Bruce W. Detlef

 Bruce Wayne Detlef, born on October 4, 1949, in Queens, NY, passed away on August 20, 2025, in Syracuse, NY. He leaves behind a legacy marked by a dedication to the people he interacted with throughout his life.

Bruce's educational journey began at Butler High School, where he graduated in 1967. He furthered his academic pursuits at William Patterson College, earning his bachelor’s degree in 1971.

Bruce began his career as a teacher at Pearl Miller School, but soon recognized that teaching was not his true calling. He transitioned to the transportation industry by obtaining his Commercial Driver's License (CDL), which marked the start of a fulfilling career. Over a span of 13 years, he was employed by Ultra Mar Petroleum before transferring to APA Transport, where he dedicated 17 years. Following the closure of APA Transport, he retired from New Penn Motor Express in 2000. His retirement life brought him to Cape Cod. On the Cape he worked part time at the Wellfleet Transfer Station until relocating to Syracuse in 2021.

Bruce, known affectionately by his CB handle as, "The Batman" by his trucker friends, was a people person at heart. He made many good friends along the way, including James Nowicki and Michael Noe, his best friends since grammar school, his trucker friends, the Cape Cod Dunkin coffee group led by him and Mike Rice, the COPD group and so many more!

He is survived by his wife, Ann Detlef; son, Chris Bruce (Courtney) Detlef; grandchildren, Thomas Wayne and Alexander; sister, Diane Lambert; sister-in-law, Judy (Ken) Kishtok; nieces, Becky (Barry) Carrigan and Emily (Chris) Arnold; and nephews, Jeff (Deanna) Lambert and Mark (Daniella) Lambert. Bruce was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Corinne (Needhammer) Detlef; and brothers-in-law, Harry Lambert and James P. Nowicki.

Visitation and memorial services will be held at New Comer Cremations & Funerals, located at 705 N Main St, Syracuse, NY 13212, on September 6, 2025. The visitation will commence at 2PM and conclude at 3PM, followed by a memorial service at 3PM.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bruce's memory to, Hospice of CNY.

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Bruce will be remembered for his dedication to family and the many people he interacted with.

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