Bruce Edward Fountain Sr.

Groton - On Saturday, July 5, 2025, Bruce Edward Fountain Sr. completed his highest, most noble mission when his breath stilled and his eternal heartbeat took sway for his soul to touch earth no more. A gentle man of incredible strength, intelligence and love, he served his family, his country and his God with nearly every breath – and all this with courage that any who knew him admired.

His somewhat mischievous early years created an inquisitiveness and developed an intellect which became a successful 32-year nuclear engineering career in the United States Navy. Even after his Naval career, he pursued his love of submarines working at Electric Boat until retirement. His career achievements, while impressive, were by no means his greatest fulfilment. Rather, the man he truly was, presented in his service which no rank, title or honor could explain. Without his bride, whom he met while at boot camp, none of what was to come during the ensuing 59 years of marriage would have been possible. It was Marcia's encouragement, support and service alongside him that made all the difference.

Together Bruce and Marcia nurtured their three children, Karen Mason (Thom), Bruce Jr. (Lara), and Brian (Felila) to caring and talented lives of service - each one with families of their own and a legacy of which he was proud and for which he was grateful.

He is survived by his wife; his children; 25 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren. All the long years of devoted service to country could not come close to the real pride of his labors - that of teaching and loving his family. This man of deep thought led by example. He showed the importance of service to his family who took up the banner with equal fervor.

Truth be told, Bruce's work life and home life were still only a part of devoted service he freely gave to his fellow travelers. Bruce spent many decades of service in full-time volunteer work to his faith community serving in many capacities. Prior to joining the Navy, Bruce served a full-time mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Canada. Throughout his life, he spent hundreds of hours each month teaching and counseling the "one" aching heart. Part of his ministry was to serve as the Bishop of the Groton Ward of the Church for over seven years while working full time. Beyond that service he was a counselor to many Church leaders, sharing his keen understanding of principles of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. More importantly though, it was the "one" to whom he ministered in each moment that loved and valued him the most. Countless are they who have gone before and will come after in whose lives this man has left his indelible mark.

For this great and noble man, mortality has ended - a mission faithfully completed - and eternity just begun. He rests now in the grace, mercy and loving arms of Our Heavenly Father, gone ahead to prepare even greater love and service until we meet again. He chose well!

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, July 14, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 1230 Flanders Road, Mystic. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until the time of the service. Burial will follow with military honors at River Bend Cemetery, 117 Beach Street, Westerly, R.I. Buckler-Johnston Funeral Home, Westerly, R.I. is assisting the family with arrangements. For online condolences, please visit www.buckler-johnston.com.

As his friends put it, only Tup could leave on the 4th of July with a bang. We'll all miss him. He was a uniquely mischievous and fun-loving person. Tup was a hurricane in human form and may he rest in peace.