Bruce Steven Tiso

Bruce Steven Tiso, husband, father, grandfather, and friend to countless, died January 3, 2026. He was born December 20, 1953 in New Jersey, but has called Virginia home since the 1980s. While attending Greensboro College in North Carolina, he met Sallie Woodard and their love story carried them through life's adventures. They married in 1977 and had two sons, Ben and Tom, who made those adventures all the brighter.

Bruce was an elementary school teacher for 35 years, most of which were in Fairfax County at Kings Park Elementary School in Springfield, VA. He taught second and third grades with patience and kindness, inspiring children to want to learn and coworkers to emulate his joy and ability to make education fun.

Friendship came naturally to Bruce: a kind word, well-played practical joke, the offer of help no matter the situation. Moving furniture? His minivan seats were cleared out and space made. Snowy driveway? Nothing a shovel can't clear. Need steps for a patio? A quick trip to the store for some lumber, tools, and it was done. He never needed to be asked - he simply did. During the cold winter months, he showed up at the police station with boxes of hand warmers for officers. And in his own fight with cancer, he brought food platters to nurses.

Bruce was a faithful and longtime member of Burke United Methodist Church where he served as head usher, worked church security, sold Christmas trees, and became a Stephen minister, someone trained to provide support for those facing life's challenges, although it's likely he didn't need much training for he was always a natural listener and a comforting presence.

He found great camaraderie through sports throughout his life. He played softball for many years with Northern Virginia Senior Softball (NVSS) where he was also a manager, bowled with a church group, and coached soccer and basketball. He and a group of college friends traveled to every Major League Baseball stadium to watch a game - it took about 20 years, but it was a quest full of incredible memories. He also attended nearly every soccer and baseball game his grandchildren had.

His grandchildren. Though it's hard to imagine anyone could have made him prouder than his two sons, his grandchildren Lucy, Ellie, and Sebastian brought him a joy only grandkids can. As with teaching, he showed them patience and offered unwavering love and support. He was "Pops", their most ardent fan. He and Sallie packed their minivan with comfy lawn chairs and cheered on the sidelines from the days of half-field soccer games and tee-ball to competitive tournaments and travel baseball.

His love for Disney World grew through the magic his grandkids experienced as they met the princesses and characters for the first time. That was always a favorite destination, but his curiosity and love for people led him to journeys across oceans and continents, to tours throughout Europe and Japan. Italy was always special because he could combine his travel with his love for family history.

Family was always central and he cherished his. He and Sallie shared the love of a lifetime and he found no greater joy than holidays spent with family and friends. Perhaps the world has dimmed with his loss, but the joy of knowing him will continue to shine through all those he touched.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Burke United Methodist Church.

https://www.burkeumc.org/online-giving