Bruce Gene Towne

Bruce Gene Towne, 76, of Colchester, Vermont, passed away on December 11, 2025, surrounded by his loving family after a long battle against pulmonary fibrosis. He was a devoted husband and father and lived his life in accordance with The Golden Rule. He was a pillar of strength, generosity, and love for his family. He was born on October 17, 1949, son of Eugene and Arlene Towne and was raised in Milton, Vermont.

Bruce graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy (Annapolis) in the class of 1971 where he excelled academically. After a grueling interview with Admiral H. Rickover, he was selected into the Nuclear Power Program, achieving the distinction of being the first Foreign Affairs major ever selected for that program and graduated at the top of his class. He proudly served as an officer on the nuclear submarine, John Adams. After leaving the Navy, he attended Champlain college and began his career as a Certified Public Accountant.

Family was extremely important to Bruce. He is survived by his wife of forty-four years, Kathleen Towne; sister: Pamela Towne (Steve Danaher); children: Carrie Hopkins (Brant), Liza Dates, Mac Dates, and Schuyler Towne (Amy); grandchildren: Eric and Nathan Roy, Alyssa Garcia, Andi and Moses Dates, Violet and Juniper Towne, and Tim and Josh Hopkins. He was predeceased by his sister, Patricia Ward.

He greatly enjoyed going out to breakfast with his many cousins and friends. He loved to play cards, and Mahjong, and the Army-Navy Game was a "must see". He was an avid reader and a deep thinker with a sharp wit. In spite of his illness, he considered himself a very lucky man.

Visiting hours will be from 4:00-7:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 11, 2026, at the Minor Funeral and Cremation Center, 237 Route 7 South, Milton, Vermont, and a service at the United Church of Milton will be conducted at 12:00 p.m on Monday, January 12, 2026. Ashes will be interred in the spring at Vermont Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery in Randolph, Vermont. The family would like to thank Dr. Prema Menon for her exceptional care, the McClure Miller Respite House, and the Hospice nurses for their care and kindness.