Obituary of Bruce Van Fleet

Bruce Newton Van Fleet Jr., 93, passed away peacefully in hospice care on Jan. 8, 2010. He rejoined his loving wife Marjorie E. Van Fleet, who died two days after their 60th wedding anniversary on April 16, 2001. He was born in Portland, Maine on Dec. 12, 1916 and graduated from Hebron Academy. He lived in Massachusetts and New Hampshire before moving to Jacksonville, where he resided for 40-plus years, particularly at the Deerwood Community. He served his country as a World War II pilot in the Army Air Corps. He loved flying, family and going to church. He died at peace with the Lord. Bruce enjoyed giving to others and proudly volunteered for more than 20 years at St. Luke's hospital and served as a chaplain assistant for St. Paul's United Methodist Church. He was a lifetime member of the Mason's Fidelity Lodge in Melrose, Mass. A portion of his life was the inspiration for a children's book developed by the United Way, titled "Peter and the Silent Siren." He is survived by his three children: Bruce N. Van Fleet III, George N. Van Fleet, and Barbara J. Van Fleet and their families; including eight grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. Family will receive friends at St. Paul United Methodist Church, 8264 Lone Star Road, (904) 724-0022, for a memorial service at 11:00 a.m., on Saturday, January 16, 2010. Reverend James Jennings will be officiating the service. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Paul's United Methodist Church and/or Northeast Florida Community Hospice.