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Bruce Bray Obituary
AGE: 43 • Brick
Bruce W. Bray Jr., 43, of Brick, passed away Monday, June 13, 2011, at the Hartwyck at Oak Tree LTC in Edison. Born in Belleville, he lived in Toms River, Lakewood and most of his life in Brick. He was a 1986 graduate of Brick High School. He owned Bruce Bray Magic and has performed magic for over 35 years. He performed in many schools, birthday parties and entertained at family events throughout NJ. He was known as New Jersey's Premier Children's magician. He was a member of the KIDaborah Magicians of the U.S. and the KGB. One of his biggest thrills was to perform at the Easter Egg Roll at the White House, where he met President and Mrs. George W. Bush. His greatest love was to spend time in Mexico.
He was predeceased by his father, Bruce W. Bray Sr., in 2002. Surviving are his mother, Jean Reppin Bray; three brothers and spouses, Scott Bray and Kim, Randy Bray and Jamie, Danny Bray and Amanda; a sister, Dawn and Leo Pintos, all of Brick; one nephew, Daniel Bray Jr.; and four nieces, Lindsey, Sarah, and Rory Bray and Naia Pintos. He is also survived by many aunts, uncles, cousins and his best friend, William Ford.
Funeral services were private at the convenience of the family. A celebration of Bruce's life will be held at a later date. Arrangements are under the direction of Quinn-Hopping Funeral Home, 26 Mule Road, Toms River. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.quinn-hoppingfh.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Bruce Bray
Rebecca Coviello
June 9, 2025
Miss you... happy Heavenly birthday my friend:)
Anthony DeMaio
June 9, 2025
Hard to believe it´s been 14 years!! Still missed everyday.
Jeanne
June 9, 2024
Bruce, I think of you often! The Adoption poem you penned for me still hangs on my stairway wall, a reminder of your thoughtfulness. Still miss you and love you!
Aunt Jeanne
Mom
June 9, 2024
Love and miss you always.
Love, mom
Rebecca Coviello
June 9, 2022
I miss you every day! Always will...
Anthony DeMaio
June 9, 2020
I remember the summer going into our sophomore year in high school. We flew to Florida and spent the week in Fort Lauderdale and Walt Disney World. Great time, great memories. Bruce you are still missed and remembered. Thoughts and prayers to you and your family.
Rebecca Coviello
June 9, 2020
Always & forever... I miss you every day! I thank God often for your life and friendship!
Rebecca Coviello
Literacy Festival, Bruce and I april 2010
Lisa Rizziello
January 21, 2012
Today is Jan. 21st...soon you will be at rest where you always wished to be...in Tulum Mexico... Miss you very much... love always.... Lisa Rizziello
Jean Bray
December 31, 2011
Hi Bruce,
Happy Birthday! I miss you so much. You will always be with me in my heart.
Love always, Mom
Chris Voeglie
December 28, 2011
As an old friend from school and from playing soccer with his younger brother I knew Bruce when he just started his magic. We would practice our magic together. I lost touch with Bruce and his wonderful family. I was shocked when I learned of his paasing this evening. I just want to say what a gift he was to all of us who had the pleasure of spending time with him.
Robert Del Presto
December 14, 2011
We had the pleasure of Bruce preforming at several of our family events. He was a true professional
September 16, 2011
Dear Jean,
I am so sorry to learn today of the loss of your son Bruce. My heartfelt sympathy to you and all of your family and those who knew and loved Bruce.
Marion Ross Morrone
Lisa Margherita-Salay & Family
September 11, 2011
Bruce filled a room with wonder, excitement and smiles! He was a fabulously gifted and vibrant person who may not have even known the extent of his reach. Bruce was kind enough to perform for my son Robby's 4th birthday at my home June 2009 and every one of the 50+ guests were sheerly delighted!
My heart goes out to his family, his best friend Bill, but especially to his Mom. Thank you for allowing us to have met such a wonderful person.
God Bless,
Yosi Levin
August 30, 2011
Bruce was simply the best entertainer & the first on my referal list. His warmth, humor and humanity was his true magic. My deepest condolences.
Stephanie Adams
August 30, 2011
I used to be a preschool teacher for Goddard School and have seen Bruce perform many times, in addition to a few birthday parties. My son adored him, as did I and the many children that I have taught over the years. My son still asks to watch his "video" of he and Bruce performing a trick on stage at a birthday party. A memory to truly cherish. Bruce will be greatly missed.
July 2, 2011
We were all so sad to hear about Bruce. We send our condolences to you Jean and your family. Our thoughts and prayers for you and your family. Deepest Sympathy....The Bennett Family
AJ
June 29, 2011
Bruce will be remember forever, I will Cherish the memories that we created together. He will alway hold a special place in my heart. May you Rest In Peace. All my love.
Mojitos' in Cancun
June 24, 2011
Howard & Shara Cohen
June 23, 2011
Our condolences to the Bray family. As a fellow magician, I met Bruce over 20 years ago and I spent some time with him talking magic. He also performed for my oldest daughter at her birthday party on more than one occassion. Our thoughts and prayers are with you
June 22, 2011
Bruce,
“I’ll love you forever,
I’ll miss you for always,
as long as I’m living
my baby you’ll be.”
Until I see you again,
Love, Mom
Liz & Femi Palmer Tutor Time
June 21, 2011
Bruce brought a lot of laughter and joy to many children and adults alike at Tutor Time for 10 years. You are forever part of Tutor Time history and we can never think of Summer Camp without thinking of you! Sleep tight in peace as we will hold dear, memories of you and your wonderful talent forever. Our prayers remain with the entire family! We love you all dearly!
Olga Urbanowicz
June 20, 2011
Our deepest condolences to all of Bruce's family and friends from the staff at the Spotswood Public Library.
Bruce entertained numerous groups of childrren here over the years. He was a delight to work with and we miss him very much.
Butch Cortez
June 19, 2011
Thank you my friendf or the time you gave me, for the magic you showed me for letting my clown have some magic in its life.Thank you for sharing your family with me ,I had a few good summers at the campground with them. I will be here for your family.My you rest peacefully and give us some magic once more in our memories.I will miss you my friend. Jean I am here for you and the family.I remember how you all made me smile! Now its my time to return it!!!! Lemonade
June 19, 2011
My heartfelt condolences go out to the entire Bray family. I was very saddened to hear about Bruce and my thoughts and prayers are with your entire family during this difficult time.
Cathy Ford(wife of Jack from JFK Hartwyck)
Peter Pereira
June 18, 2011
Bruce was one of my favorite people through high school. I regret losing contact with such a great guy after moving west. The fun times we had on Ski trips to Vermont, to four wheeling our goofy trucks, to pool hopping late nights in Bay Head. I wish I was reminiscing with him as opposed to an obituary. Bruce always new how to make you laugh. Was always giving. You will be missed my friend. My condolences to Jean and Family...
Peter Pereira (Brick High)
Don Alemany
June 18, 2011
My condolences to the Bray family. Bruce was a great entertainer. He will be missed.
The Zaubermeister of Illusions
June 18, 2011
Time passed but we will always remember you as you advanced in Magic. We remember the time you came to the Magic Wand and Gene DeTone had you as a Student in Magic. Then you worked with me there. We had good times together.
you will be missed.
Peter, Maggie, Gabriele, Susanne, Peter & Familiy
Jean Bray
June 17, 2011
Bruce,
Forever in my heart. I love you, Mom
Kimberly Salgado (Leo's little sister)
June 17, 2011
You will be missed by many, Bruce! May you rest in peace and make all the children in heaven smile & laugh, just as you did here on earth.
Susan M
June 16, 2011
What a shock and very sad. Bruce was a fabulous and memorable performer. Very nice too! The world will miss him. Susan, Matawan, NJ
Gordon Frank
June 16, 2011
The Lakewood Lions Club would like to send our condolences to the Bray family. We had the good fortune of having Bruce entertain the kids with his magic at our Renaissance Faire for a couple of years. He will be missed.
M Santiago
June 16, 2011
I was very saddened by the news. Bruce Bray was a fantastic magician that brought humor to many students in NJ. He made adults and children laugh alike.
Keansburg, NJ
Lea Yager
June 16, 2011
So sad to hear the news. Bruce was a true fighter. I never had the pleasure to meet him but my husband was a patient in the brain trauma unit also. My deepest sympathy goes out to his family and friends and those who helped to keep his spirits up during his fight.
Allan Zuckerman
June 16, 2011
Bruce always lived life at maximum altitude. When I met him he was about 20....and 10 years later he turned 20 again. It was like he lived the best part of life twice... I always admired his strong sense of self, desire to have fun, and his enjoyment of the people and toys around him. It was all part of the fantastic life he created.
Ricky Moore
June 16, 2011
Bruce,
You will forever remain in my heart. You always kept a smile on your face and you made it contagious. May God bless you and your family in this time of loss and sorrow.
Valerie Frost-Lewis
June 15, 2011
Bruce lit up The Peppermint Tree every time he performed at our summer camp...which was every summer! He is dearly missed. He brought so much fun and laughter and excitement every time he did his show for us. And, always such a nice guy to work with. My condolences to the Bray family. Valerie Frost-Lewis, Peppermint Tree, Toms River
BARBARA MALINAK
June 15, 2011
JEAN, I WAS SO SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT BRUCE. HE WAS A VERY SPECIAL MAN AND WILL BE MISSED BY ALL WHO WERE LUCKY TO KNOW HIM. WE WILL KEEP YOU AND THE FAMILY IN OUR PRAYERS. CALL IF YOU NEED ANYTHING AT ALL. LOVE AND MISS YOU. BARB MALINAK AND FAMILY.
Andrea Carlucci
June 15, 2011
There hasn't been a day I haven't thought about Bruce and there won't be a day that I forget him. He truly was a wonderful person and performer. He was awesome with the kids and the kids just loved him. He made me laugh all the time whenever I was around him. Bruce will truly be missed, but now he doesn't have to fight anymore!! My heart goes out to the Bray family!
Carrie Ann Farro (Armstrong)
June 15, 2011
Bruce was a force to be reckoned with. I found that out in high school. I was in the Drama Club and we put together a Lip Sync Contest. He asked me if I had an Emcee. I said I didnt know I needed one. He said, "Ok, I'll do it. We want this thing to be good." Suffice to say, he was hysterical! He made that show a rounding success! Afterwards, he said, "So, still think that you didnt need an Emcee?" I said that I would never question him again and I didnt. He was a kind, gentle soul that I was blessed to know. God Bless you my friend.
Todd McKinney
June 15, 2011
I can't still can't believe you are gone Bruce! While I'm sad that you are gone, I'm happy that you don't have to suffer anymore. I'll think of you everytime I perform PB&J
Barbara Plant
June 15, 2011
Jean and family,
Rick and I are so sorry for your loss. Bruce touched the lives of so many through his magic. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you during this most difficult time.
Michael Mode
June 15, 2011
I first met Bruce at the Kidabra Convention in Tennessee. Such a kind soul who made everybody feel like a friend. Bruce was one of the good guys and is gone much too soon. RIP, my friend.
Ken Scott
June 15, 2011
I will miss Bruce dearly. He was a huge part of our life's.
Love you my friend.
Ken Scott
June 15, 2011
We are deeply saddened by this loss. He was definately gone too soon! Bruce will be remembered by the smiles and laughter he brought to so many. The Mylott's, Toms River, NJ
Sally Miller
June 15, 2011
Bruce was a wonderful magician and very entertaining. My family saw him perform a few times for our SEPAC Family Nights. Everyone loved him and looked forward to seeing him every time. We're sad for your loss.
Debra Brown
June 15, 2011
Dear Dan, Randy and Family,
You are all in my prayers. My condolences to all!
Debra Brown
Barby Menna
June 15, 2011
Bruce and I graduated together. Bruce had such an alive spirit and always made me laugh. I remember going to the magic shop to see him. During Mr. G's italian class we had to take a commercial and translate it in Italian. Bruce, Joe Cap. and I decided to do the Bud Light commercial with the flaming spear. Well Bruce ignited it and we couldn't put it out. Mr. G had to run down the hallway to the restroom to put the fire out. We had the whole class in a hysterical uproar. Bruce will be missed dearly as he has touched hearts everywhere. God will take good care of him. God rest his soul and my blessings to all Bruce's family and close friends. Amen.
Diane Rome
June 15, 2011
Our heartfelt condolences to the entire Bray family.We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers. I will always remember all the good times and laughs we had at the Magic Wand. Such a great loss, but we will all meet again.
the Rome Family...Diane,Dennis,Dennis Jr.& Bill
Anthony DeMaio
June 15, 2011
Bruce was a highschool classmate, a good friend, and a great human being. He will truly be missed. My condolocences to his family and friends. Anthony DeMaio (Brick, NJ)
June 15, 2011
Indeed, a bright light has gone out for such was Bruce, especially when he was performing. He brought energy and just plain fun into my classroom everyday. My deepest condolences to the Bray family and his friends. I am so grateful our paths crossed along the way.....
~Lynn Johnstone (Logan) Leonard, retired BTHS
June 15, 2011
Bruce was a high school classmate, a good friend, and a great human being. He will truly be missed. My condoloences to his family and friends. Anthony DeMaio (Brick, NJ)
Phyllis Visone
June 15, 2011
The Staff of Home Away From Home Academy sends their heartfelt condolences to everyone. Bruce was a big part of our "Mommy and Me" Event for 10 years. It brought smiles and laughter to all of the children and their families. We will miss him dearly. Heaven has the best magician and the most wonderful person now. Phyllis & Carmine Visone
Ted Garrigana Jr
June 15, 2011
Very sorry for your loss. Our condolences to the family.
Renee, Ted & the Garrigana family.
Mary Koeppel
June 15, 2011
Bruce performed at my son's 8th birthday party some 10 years ago now. He was wonderful – not just a fabulous magician and performer, but a genuinely nice guy. I'm so very sorry to hear of his passing.
June 15, 2011
until we meet again my friend. Thank you for the laughs and great memories
Rebecca Coviello
June 15, 2011
I will forever remember you... I will always love you.
I will treasure our great friendship everytime I see the stars in the sky.
Love always,
Becky "JB" Coviello
John Carlson
June 15, 2011
Today I performed at a preschool graduation where Bruce and I performed many times over the past few years. I dedicated the show to Bruce explaining that my good friend passed away. There was not a dry eye from any of the teachers. They all loved him.
We all will miss you Bruce.
Jo Ann and Casey Gryszkiewicz
June 15, 2011
We are so sorry for your loss. Bruce was a wonderful man who touched many lives. May your always remember the joy he has brought into this world.
Jeanne Gentili
June 14, 2011
Bruce touched the lives of many, spreading laughter and wonder. May his magical memories live on in our hearts forever!
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