Bruce Bean

BEAN

Bruce B. Bean, 84, of Agawam, Mass. passed away peacefully on January 20, 2016 surrounded by his family. He was predeceased by his wife of 61 years Raymonde M. Bean just two months ago and is survived by their daughters Regina Gilbert (Michael) of Sharon Springs, New York and Renee Bean (Dawn Leach) of Columbus, Ohio, grandsons Matthew Gilbert (Heather) of Wamego, Kansas, Shaun Gilbert (Carolyn) of Carson City, Nevada and great grandchildren Madison, Sebastian, Mira and Dylan Gilbert.  Bruce is predeceased by his brother Fred Bean of Monson, Mass.

Bruce was born in West Springfield, Mass. to Frederick and Virginia Bean.  He proudly served his country by joining the United States Marine Corps Reserves in April of 1949 and followed with service in the United States Air Force from July of 1950 through July of 1954.

Bruce met the love of his life Raymonde “Rae” Morneault at a dance in northern Maine while he was serving at Limestone Air Force Base and she was in nurse’s training in New Brunswick, Canada.  They married in February of 1954 and relocated to Springfield, Mass. following his discharge from the Air Force.  Bruce worked as an inspector at the Standard Electric Time Company before returning to school for evening classes training as a computer operator. This was during the day when one computer filled an entire room and utilized key punch cards and large tape drives. He then secured a computer operator position at the Hamilton Standard division of United Technologies where he remained until his retirement.
Bruce was a devout Catholic and he and Rae were communicants of St. John the Evangelist Church in Agawam, Mass. where they served as eucharistic ministers and took part in the nocturnal adoration society. He was also proud to serve as a 4th degree member of the Knights of Columbus.

Bruce loved woodworking and creating leaded glass items which he shared with family.  He and Rae spent many summers vacationing in West Dennis on Cape Cod and loved to travel, having visited most of the United States, Canada, Europe, and the Caribbean.  Bruce was an avid candlepin bowler and achieved the title of top male bowler in his league.  He also enjoyed playing a round of golf with Rae.

Bruce will be missed for his mischievous smile, love of music, his zest for life, and his love of God and family.

Special thanks to each of the many staff members of Zusman Hospice who skillfully and tenderly made him comfortable during his final days.

A private mass of christian burial will be held at the convenience of the family and a memorial service for Bruce and Rae to celebrate their lives will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday, February 20, 2015 at North Congregational United Church of Christ in Columbus.  Interment at the Veteran’s Cemetery in Agawam, Mass. will be scheduled in the Spring.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Knights of Columbus Christian Refugee Fund at kofc.org.