Obituary of Bruce W. Shaver

Bruce W. Shaver (80), of Hollywood Florida, passed away on Saturday April 1, 2023 with his loving wife of over 50 years Joanne at his side. Bruce had recently been visited and surrounded by his loving family in February and March.

Bruce, fondly known as “Uncle Whitey” for his platinum blond hair, was born to Margaret and Edgar Shaver on August 3^rd 1942.   The brother of Edgar Jr. and Margaret, Bruce established himself as both a scholar and an athlete in high school.    As star pitcher in his youth, Bruce introduced his love of baseball and sports to his two son’s Steven and Mark, and the dozens of young men he coached in little league baseball.

Professionally, Bruce was a proud engineer at “The Phone Company”, working in the early days for Ma Bell, later AT&T, Bell Atlantic and Verizon.  He also served “state side” as a member of the U.S. Army during the Vietnam conflict.

It was at a phone company Christmas party where Bruce met his beloved Joanne.  They married on May 25, 1969 in New York.   In their early years they moved to Long Island to raise their two young boys.   Bruce and Joanne were inseparable either attending , school, sporting or music events for their children, or hosting and dining with their friends and family.   They enjoyed an active social life and later in life traveled extensively and relocated to Florida over a decade ago.    While Bruce loved many things, his love, pride and admiration for Joanne was unrelenting, even until his final days.

Bruce is survived by his wife Joanne, sons Steven and Mark, his daughters-in-law Mary and Amy, grandchildren Katie, Emily, Dominic and Delilah, and his grand doggies Sammy, Peanut Butter, and Jelly.  He is also survived by his nephews Richard, Keith and Ari and his nieces Kathleen and Jessica.

Bruce was a quiet, humble, self-less man, who led by example, never complained and had a tireless work ethic in support of his family from his youngest age.   He was a major supporter of his boys, whether on the sports field, in the classroom, or on the music stage.   For many years Bruce also served his community as a coach, civic leader and community volunteer.  

Bruce will be remembered by his friends, colleagues, family and grandchildren for his kindness, humor and warmth, but most importantly for his undying support of those who he loved.   The touched many lives as a coach, colleague and community member.   He will be greatly missed but never forgotten.  May he rest in peace.