He was born on November 4, 1943 in Philadelphia to the late Dorothy (Hausser) and John Bell. After spending most of his childhood in Bristol, Tennessee, Bruce's family relocated to Silver Spring Maryland, where he excelled at track and football while attending Northwood High School.
After high school, Bruce continued to run track and play football while attending Montgomery Junior College until he joined the United States Marine Corps in 1966. Bruce served his country honorably in the Vietnam War, and was particularly proud of his service at the Battle of Khe Sanh.
After returning from Vietnam, Bruce continued to play football for the USMC Quantico Devil Dogs, and later for several semi-professional teams.
After his military service, Bruce worked in the physical fitness industry as a personal trainer and gym manager. He loved animals and was always quick to strike up conversations with strangers, who quickly became friends. He will be missed by all who knew him.
In addition to his parents, Bruce is preceded in death by his brothers, John, Paul, and Peter. He is survived by four nieces and one nephew.
Interment at Maryland Veterans Cemetery, Crownsville on August 3, 2021 at 11:30 a.m., followed by a Celebration of Life at the Blackwall Barn & Lodge in Gambrills, Maryland on August 3, 2021 at 12:30 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to OperationShoebox.com or MarineHeritage.org.
He was born on November 4, 1943 in Philadelphia to the late Dorothy (Hausser) and John Bell. After spending most of his childhood in Bristol, Tennessee, Bruce's family relocated to Silver Spring Maryland, where he excelled at track and football while attending Northwood High School.
After high school, Bruce continued to run track and play football while attending Montgomery Junior College until he joined the United States Marine Corps in 1966. Bruce served his country honorably in the Vietnam War, and was particularly proud of his service at the Battle of Khe Sanh.
After returning from Vietnam, Bruce continued to play football for the USMC Quantico Devil Dogs, and later for several semi-professional teams.
After his military service, Bruce worked in the physical fitness industry as a personal trainer and gym manager. He loved animals and was always quick to strike up conversations with strangers, who quickly became friends. He will be missed by all who knew him.
In addition to his parents, Bruce is preceded in death by his brothers, John, Paul, and Peter. He is survived by four nieces and one nephew.
Interment at Maryland Veterans Cemetery, Crownsville on August 3, 2021 at 11:30 a.m., followed by a Celebration of Life at the Blackwall Barn & Lodge in Gambrills, Maryland on August 3, 2021 at 12:30 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to OperationShoebox.com or MarineHeritage.org.
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