Bruce Gerald Willbrant

Willbrant Bruce Gerald Sept. 7, 1938 - Oct. 12, 2023 Mr. Bruce Gerald Willbrant, of Audubon, PA, passed away on Thursday, October 12, 2023, shortly after celebrating his 85th birthday. Born on September 7, 1938, the son of the late Willis and Grace (Prescott) Willbrant, he graduated from Pittsfield High School in 1956 and later earned his bachelor's degree in civil engineering from WPI in 1960. Bruce worked his entire career in the railroad industry. He began working immediately after college as an engineering assistant for the New York Central Railroad and progressively took on supervisory and management responsibilities as his career progressed in working for the Penn Central Railroad, Conrail, and Amtrak. He retired as Chief Engineer responsible for the maintenance of tracks, signals, bridges, and buildings. He also served as president of the American Railway Engineering Association (AREA) in 1996 and as an officer for the American Railway Engineering and Maintenance-of-Way Association (AREMA). He retired after 47 years of dedicated service to railroading. Among many things, he enjoyed woodworking which included making furniture, clocks, and toys for family. He also was a Corvette enthusiast owning and showing several models over the years. He had a keen interest in gardening, especially cultivating a wide variety of roses. He was an avid sports fan, passionately watching his Phillies and Eagles. Most of all, he enjoyed being in the presence of family. Bruce is survived by his wife of 64 years, the former Sandra Hagen; his children, Gerald Willbrant and wife Margaret of Walpole, NH; Wendy Willbrant and partner Daniel Wright of Collegeville, PA; grandchildren Andrew Willbrant and wife Angela of East Brookfield, MA, and Joel Willbrant and wife Emily of Kingston, MA; and great-grandchildren Audrey, Theodore, and Morgan. Besides his parents, Bruce was predeceased by his brother, Robert Willbrant. Funeral services for Mr. Bruce Gerald Willbrant will be Friday, October 27, 2023, at 1 P.M. at the DWYER-WELLINGTON FUNERAL HOME in Pittsfield, 220 East St., Pittsfield, MA 01201. Burial will follow in Pittsfield Cemetery. Calling hours at the funeral home will be directly prior to the service, from 11 A.M. to 1 P.M. In lieu of flowers, donations in Bruce's memory can be made to the charity of one's choice. Please visit www.dwyerfuneral.com to leave condolences and remembrances.