Obituary of David Harry Bruce, Jr., M.D.

TROY – David Harry Bruce, Jr., M.D., 85, passed away on November 19, 2022, at his home surrounded by family. David was born in McKeesport, PA, where he was raised by his loving parents, Harry and Gertrude Bruce. In high school he excelled at playing the trombone and developed a love of Russian literature. David graduated from Harvard University in 1959 and attended the Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons. David realized his passion for practicing medicine after working with patients. In 1963, he received his Doctor of Medicine degree and went on to work as a physician for 57 years, starting with his internship in Burlington, VT. From there, he entered the United States Public Health Service and served as the Service Unit Director on the Flathead Reservation and Crow and Northern Cheyenne Reservation in Montana. David completed his Internal Medicine Training at Charity Hospital in New Orleans, LA in 1970 and Pulmonary Training at McGill University in 1973. David moved to the Capital District in 1976 when he began working as the Chief of Pulmonary Medicine at the Albany VA. He established the first sleep lab in Troy, NY, and his private practice, Pulmonary & Critical Care Services, PC, where he worked until he retired at the age of 83. David lived a remarkable life during which he brought goodness into this world and touched the hearts of many. He always had so much to give, whether it be an encouraging piece of advice, a bit of wisdom, or just some time to listen to you. Though soft-spoken, David was a wonderful storyteller and had a great sense of humor. A lifelong learner, David could be always found with a journal or textbook in hand. He also enjoyed camping, gardening, woodworking, and piano playing, but more than anything, he loved his family and was a devoted husband and the best father one could possibly ask for. While he would have been too humble to say so himself, David was an extraordinary man with a beautiful soul who will be deeply missed. Dr. David Bruce is survived by his loving wife, Mary Ann Bruce, their daughter Emily Bruce; his four eldest children, Erin Bruce, Rachel Bruce, Shannon Kowall, and Matthew Bruce; his four granddaughters, Addison and Mallory Kowall and Phoebe and Charlotte Bissell, a brother, James Bruce; and numerous in-laws, nieces, nephews, and cousins. He is predeceased by his parents, his sister and brother-in-law, Eleanor and Jack Sutter, and his son-in-law, Jeremy Kowall. Cremation took place through the care of Simple Choices, Inc. In remembrance of David’s extraordinary life, a visitation will be held on Saturday, April 29, 2023, between 2:00 pm and 4:00pm, immediately followed by a memorial service at Simple Choices, Inc., located at 218 2nd Avenue (corner of 104th Street) Troy, NY 12180. Flowers are Gratefully declined. The Bruce family specifically wishes that donations be sent to the Mohawk Humane Society, the Adirondack Club, or another organization of your choice, in loving memory of Dr. David Harry Bruce, Jr. To leave a special message for the Bruce Family, please visit: SimpleChoicesCremation.com