Melvin J. Bruce – Norfolk, VA Melvin Joseph Ben Bruce died Monday June 6, 2011, peacefully at his home. Ben was born November 28, 1952 in Washington, Pennsylvania, a son of Robert Carl Bruce and Bessie Bruce Robinson. He was a 1970 graduate of Trinity High School, Washington, Pennsylvania. A Vietnam Veteran, he served four…
Continue ReadingMelvin J. Bruce – Norfolk, VA
Melvin Joseph Ben Bruce died Monday June 6, 2011, peacefully at his home.
Ben was born November 28, 1952 in Washington, Pennsylvania, a son of Robert Carl Bruce and Bessie Bruce Robinson.
He was a 1970 graduate of Trinity High School, Washington, Pennsylvania. A Vietnam Veteran, he served four years in the United States Navy on board the USS Hancock CV19. He retired in 2007 after 30 years with the Department of Defense United States Navy. He was a member of St Paul AME Church.
Surviving are his wife Sue Ellen Bellotti, his children Sara Caitlin, Shay Leigh, Benjamin Carter and granddaughter Kiyarah. Also surviving are brothers Carl, Eric, Rory and Darryl, one uncle James Bruce and many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Tony and James and sisters Leslie and Gloria.
A memorial service will be held Saturday June 11, 2011 at 1pm at 16 Ridge Avenue St Paul AME Church Washington, Pa. 15301.
In lieu of flowers please make contributions to the American Cancer Society or to the church.
Cremation Society of Virginia is assisting the family. Online condolences may be expressed at www.cremate.org.
Knights Service Center
left a message on June 10, 2011:
We are going to miss Mr. Bruce. No matter what we had to tell him about his vehicles,good or bad, he always took the news with a smile. We are going to miss his smile.
Shay
left a message on April 13, 2012:
everyday your in my thoughts daddy i know your up there watching over us i love you so much and one day we will be together again.
Tina
left a message on October 29, 2011:
My beloved friend, thank you for the falling stars; they are forever.
Eric Bruce II
left a message on July 19, 2011:
Uncle Ben,
I think about you every day since your passing, and I am reminded of how incredibly blessed I have been to have had you in my life. I can only hope that you really know how much I loved, respected, and looked up to you all my life. If you only knew how many times Connie had told me that I was giving her the "Ben look" in the course of heated conversations over the years. You live in my countless memories of you, Dad, Donna and Barbara harmonizing out on the back deck during BBQ's at our old house in WashPA, teaching me to drive a car a bit too early in life, giving me tips on how to talk to the ladies as a teen, the list goes on and on.
All our hearts are heavy, but I take some small comfort in knowing that I will someday be hand-in-hand with you and Sissy on the other side. We will remain strong as a family in your loving memory.
dan hutchens
left a message on June 21, 2011:
to a great neighbor and a great friend,we will miss you buddy.The Hutchens Family
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Bimbo Chatman& Family
left a message on June 14, 2011:
You will always be in our thoughts.
Fran, and Mary
left a message on June 13, 2011:
Blessings to our family
Love Smidge's Ruthie Daughters
Anne Thomas
left a message on June 13, 2011:
Dear Family - I just finished reading the Memory Book and see that everyone is in agreement that Ben was a man with a "big" heart, who had room for us all. He touched our lives in a very special way - giving us each a very real part of him. I'll miss his cooking and his singing for now but I know we will meet again in our Father's mansion, and what a celebration that will be.
John 14:27
Love to All!
Anne
DR TOM GREEN
left a message on June 12, 2011:
It's been a long time since I've seen Ben, but every time we ran into each other it was as if time stopped. His Aunt Sissy loved him dearly and used to keep me up to date with him and his family & their happenings, and I would run into him at his Brother Eric's family events. My deepest sympathies to the family.
David Miklic
left a message on June 11, 2011:
Although I haven't seen Ben since we were musicians together in the late 60's, I have kept up with him through his brother, Eric. So many good memories of Ben as an outstanding entertainer as well as a genuinely nice person. My deepest sympathy to Eric and all of Ben's family. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Kim K. Smith
left a message on June 11, 2011:
Deeply saddened to hear of Melvin's passing. I'm also a former coworker from FISC Norfolk. He always had a big smile on his face---especially when we discussed SIP/VERA. My deepest sympathy to his family and friends.
Dave gator Mitchell
left a message on June 11, 2011:
To the family of Ben Bruce,
As childhood friends Ben and I played together as musicians and he was a singer and person I have never forgotton about.But time pulled us apart and we never connected after those days but I thought of him often.All I know is if there is truly a rock and roll heaven he will be the lead singer.He will always be rememberd in my heart. Eric you have my condolances along with the rest of the Bruce family.
Tiger Yarbor
left a message on June 10, 2011:
you are my brother and friend for ever, Sue,Eric,Donna and entire family I love you all like family my heart is deeply brused I believe in prayer and therefor will be praying for you your pain is mine, I will truely miss my friend and brother. Please contact me,tigeryarbor at yahoo.Tiger Yarbor.
rebecca silvestros
left a message on June 10, 2011:
i am sorry for your loss eric and rory he must have been a wonderful person he took after both of you love becca
Rick Morris
left a message on June 10, 2011:
My heart goes out to the whole Bruce family at this time of sorrow.
Our hearts suffer here in this world but Ben is singing now in the Lords Choir.
Lou
left a message on June 10, 2011:
You have our deepest sympathies on the lose of your brother.
Sheryl and Lou
Melissa & Tom Varner
left a message on June 10, 2011:
Sue, Sara & Ben,
We are so sorry to hear of Ben's passing. Please know that you have our heartfelt sympathy.
Barbara
left a message on June 10, 2011:
Ben,
You were more than a friend to me, you were my family. I will miss that smile and the way you had of making everyone feel important. Special is the word that comes to mind when I think of you. To Sue and family please know that I send my deepest condolences, I love you.
Ray Margiotta
left a message on June 10, 2011:
Condolences to the family on your loss. We'll keep a good thought and prayer for you.
Aunt Edie and Uncle Bud
left a message on June 10, 2011:
To the family of Melvin Bruce. We are so sorry for your loss. We live too far away to be of much help, but know that we keep you in our prayers. w/Love
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Michael J. Thomas
left a message on June 10, 2011:
Ben you were my friend, and you always made me feel like my life was important, and most of all that I had family. Love you always. You have been a gift to me, my wife Anne, and my daughter Brittney. We love you forever.
Wade Muncy
left a message on June 9, 2011:
Dear Sue, Sarah, and Benj,
I'm sending my love and condolences and I wanted to share with you how been touched my heart. Everytime I would come see you all,I was always greeted with a smiling face and a plate of food. I loved to sample his recipes. I know Ben's in Heaven and I'm pretty sure the Lord has given him a position as one of the head chefs working up the menu for the Lords great feast. Not a bad promotion, Amen. I'm glad our Lord is awesome and doesn't have us grieve as the world does. His promises are yes and Amen. Just think we'll all be together for eternity. My love to you all and God Bless.
Rev. Arthur E. Doctor Jr.
left a message on June 9, 2011:
I am praying much the strenth of God in your life. If we the St.Paul AME CHURCH, can do to minister to you at this time or later just contact us
Kathi Basheerud-Deen
left a message on June 9, 2011:
I am so sad to hear of your loss.
May your Memories bring you comfort.
Sincerely,
Mrs Kathi Basheerud-Deen
Donna Crawford
left a message on June 9, 2011:
I just learned of Melvin's passing. I am so sorry to hear it. We worked together at the base for NAVSISSA until I retire 5 years ago. He was such a good friend. He was someone I could always count on when we were on our overseas trips. I loved his cooking when he would bring it to share at work and when were were staying in PA for work he loved to feed us. I especially loved his BBQ pigs feet. I think I'm the only oneat work that would try them. My most sincere sympathy. He was a dear friend.
Wanda Davis
left a message on June 9, 2011:
My deepest sympathy goes out to Melvin's wife, children and other family members. I worked with Melvin at the Fleet Industrial Supply Center FISC Norfolk during the last 10 years of his government service. We always discussed his cooking and he shared several very good recipes with me. The people in our office became more than just co-workers, we became a family. We traveled as a group in the States and Europe. Melvin was always cooking to provide us with a good home meal. I'm lucky to have had the opportunity to have known and worked with him.
Samantha W. Paradinha
left a message on June 9, 2011:
Our meetings were few. Your husband was a beautiful person and you and he have a beautiful family. I look forward to getting to know Ben more when we are in heaven. Thank God we don't have to grieve like the world. God is the God of the living, not the dead. Ben is alive with Jesus.I hope that knowledge brings you comfort at this time. Love the Paradinha Family.
Elizabeth Green
left a message on June 9, 2011:
Sending my condolences to the family of Melvin Bruce. I shall remember him as a pleasant co-worker. v/r Liz
Dana Arnold Sr.
left a message on June 9, 2011:
With deepest condolences from Aquatta and I.
Coworkers from the old NAVAL SUPPLY CENTER.
Caroline
left a message on June 8, 2011:
When I think of Ben I always remember him with a grin on his face - riding around on his bike in sabana seca.
my favorite memory is him riding his bike away from supply shaking his head grinning as we called "Melvin - where are simon and theodore?" We knew he wished we never found out his name wasn't Ben.
left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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Your condolence may need to be approved before it appears on this page. It may not appear immediately once submitted.
Knights Service Center
left a message on June 10, 2011:
We are going to miss Mr. Bruce. No matter what we had to tell him about his vehicles,good or bad, he always took the news with a smile. We are going to miss his smile.
Shay
left a message on April 13, 2012:
everyday your in my thoughts daddy i know your up there watching over us i love you so much and one day we will be together again.
Tina
left a message on October 29, 2011:
My beloved friend, thank you for the falling stars; they are forever.
Eric Bruce II
left a message on July 19, 2011:
Uncle Ben,
I think about you every day since your passing, and I am reminded of how incredibly blessed I have been to have had you in my life. I can only hope that you really know how much I loved, respected, and looked up to you all my life. If you only knew how many times Connie had told me that I was giving her the "Ben look" in the course of heated conversations over the years. You live in my countless memories of you, Dad, Donna and Barbara harmonizing out on the back deck during BBQ's at our old house in WashPA, teaching me to drive a car a bit too early in life, giving me tips on how to talk to the ladies as a teen, the list goes on and on.
All our hearts are heavy, but I take some small comfort in knowing that I will someday be hand-in-hand with you and Sissy on the other side. We will remain strong as a family in your loving memory.
dan hutchens
left a message on June 21, 2011:
to a great neighbor and a great friend,we will miss you buddy.The Hutchens Family
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Bimbo Chatman& Family
left a message on June 14, 2011:
You will always be in our thoughts.
Fran, and Mary
left a message on June 13, 2011:
Blessings to our family
Love Smidge's Ruthie Daughters
Anne Thomas
left a message on June 13, 2011:
Dear Family - I just finished reading the Memory Book and see that everyone is in agreement that Ben was a man with a "big" heart, who had room for us all. He touched our lives in a very special way - giving us each a very real part of him. I'll miss his cooking and his singing for now but I know we will meet again in our Father's mansion, and what a celebration that will be.
John 14:27
Love to All!
Anne
DR TOM GREEN
left a message on June 12, 2011:
It's been a long time since I've seen Ben, but every time we ran into each other it was as if time stopped. His Aunt Sissy loved him dearly and used to keep me up to date with him and his family & their happenings, and I would run into him at his Brother Eric's family events. My deepest sympathies to the family.
David Miklic
left a message on June 11, 2011:
Although I haven't seen Ben since we were musicians together in the late 60's, I have kept up with him through his brother, Eric. So many good memories of Ben as an outstanding entertainer as well as a genuinely nice person. My deepest sympathy to Eric and all of Ben's family. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Kim K. Smith
left a message on June 11, 2011:
Deeply saddened to hear of Melvin's passing. I'm also a former coworker from FISC Norfolk. He always had a big smile on his face---especially when we discussed SIP/VERA. My deepest sympathy to his family and friends.
Dave gator Mitchell
left a message on June 11, 2011:
To the family of Ben Bruce,
As childhood friends Ben and I played together as musicians and he was a singer and person I have never forgotton about.But time pulled us apart and we never connected after those days but I thought of him often.All I know is if there is truly a rock and roll heaven he will be the lead singer.He will always be rememberd in my heart. Eric you have my condolances along with the rest of the Bruce family.
Tiger Yarbor
left a message on June 10, 2011:
you are my brother and friend for ever, Sue,Eric,Donna and entire family I love you all like family my heart is deeply brused I believe in prayer and therefor will be praying for you your pain is mine, I will truely miss my friend and brother. Please contact me,tigeryarbor at yahoo.Tiger Yarbor.
rebecca silvestros
left a message on June 10, 2011:
i am sorry for your loss eric and rory he must have been a wonderful person he took after both of you love becca
Rick Morris
left a message on June 10, 2011:
My heart goes out to the whole Bruce family at this time of sorrow.
Our hearts suffer here in this world but Ben is singing now in the Lords Choir.
Lou
left a message on June 10, 2011:
You have our deepest sympathies on the lose of your brother.
Sheryl and Lou
Melissa & Tom Varner
left a message on June 10, 2011:
Sue, Sara & Ben,
We are so sorry to hear of Ben's passing. Please know that you have our heartfelt sympathy.
Barbara
left a message on June 10, 2011:
Ben,
You were more than a friend to me, you were my family. I will miss that smile and the way you had of making everyone feel important. Special is the word that comes to mind when I think of you. To Sue and family please know that I send my deepest condolences, I love you.
Ray Margiotta
left a message on June 10, 2011:
Condolences to the family on your loss. We'll keep a good thought and prayer for you.
Aunt Edie and Uncle Bud
left a message on June 10, 2011:
To the family of Melvin Bruce. We are so sorry for your loss. We live too far away to be of much help, but know that we keep you in our prayers. w/Love
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Michael J. Thomas
left a message on June 10, 2011:
Ben you were my friend, and you always made me feel like my life was important, and most of all that I had family. Love you always. You have been a gift to me, my wife Anne, and my daughter Brittney. We love you forever.
Wade Muncy
left a message on June 9, 2011:
Dear Sue, Sarah, and Benj,
I'm sending my love and condolences and I wanted to share with you how been touched my heart. Everytime I would come see you all,I was always greeted with a smiling face and a plate of food. I loved to sample his recipes. I know Ben's in Heaven and I'm pretty sure the Lord has given him a position as one of the head chefs working up the menu for the Lords great feast. Not a bad promotion, Amen. I'm glad our Lord is awesome and doesn't have us grieve as the world does. His promises are yes and Amen. Just think we'll all be together for eternity. My love to you all and God Bless.
Rev. Arthur E. Doctor Jr.
left a message on June 9, 2011:
I am praying much the strenth of God in your life. If we the St.Paul AME CHURCH, can do to minister to you at this time or later just contact us
Kathi Basheerud-Deen
left a message on June 9, 2011:
I am so sad to hear of your loss.
May your Memories bring you comfort.
Sincerely,
Mrs Kathi Basheerud-Deen
Donna Crawford
left a message on June 9, 2011:
I just learned of Melvin's passing. I am so sorry to hear it. We worked together at the base for NAVSISSA until I retire 5 years ago. He was such a good friend. He was someone I could always count on when we were on our overseas trips. I loved his cooking when he would bring it to share at work and when were were staying in PA for work he loved to feed us. I especially loved his BBQ pigs feet. I think I'm the only oneat work that would try them. My most sincere sympathy. He was a dear friend.
Wanda Davis
left a message on June 9, 2011:
My deepest sympathy goes out to Melvin's wife, children and other family members. I worked with Melvin at the Fleet Industrial Supply Center FISC Norfolk during the last 10 years of his government service. We always discussed his cooking and he shared several very good recipes with me. The people in our office became more than just co-workers, we became a family. We traveled as a group in the States and Europe. Melvin was always cooking to provide us with a good home meal. I'm lucky to have had the opportunity to have known and worked with him.
Samantha W. Paradinha
left a message on June 9, 2011:
Our meetings were few. Your husband was a beautiful person and you and he have a beautiful family. I look forward to getting to know Ben more when we are in heaven. Thank God we don't have to grieve like the world. God is the God of the living, not the dead. Ben is alive with Jesus.I hope that knowledge brings you comfort at this time. Love the Paradinha Family.
Elizabeth Green
left a message on June 9, 2011:
Sending my condolences to the family of Melvin Bruce. I shall remember him as a pleasant co-worker. v/r Liz
Dana Arnold Sr.
left a message on June 9, 2011:
With deepest condolences from Aquatta and I.
Coworkers from the old NAVAL SUPPLY CENTER.
Caroline
left a message on June 8, 2011:
When I think of Ben I always remember him with a grin on his face - riding around on his bike in sabana seca.
my favorite memory is him riding his bike away from supply shaking his head grinning as we called "Melvin - where are simon and theodore?" We knew he wished we never found out his name wasn't Ben.
left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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