Obituary of Bruce D. Burgess

FOWLER- Bruce D. Burgess, age 57, of Fowler, formerly of Newton Falls, passed away on Wednesday, September 12, 2012 at his home under the loving care of his family and St. Lawrence Valley Hospice. Calling hours will be at French Funeral Home, Gouverneur on Sunday, September 16, 2012 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. There will be a graveside service with full military honors on Monday at 12:00 p.m. at East Riverside Cemetery with Rev. David Downey of Newton Falls officiating. Bruce was born on September 6, 1955 in Watertown, NY to the late Henry Joseph and Mildred Iris (Foster) Burgess. He graduated from Ogdensburg Free Academy and then went to JCC where he received an AA in Liberal Arts. He also graduated from SUNY New Paltz where he received a BA in Art Education. Bruce married Vickie Schofell the marriage ended in divorce. He was currently engaged to Gloria Weldon. Bruce retired from the United States Army on September 1, 1993 as a senior flight medic after 20 years of service. He had earned the Expert Field Medical Badge, Senior Aircrew Wings, 3 Overseas Service Ribbons for Korea, 6 Good Conduct Medals, Humanitarian Service Medal, and Army Commendation Medal. Bruce was an outdoor enthusiast. He enjoyed motorcycling, hunting and reading. He was also a National Ski Patrolman, artist and was an art teacher in Maine. He enjoyed traveling in his motor home and was very proud of his daughter going to nursing school. He was an Eagle Scout and member of the Boy Scouts of America, North American Hunting Club and a life member of the DustOff Association. In addition to his fianc, Gloria Weldon of Fowler, Bruce is survived by a daughter, Kimberly Marie Burgess of Canton; a son, Craig Allen Burgess of Houston, TX; a step son, Anthony John Grasso of Canton; two brothers, Bryan and Bradley Burgess; three sisters, Brenda Collins, Bonnie Jackson and Belinda Lytle; a grandson, Jackson Burgess; a step granddaughter, Jyllian Rose Grasso; and several nieces and nephews. Donations may be made in Bruce's memory to the Patriot Guard, Patriot Guard Riders of NY, 6399 Lake Ave., Williamson NY 14589 or Hospice of St. Lawrence Valley, 6805 US HWY 11, Potsdam NY 13676.