A Tribute to Bruce Bryant
12 November 1921 - 9 January 1998 by JoAnn Walter

Apalachin and the Town of Owego have suffered the loss of a good friend, Bruce Bryant, who passed away Friday, January 9, 1998, after an extended illness. Bruce accomplished 50 years of voluntary service in the Apalachin Fire Department, of which 28 years were as Fire Chief. He was Town of Owego Justice for 28 years and a member of the New York State Magistrates Association. Bruce retired from IBM Corporation after 32 years of service and was a member of IBM's Quarter Century Club. When we think of "community service" and "volun-teering" in our community, Bruce Bryant's name unquestionably comes to mind.

Born in Whites Valley, Wayne County, Pennsylvania, Bruce moved to the Triple Cities in the early 1940's to work on a Conklin farm. Similar to others born in his generation, Bruce learned early the meaning of working hard. The early 50's found Bruce on the baseball field, either playing or umpiring games in Apalachin, Little Meadows, and surrounding communities. Throughout his life, Bruce enjoyed hunting and fishing and activities with family and friends.

In 1947, Bruce joined the Apalachin Fire Department and was elected Fire Chief 19 consecutive times totaling 28 years. A close friend of Bruce's told me that the early fire company consisted of one fire truck and one Coleman & Daniel's hearse used as the ambulance. In an effort to generate income to purchase new equipment, Bruce and several others came up with the idea of the "Apalachin Field Days." Having grown up in Apalachin, I fondly remember the Field Days as I'm sure many of you reading this will as well. How many of you now have children that you've taken to the Field Days and share stories with them about the times you enjoyed there as a child? Also, how many of you or your children have marched in the Field Days Parade proudly wearing your sports uniforms? Thanks to Bruce and others, the Apalachin Field Days have become a family gathering place to share good times and see old friends. I hope the tradition continues for future generations.

Other friends commented that Bruce helped develop the volunteer fire company to its strength today by introducing updated equipment, actively recruiting new volunteers, and supporting educational efforts. Bruce received a 50-year service gift from the Fire Department in 1997, a credit to his commitment as a volunteer firefighter.

To many of us, Bruce was "The Judge," elected Town of Owego Justice for 28 years. Also known as "Justice of the Peace," Bruce held court out of his house for 25 of those years, handling various misdemeanors such as speeding tickets and expired registrations. He later moved into an office in the new Town Hall building on Route 434. I occasionally called him "Judge." He never seemed to mind the nickname and often responded with a proud grin.

How many of you reading this remember getting strange phone calls only to discover it was Bruce Bryant disguising his voice just to make you chuckle? Bruce's sense of humor and stories often made you laugh hysterically. A few people may remember Bruce's gruff voice and mannerisms, however he was undoubtedly well respected and trusted for his honesty and fairness.

We should be thankful to Bruce for his passion for community service and I hope this tribute will serve as an inspiration to others to volunteer in our community. Family and friends commented that Bruce took upon all these challenges because he truly enjoyed giving of himself to the community. It is a remarkable accomplishment juggling family life, work, and community service all simultaneously and for so many consecutive years.

Thank you, Bruce. You are admired and sincerely missed.

Contributions in Bruce Bryant's memory can be mailed to the Apalachin Fire Department, P.O. Box 184, Apalachin, New York 13732.