarch.
Bruce is survived by his mother, Jeanette; sister, Barbara and her husband, Steve Sylvester; wife of 46 years, Dorothy; 3 daughters, Alison and husband, John Cummings, Bryn and husband, Craig Hauquitz, and Catie and husband, Ken Kraper; and 13 grandchildren, whom he dearly loved.
Bruce's family invites you to join us for a funeral Mass on Friday, November 4, at Prince of Peace Catholic Community at 11:00
a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Watermelon Mountain Ranch Animal Rescue or charity of choice. Please visit our online guestbook for Bruce at www.FrenchFunerals.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Bruce Draper
Kathy Talbert Greear
October 26, 2023
On this solemn anniversary I pray your family has found peace in the amazing memories that you all created. Thinking of you, Kathy Talbert
Ramona Price Sandoval
December 1, 2022
He was my first love in elementary. His Dad teased me all the time. This makes me very sad. He was a good person.
Kathy Greear
November 4, 2022
So glad to have seen you at the reunion this summer. My sincerest condolences to the family.
Jerry and Liz Burns
November 4, 2022
Dear Dorothy and family,
I´m so sorry for your loss. It makes me sad for you and your family to know that especially your grandkids won´t get to grow up with their grandpa. Lots of love and prayers
Jerry and Liz Burns (the Burns boys - La Mesa Elementary)
Cindy McCloskey Stafford
November 3, 2022
Dorothy, I am sorry to hear of Bruce´s passing. So many times I wished I had reached out to him. I had remembered his birthday every year, and let it slip by without a card or thought. I wish I could say I am sorry. May your family carry you at this trying time.
Please give my sympathy to his mother and sister. Remembering hearing good music coming from his home from his fathers records.
Cindy McCloskey Stafford
Patricia Kline Harker
November 2, 2022
Dorothy, I am so sorry for your loss. I pray you find peace in your children, grandchildren, and all your fabulous memories. Thoughts and prayers with you and your family!
Dave Dziubczynski
November 2, 2022
"Grief is the price we pay for Love"
- - Queen Elizabeth II
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Memorial Events
for Bruce Draper
How to support Bruce's loved ones
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The Five Stages of Grief
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Read moreWays to honor Bruce Draper's life and legacy
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