Robert Joseph Bruchie

CAMBRIDGE - Robert Joseph Bruchie, of Stuart, Fla. and Cambridge, passed away Sept. 21, 2016, at the home of his daughter and son-in-law in Thurmont. Born Dec. 18, 1928 in Washington, D. C., he was the son of the late Charles Joseph and Rose Feaga Bruchie of Silver Springs. He served in the Civilian Defense in the District of Columbia during WWII, was a graduate of Fishburne Military Academy, attended George Washington University, and served four years in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Meredith as a Radarman during the Korean War, where he received the Navy Occupation Service Medal and Europe Clasp. Bob had a farm in Mt. Airy, where he share cropped, raised beef cattle and horses. He was also a licensed private pilot and certified scuba diver. After retiring he moved to a farm in Cambridge where he enjoyed boating, hunting and fishing. He was initially employed by C&P Telephone Co. in Washington, D.C. as a central office switchman, and retired from AT&T Co. as a supervisor in Government Communications in 1982 with 33 years of service. He was a Life Member of The National Rifle Association of America, American Legion Post 91, Cambridge VFW Post 7460, Potomac Masonic Lodge F.A.A.M. Washington, D.C., Scottish Rite of Freemasonry in Frederick and Baltimore, and the Telephone Pioneers of America. He was a patron of the Maryland Saltwater Sportfishing Association. He is survived by his children, Robin and Allen Haines, Thurmont, and Chris E. Bruchie, Mt. Airy; grandchildren, James Robert Bruchie, Mt. Airy, Drs. Bryan and Lili Haines, Thurmont, and Scott Haines, Emmitsburg; one great-grandson, Ethan Z. Haines, who loved his GG; his sister, Mrs. Janet Wallace, Biglerville, Pa.; and nephews, Kirk Grander, Texas and Kent Grander, Ellicott City; also survived by his beloved friend and companion, Arlene Carlton. Private memorial services will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Frederick Alzheimer's Association, 108 Byte Dr. #103, Frederick, MD or National Multiple Sclerosis Society, P.O. Box 4527, New York, NY 10163.