Obituary of Bruce W. Beach

Bruce W. Beach Sr. 70 affectionately known as Bub, of Rome, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, March 22. 2019, with his loving family by his side. Born on October 16, 1948 in Rome, to Robert and Pauline (Dearston) Beach. Bruce graduated from Rome Free Academy in 1966. In high school Bruce excelled in many sports including football, baseball, swimming and track & field.

On June 1, 1968, he married the love of his life, Marsha Yvonne York. On June 1, 2018, they reaffirmed their wedding vows while celebrating their 50th anniversary.

On January 25,1969 Bruce joined the Rome Police Department where he proudly served as an officer of this community for twenty years. The men and women he patrolled with were more than partners, they were family. His love for the Rome Police Department was passed on to his son Kevin, who has proudly worn his badge for the past 24 years. After retiring from the police force, he continued to serve his community by working with Catholic Charities for almost 20 years. Following his nearly 40 years of service to his community he wanted to remain active. He began working as a monitor in the Rome City School District, where he truly enjoyed the children and his wonderful coworkers.

When Bruce's sons were little, he enjoyed coaching and volunteering his time to the Rome Youth Baseball Program. He was a great influence and role model to many children in this community.

Bruce's hobbies included hunting, fishing and watching his grandchildren play sports. Another true love was Tuesday night poker, where he spent over 20 years with great friends. Although those Tuesday nights never made him wealthy, they gave him a wealth of memories and great times shared with the best of friends. He also enjoyed traveling with his wife to places such as Alaska, Florida, Oak Island NC and the Caribbean Islands.

Bruce loved seeing his sons grow up to be the amazing men and fathers they are today. He passed his love of hunting and fishing on to his sons and they enjoyed many amazing times together to the greatest hunting and fishing spots, across the country and into Canada. In the past year, Bruce found joy on Lake Delta watching many peaceful sunsets on his boat with his family and friends.

One of his greatest joys was being able to watch his grandchildren participate in various sports and academic achievements. He was also the first one to argue a call during sporting events.

Bruce leaves behind his loving wife of 50 years, Marsha (York) Beach, two sons and daughters-in-law Kevin (Alison) Beach, Craig and (Tonya) Beach; a sister and brother-in- law Donna (Andrew) Sciandra of Buffalo, NY; a brother and sister-in-law Paul (Janet) Beach of Rutherfordton NC; three sisters-in-law Kathy York, Claire (Klearhos) Papadimitriou, and Joanne Beach; a brother-in-law and sister-in-law James (Heather) York; his five loving grandchildren, Kelsey, Emily, Craig, Abby and Kevin; many nieces and nephews as well as great nieces and nephews who have meant so much to him. Special friends, Joe, John, Doby and Jerry as well as his poker family; George, Vinnie, Gary, Mike, Roger, Don, and Howie. Bill W. and Dr. Bob held a special place in his life for over 30 years.

Bruce was pre-deceased by his son Bruce W. Beach Jr.; a brother Robert (Joanne) Beach; his parents Robert and Pauline (Dearston) Beach; his father-in-law and mother-in- law James and Madeline (Berube) York.

Funeral Services will be on Thursday at St. Peter's Roman Catholic Church at 1:30. Calling Hours will be Wednesday, March 27, from 4:30-8:00 at Strong-Burns and Sprock Funeral Home, 7751 Merrick Rd. Rome, NY. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Bruce's memory to the St. Peter's Memorial Fund.