Bruce Robert Phelps II

1944 - 2018

Bruce Robert Phelps, II, 74, passed away peacefully Sunday, September 2, 2018 at Hughes Health & Rehabilitation in West Hartford after a long but brave battle with Lewy Body Dementia and Parkinson's disease. His beloved wife, Marie (Malentacchi) Phelps was at his side. Born March 16, 1944 in Hartford, son of the late Stuart and Alice (Mitchell) Phelps, he had lived in New Hartford for the past 48 years, formerly of Canton. Bruce attended high school at St. Peter's School in Peekskill, NY, where he was Senior Prefect. He was nicknamed "Farmer" by his classmates. He was drafted into the U. S. Army, serving in the Vietnam War 1964 - 1965 as a Military Policeman. Bruce was a Maintenance Mechanic 1 in the Engineering Department of St. Francis Hospital's North Campus for 35 years, retiring in 2010. Bruce was a member of the Pleasant Valley United Methodist Church serving on the Board of Trustees and the Memorial Garden Committee for many years. He was the "Master Bean Maker" for their famous Bean Hole Suppers and would often cut firewood for the bean pit fire. He was a Volunteer Fireman for the Southend Dept. and was active in local youth sports including baseball and soccer. Bruce was an antique restorer and dealer and had enjoyed rock hounding in his youth, spending time outdoors fishing, camping and gardening, was a fan of the Boston Red Sox, NY Giants, and UConn Huskies. He was always willing to lend a helping hand or ear to anyone who asked. He was a wonderful teacher, power of example and a friend to many. In addition to his loving wife, Marie of almost 49 years, he is survived by his son Ryan E. Phelps of Canton; his step-daughter, Laurie D. Spruill and her family of Enfield; his brother, Stuart E. Phelps and his wife Ann Ellen of Belfast, ME; his aunt, Nina Mitchell of Manassas, VA; his mother-in-law, Margaret W. Malentacchi of Canton; his grandsons, Joel R. Phelps and Eli R. Phelps along with nieces, nephews, and other family members. Bruce was predeceased by his daughter, Christine A. Phelps. We want to thank the entire staff and caregivers at Hughes Health & Rehab for their loving and nurturing care of Bruce and for always being there for the family. We are also grateful to the Hospice team at Masonicare for their end-of-life care. There are no calling hours. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, September 15, 2018 at 1 P.M. at the Pleasant Valley United Methodist Church, 93 River Road, RT 181, Pleasant Valley, with a reception to follow. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, 200 Executive Blvd., Suite 4B, Southington, CT 06489 or to the American Parkinson's Disease Association, P. O. Box 718, Old Mystic, CT 06372. Please visit Bruce's "Book of Memories" at www.vincentfuneralhome.com for online tributes.