Bruce Henry Brodeur, 75, of Ocean Park, passed away early Tuesday morning on June 4, 2024, at Pinnacle Health & Rehab in Sanford.
He was born in Providence, Rhode Island, on Feb. 27, 1949, a son of Henry and Natalie (Titus) Brodeur.
Bruce grew up in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, and in between his studies and school activities he worked for the Golden Steer Steak House as a cook, and later as manager. He graduated from Pawtucket West High School, Class of 1967. Bruce enlisted in the United States Navy during the Vietnam era and served as a cook. After his military service he went on to further his education at Northeastern University in Boston, taking courses towards his certification as a laboratory assistant.
Bruce was from the generation of hard work and had an extensive resume. He began his career at Symmes Hospital in Arlington, Massachusetts. He then helped to found the Fenway Community Health Center where he served as co-director of the clinic until the end of 1974. Bruce later transitioned to the Boston City Hospital. It was during this time that he met Patti Hart, and in November of 1978 they were married. The young couple began their lives in Boston, but soon moved to Old Orchard Beach where they raised their two wonderful children, Charles and Madeleine. They later divorced, yet remained friends and co-parented their children together.
Bruce became an integral part of the Old Orchard Beach community, making numerous friends. He started his own handyman business in 1984, doing repairs and light construction projects. Being a man of vision, he saw a growing need for trash and waste removal with the town’s many small businesses. Some of these storefronts and rental cabins had no room for placing commercial dumpsters on their property, so Bruce offered a customized program to provide removal for these customers, some daily and others weekly. His business grew to be a success, and he continued to operate it until 2022. During this time he was also instrumental in the development of OOB’s recycling program, and he served as the town’s sealer of Weights and Measures.
Bruce had a heart for service and donated his time to many organizations. He was a member of the American Legion – C. Fayette Staples Post # 57. He belonged to the Old Orchard Beach Lions Club, beginning in 1981, and held many positions with the organization including his service on the Board of Directors and club president from 1987 – 1988.
Always a jokester, he never took life too seriously. He had many hobbies and interests, but some of the more notable ones were surfing, golf, ice fishing and watching old western movies. Bruce had the good fortune of vacationing in Belize for 15 years consecutively. He developed many strong friendships during these annual trips, some of which remained in touch with Bruce even when his health began declining.
He is survived: by his son, Charles Brodeur; by his daughter, Madeleine “Maddie” Thomas and husband Matthew; by his grandson, Landon Thomas; by his brother, Peter Brodeur and wife Wendy, by his brother Drew Brodeur and wife Lori; by his half-brothers, Kevin Brodeur and Tom Brodeur; by his half-sister, Cathy Van Pelt; as well as by several nieces and nephews.
Visiting hours will be from 10 a.m. to noon, with a funeral service beginning at noon on Friday, June 14, 2024, at Cote Funeral Home Chapel, 87 James St., Saco.
Maddie and Charles would like to thank the entire staff at Pinnacle Health & Rehab for the care and compassion they showed Bruce in his final years.
Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider donations in Bruce’s name to WMPG Community Radio: https://securelb.imodules.com/s/300/bp19/interior.aspx?sid=300&gid=1001&pgid=3376&cid=8395
To view Bruce’s memorial page or leave an online condolence, please visit www.cotefuneralhome.com
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