Bruce E. Massis

1948 - 2023

MASSIS--Bruce E. Bruce E. Massis was born in Bronx, NY and raised in Brooklyn. His early years cemented his lifelong love of the City. In his early teens he lived on New York's Lower East Side, playing music. He performed with several bands, playing such iconic venues as the Great Gildersleeves and CBGBs, sharing the stage with such greats as Blondie, the Velvet Underground and the New York Dolls. He enlisted in the Navy and served on a submarine, which sparked a lifelong passion for world travel that would continue throughout his life. Massis was known to family and friends as a Renaissance Man -- a brilliant thinker, author, poet, and musician. He will be remembered for his sense of humor and his quick wit. His life as an artist and writer continued as he also went on to earn a Master's degree in Library Sciences from Queens College and a 2nd Master's in English from Adelphi University. Massis served as playwright-in-residence at the Provincetown Playhouse, penning multiple scripts and was the author of several volumes of poetry, professional volumes, and columns. His library training was put to use initially working at the Jewish Guild for the Blind providing books on tape for the visually impaired, and most notably, heading up In Touch Networks, a service providing news and information over the JGB's radio station. 20+ years there led him to become involved with the International Federation of Library Associations (IFLA), requiring extensive international networking and travel, solidifying long-term friendships around the globe. Massis served as Assistant Director, Brooklyn Public Library and Associate Director, Southeast Florida Library Information Network, before retiring as Director of Libraries for Columbus State Community College (Columbus, Ohio). He also served as the CSCC Accreditation Liaison Officer and as a peer reviewer/consultant for the Higher Learning Commission. He is survived by his wife and companion of 29 years, Traci Aquara, children, Colette Massis, Simone Massis, Heather Massis Hendricks (Brian), Eric Massis (Nicole), grandchildren, Olivia Hendricks, Cole Hendricks, Ronin Royer, sister, Sheryl Massis Sanchez (Juan), plus an infinite cadre of friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Louis Massis and Paula (nee Cooper) Handler. A celebration of life is planned under the Brooklyn Bridge in Summer 2023.