Bruce Abernethy Obituary
Bruce R. Abernethy Sr.
Bruce R. Abernethy, Sr. (a/k/a "Pop") ended his journey on earth on May 21, 2021 and began his new journey as he entered Heaven's gate. Bruce was survived by his wife, life partner and best friend, Andrea, three children and their spouses - Bruce R. Abernethy, Jr. and his wife Bridget, Leanne J. McDermott and her husband John, and Nancy G. Pecher and her husband Gary; 8 incredible grandchildren and their spouses and 13 of the most special great-grandchildren that he could have ever wished for.
Bruce was raised in Hickory, North Carolina and graduated from Lenoir Rhyne University with a degree in Business Administration. He promptly married his college sweetheart Andrea, and they immediately ventured south to Florida to begin his career with Southern Bell.
Bruce started his Southern Bell career as a "field technician" (pole climber), but was quickly identified by some unknown (but very wise) supervisor as an employee with management potential. 35 years later, in 1989, Bruce retired from this chapter of his life story as an ATT Regional District manager - leaving behind a solid reputation as "employee's friend" - one who was always ready and eager to jump in and to perform whatever task he might be asking others to perform.
After retiring from Southern Bell at the young age of 54 - Bruce served as the Executive Vice-President of the Fort Pierce/St. Lucie County Chamber of Commerce. It was under his leadership that the then existing separate and independent Fort Pierce and Port St. Lucie Chambers merged and consolidated to become what we still know today as the St. Lucie County Chamber of Commerce.
Bruce was very proud to have served for many years as Chairman and Board member for Fort Pierce Memorial Hospital Board, which led to his longtime service as a Trustee and Board Chairman for its successor, Lawnwood Medical Center. Bruce found great joy in chairing the U.S. Service Academy Interview Committee for both Congressman Tom Lewis and Mark Foley - service that led him to meet outstanding young people anxious to serve our country. Bruce also served as a President and Director of the Fort Pierce/St. Lucie County Chamber of Commerce, the United Way of St. Lucie County, and the Fort Pierce Rotary Club and as a member of the Board of Trustees of Indian River Community College.
One of Bruce's greatest pleasures in life was many years of service first as a Member of the Board of Directors of Sun Bank of St. Lucie County, and then, beginning in 1983, as a member of the Board of Directors of Harbor Federal Savings and Loan. Bruce often spoke with great pride of being a small part of the great success story that was Harbor Federal.
Over his lifetime, Bruce was always a great adventurer - a fact that can be attested to by his family members who were lucky enough to survive. Be it a hike in the woods of North Carolina, a sailing trip to the Bahamas, a rental car escapade through the jungle of Fiji, or exploring the Swiss alps on skis - Bruce always had a knack at making the mundane an extraordinary experience - one never forgotten by those lucky enough to tag along. This spirit is a trait that Bruce intentionally instilled in his extended family - all the way down to the youngest of his great-grandchildren.
In keeping with his zest for life - Bruce left us while on a romantic adventure with the love of his life, Andrea - with no lingering or suffering - leaving only countless fond memories held by those whom he touched during his life. He will be missed by many.
Family and friends are invited to a Celebration of Life on Saturday, July 10 at 11:00 am, followed by a reception - both held at Indian River Presbyterian Church at 2499 Virginia Ave., Fort Pierce, Florida. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Indian River Presbyterian Church in his memory.
Published by TC Palm from May 28 to Jun. 6, 2021.