Bruce Trum Halstater of Norwood passed away peacefully in his home on July 10th, 2025, after 91 remarkable years.
Bruce grew up in Verona, New Jersey. A graduate of Verona High School, he then earned a degree in pharmacy from the University of Iowa. In 1956 he was drafted and served in the Army as part of the post-armistice peacekeeping force in Korea.
He met his future wife, Lila Hanley of Glen Ridge, while working at a retail pharmacy. In the 1970s, Bruce went back to school to change careers and ultimately became the manager of computer operations and communication for Lucas Aerospace in Englewood, New Jersey, retiring from Lucas in his ’60s.
Bruce was a loving husband to Lila for 42 years until her passing from multiple myeloma in 2008. Bruce and Lila raised their family in Norwood, New Jersey. An ever-present father, he coached multiple sports, served as a Boy Scout troop leader, and never missed a sporting event, concert, play or activity the boys participated in. He also was a co-leader in six of the boys’ 50-mile hikes on the Appalachian trail with the Boy Scouts.
Bruce enjoyed his time outdoors fishing, hiking, skiing, and playing tennis. He was especially fond of walking with friends at the Alpine Boat Basin, Piermont Pier, Nyack Pier and State Line lookout. He loved playing cards with his family and his weekly poker nights with friends. Bruce was an active member of the Hudson River Fisherman’s Association (HRFA), Trout Unlimited, and the Widow-Widowers Club (WWC), serving on boards of both HRFA and WWC.
He was just as active as a grandparent attending as many of his grandchildren’s events as possible, making trips not only locally but also across the country and down south to ensure he was present in his grandchildren’s lives. He especially loved introducing his grandchildren to his love of chocolate and cards.
Bruce’s love of dancing and his membership at the Widow Widower’s Club led him to his second love, Jeanne Nocella, his partner for the last 9 years. They could be found attending NJPAC performances, sharing a single meal at a diner, and of course cheering on the grandchildren.
Bruce is survived by his brother Michael of Los Angeles, California; his sons, their wives and children -Brian, Anne, Ryan and Kyle of Charlottesville, Virginia and Kear, Christine, Ella and Alicia of Wayne, New Jersey; and his partner Jeanne Nocella of Lincoln Park, New Jersey.
A viewing will be held at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Ave, Northvale, New Jersey (201) 767-3050 on Tuesday, July 15, 2025 from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. The family will be receiving visitors at Kear’s house on Wednesday July 16, 2025 at 64 Mountain Ridge Drive, Wayne, New Jersey from 4-8pm. Cremation is private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the NPR or Wounded Warriors.
Speak Your Mind