Bruce James MacLain

1944 – 2044

Bruce James MacLain, 79, of Whitesboro, NY, passed away on Saturday, March 30, 2024, from complications of congestive heart failure.

Bruce was born on August 8, 1944, in Potsdam, NY, to mother, Beatrice Smith MacLain and father, James William MacLain. He grew up in Clinton, NY and graduated from Clinton High School, Class of 1962. Bruce received a Bachelor of Science Degree from Utica College of Syracuse University, a University of the State of New York Teaching Certificate in Mathematics and Business Education and a Master of Business Administration Degree from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Mr. MacLain taught mathematics at Whitesboro High School for 31 years. During this tenure, he served as chair of the Mathematics Department and faculty advisor to the student Mathletics Team. He also was an adjunct instructor, of various subjects, at both MVCC and Utica University. Bruce met his wife, Catherine Torchia, of Frankfort, NY, when she was a student teacher at Whitesboro High School in 1970. They were married in August of 1971 and maintained a loving and devoted union for 53 years. He will be remembered by his students as a strong supporter of women in STEM and by his friends and colleagues for his booming voice and unique sense of humor.

Bruce was an active member of the community, dedicating several decades to the St. Francis DiPaola Society of Frankfort, NY and the Optimist International chapters of both Whitestown and New York Mills, NY. As an Optimist, he played an integral role in district and local activities that benefited both the organization and the education and well-being of area youth.

In addition to supporting the advancement of youth, Bruce enjoyed NASCAR racing, camping, spending time with his granddaughters and tinkering with automobiles on Saturday mornings with his Y.A.S.M.A.C. family. He was a classic car aficionado, owning many throughout his life and always said his favorite color was chrome.

Mr. MacLain is survived by his wife, Catherine, Whitesboro; son and daughter-in-law, James and Kelly MacLain, of Hernando, MS; daughter and son-in-law, Meghan and George Bauer, of South Windsor, CT; daughter, Merideth MacLain, of Albany, NY; six cherished granddaughters, Michaela, Emily and Regan MacLain, of Hernando, MS and Paige, Eden and Summer Bauer, of South Windsor, CT; and several nieces, nephews, in-laws and Godchildren.

He was predeceased by his parents, James and Beatrice MacLain; and sister, Charlotte Wilsey.

Mr. MacLain's Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, April 6, 2024 at 3:00 PM at R.P. Heintz Funeral Service, Inc., 10 East Park Row, Clinton. Relatives and friends are invited to call, at the funeral home, from 1-3 PM, prior to the service. Interment in Sunset Hill Cemetery, Clinton will take place at the convenience of the family.

Mr. MacLain's family would like to thank the staff at the Katherine Luther Residential Health Care & Rehabilitation Center, in Clinton, NY, where he received excellent and compassionate care.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made, in his memory, to the Optimist International Foundation.