Richard Charles "Rick" Bruce

Richard Charles “Rick” Bruce, 69, passed away peacefully on June 11, 2024 at his home in Oakton, Virginia.

Rick was born in Exeter, New Hampshire on November 7, 1954. He attended Phillips Exeter Academy (Class of 1972) in New Hampshire, later graduated from the University of Rochester (Class of 1976), and earned his Master’s Degree from St. Mary’s College of California (Class of 1994). Rick served as an officer in the US Navy, aboard ships in the Mediterranean Sea and the western Pacific. He was honorably discharged from the Navy as a Lieutenant. He then built a career in corporate relocation, retiring in 2019 from CapRelo.

He is survived by his wife of almost 40 years, Susan, of Oakton, VA, and his daughter, Julia, of Arlington, VA. Rick was a devoted husband and father. He was a wonderful host for family get-togethers, and he was a great friend. He was known for his wonderful sense of humor, his wit, his kindness, and his generosity.

Rick loved to travel the world with family and friends. He enjoyed hiking with Susan and Julia in some of the country’s most beautiful places. Their favorite hikes were in Yosemite National Park. He instilled in Julia his great enthusiasm for Boston sports, especially the Red Sox, and he met many friends in his walks around the neighborhood with his dog, Fenway.

His daughter, Julia, was his pride and joy. For Susan and Julia, he was their rock.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Robert “Bucky” Bruce and Theophelia “Theo” Bruce, and his brother Theodore “Teddy” Bruce. He is survived by his sisters Catherine “Cathy” Bruce of Wilmington, MA, and Sheila (Robert) Far of Redding, CT, his brother Robert “Bob” (Frieda) Bruce of Carlisle, PA, his sister-in-law Nancy McCormick Bruce of Venice, FL, and his many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service and inurnment will be held at Arlington National Cemetery at a future date. Donations in his memory may be made to the National Park Foundation.