Bruce McCloskey

1920 - 2014

McCloskey, R. Bruce MD Physician and Foxhunter On August 23, R. Bruce McCloskey, MD passed away peacefully at the age of 94 after a long and rewarding life. His charisma and sense of humor were present to the end. Bruce was born on May 6, 1920 in Fort Dodge, Iowa and grew up with his parents, Percival Joseph and Vallie Viola Hunter Storm McCloskey and his older sister Florence in Newton, Iowa. He graduated from Newton High School and received his undergraduate and medical degrees from the University of Iowa. Following his internship he repaid his military obligation by serving in the U.S. Army operating an eye, ear, nose and throat clinic in Manila, the Philippines. Discharged with the rank of Captain, he returned to the U.S. and completed his residency in otolaryngology at the University of Michigan in 1953. He moved to St. Louis where he became a prominent member of the medical community with a busy practice specializing in diseases of ear, nose, and throat. A longtime resident of Webster Groves he served two terms on the City Council, initially driven to do so by his opposition to a local ordinance banning the stabling of horses. During his early years in St. Louis he undertook specialized training in plastic surgery, head and neck procedures and facial reconstruction. He did this by way of advanced courses in Miami, New York and Austria. He served as President, Lutheran Medical Center in 1976; was recognized in 1979 for 25 years of teaching at St. Louis University Hospital; and, he was recognized in 1974 for 20 years of service with St. Joseph's Hospital in Kirkwood. Bruce became an avid horseman and foxhunter in the early 1960's and was an active member of the Bridlespur Hunt with colors awarded in 1967. In 1981 he became a charter member and co-master of the Meramec Valley Hunt and served as the Great Plains Representative for the Masters of Foxhounds Association Board of Directors from 1993 to 1998. His marriage to Lois Carol Heckman ended in divorce, as did his marriage to Laura Ann Moore. Bruce leaves four children from his first marriage: Patricia McCloskey Richards (Joseph, III) of Marshall, VA; Terrence Allen McCloskey (Gabina) of St. Petersburg, FL; Douglas Owen McCloskey (Julie) of Town and Country, MO; and, Mark McCloskey (Patricia) of St. Louis. He is preceded in death by his eldest child, Robert Bruce McCloskey, Jr. who died in 1971. Contributions may be made to the Masters of Foxhounds Association Foundation, PO Box 363, Millwood, VA 22646. Services: A viewing will be held on Monday, August 25 at BOPP Funeral Chapel from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Funeral service at Bopp Chapel, 2 p.m. on Tuesday, August 26. Interment will follow at a later date at the Union Newton Cemetery where Bruce will reside with his parents and numerous other family members. The family would like to recognize the wonderful commitment and dedication of the staff at Meramec Bluffs. And, we will be forever grate ful to Lauri Goodwin for her loyalty, hard work and devotion to Doc.