Bruce "Red" MAHLER

MAHLER, Bruce 'Red'
Bruce 'Red' Mahler, a longtime resident of Midtown Sacramento, died May 19 at his home. He was born on Long Island, New York to Herman Mahler and Geraldine Mahler (nee Martinez) on Jan. 17, 1954, the middle of five children.

Both sets of grandparents settled in New York City after the end of the first World War, fleeing economic depression in Germany and the 1918 flu in Puerto Rico; their children fled to the suburbs.

Bruce is survived by mother Geraldine Mahler of Woodbury, NY, his sisters Lindsay Nelsen of Litchfield, Maine, Lois Rathgeber of Gilgo Beach, NY, and Roberta Mahler of Huntington, NY; and his five nieces, two nephews, three step-nieces and three step-nephews and their many children; his aunt Lilly Martinez Neal, cousins Cindy Martinez, Roy Martinez and Paul Martinez. Bruce is predeceased by his older brother Stephen, who died of MS in 2009.

Mahler was a good, kind man, a fine wit ('How many Surrealists does it take to change a light bulb? Flying fish.'), and a good cook who enjoyed cooking for friends. An electrician by trade, he made his brother Stephen's house handicap accessible as his MS worsened. Mahler was a storytelling character and true fan in the Sacramento arts, music, and poetry scene. He was an enduring friend to many of the community's writers, teachers, and artists. A Mason, his interests were immense. One day he may have been taking in the latest NASCAR race to pull for favorite driver Jeff Gordon, the next contemplating the radical writings of leading American intellectuals. As a youngster, he was an attendee of the famed Woodstock music festival in 1969, and once had a backstage encounter with the legendary Jimi Hendrix.

He is deeply mourned and we will miss him. A memorial is planned for this Sunday, May 26, 2 pm, at The Streets of London Pub in Midtown at 1804 J St. Anyone who knew him is invited to speak or read. Donations in his honor may be made to Loaves and Fishes in Sacramento.