Bruce W. Sterling, Sr.
Bruce W. Sterling, Sr., 86, of Masontown, Pa., died Sunday, June 8, 2003, following a lengthy illness, in the Beverly Health Care Home, Uniontown, Pa. He was born October 23, 1916 in Masontown, Pa., son of the now late Jesse and Mary Wright Sterling, life long residents of Masontown, Pa.
In addition to his parents, a brother, Leroy and three sisters Maude Daniels, Beulah Thompson and Josephine Parkins preceded him in death.
He was a 1934 graduate of Masontown High School and attended Allegheny College.
Bruce was employed for over 50 years with the United States Postal Service and was a member of the National Association of Postal Supervisors, serving in many local and state offices. Bruce was assistant postmaster in Masontown for 43 years.
In 1970 he was elected to the office of National Secretary of Postal Supervisors, a 20,000 member association.
He was a life-long member and elder of the First Presbyterian Church of Masontown and sang in the choir for over 50 years. He was also a 50-year member of the Masontown Volunteer Fire Department and a member of the VFW.
Bruce served in the U.S. Air Force during World War II. He enlisted as an Air Force Cadet in 1942 and instructed bombardiering and navigation prior to active duty in the Japanese Theater and eventually attained the rank of Major in the U.S. Air Force Reserves.
He was also a 50-year member of the Valley Lodge 459 of Masontown and Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Uniontown, Pa. Bruce was a 32nd Degree Mason and a member of the Syria Temple Shrine of Pittsburgh, Pa.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Patty (Curstead) Sterling; two sons, Bruce W. Sterling, Jr. and his wife Patti of Uniontown, Pa. and Jeffrey Sterling and his wife Jan of Green Tree, Pittsburgh, Pa.; four grandchildren, Janell Butorac and husband Rob of Pittsburgh, Pa., Suzy McDevitt and husband Andy of River Edge, N.J., Lindsay Oudsema and husband Rob of Stamford, Ct., Matt Sterling of Pittsburgh, Pa.; three great grandsons, Mark and Bradley Butorac and Ryan McDevitt and two sisters Zola Fast of Uniontown and Wanda Wilson of Uniontown, Pa.
The family will receive friends in the HAKY FUNERAL HOME, 515 N. Main Street, Masontown, Pa., today from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. and until 11 a.m. on Thursday, the hour of service, with the Rev. James Giesey, Pastor, officiating.
Interment will follow in Oak Lawn Cemetery, Uniontown, Pa.
Memorial contributions in Mr. Sterling’s memory may be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Masontown, West Church St., Masontown, Pa. 15461.
Masontown Volunteer Fire Department will hold Ritualistic Services this evening at 7 p.m., in the funeral home.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the JOHN F. BROWNFIELD FUNERAL HOME OF SMITHFIELD, PA.