In memoriam: Bruce Conner, Northeast Philadelphia History Network 0
Bruce Conner, front, with (L to R) Frank Hollingsworth, Lou Iatarola, Sam Katz, Jack McCarthy, Nancy Morozin and Rev. Paul Andel at the screening of Katz's documentary on Jan. 18. Photo by Hillary Shemin.
Bruce Conner has passed away. The Northeast Philadelphia History Network, of which Bruce played a leading role, released the following statement a few minutes ago:
Bruce Conner passed on about 8pm, Wednesday, March 9 at Abington Hospital from injuries sustained in an accident in his van two weeks ago in Jenkintown. Words cannot express the sense of sorrow at the loss of a brave and humble friend and colleague. Now is the time for true reflection on the power of the human spirit as manifested by Bruce in this life. It was a joy and an honor to know him and to journey a while with him.
Please keep in your thoughts and prayers Bruce’s mother Kathleen, his sisters Susan and Nancy, his brothers David and Allan, and his nieces and nephews.”
In place of the NEPHN’s regular monthly meeting, a tribute to Bruce will be held Wednesday, March 16 at 7 p.m. Pennepack Baptist Church will hold the event — a regular meeting that will be dedicated to Bruce:
Wednesday’s meeting will be structured like other NEPHN meetings. In this case, the topic for discussion will be Bruce’s impact on the Network and how we can maintain that invigorating spirit. Bruce’s circumstances were different from the mainstream and yet he navigated the mainstream (and many difficult and murky tributaries) with surprising ease. His family and friends have been invited to participate in this opportunity to honor and understand his unique gift and to help us continue without his input and guidance.”
I am so very sorry to hear this . I met Bruce several times @ Glen Foerd and other Northeast functions, and was fascinated by his knowledge and vibrant personality . May he rest in peace . I hope to attend the Tribute & Memorial Service at Pennepack Baptist next week .
Mr Conner welcomed me as a newcomer to the NEPHN
several months ago. Always encouraging and responded to varied interests I had in NE History subjects (as arcane as they were)
A good man who’s life was cut short. God bless his soul and condolences to the family.
I had the honor to work with Bruce during his federal career in the Navy. We worked together in the Equal Employment Opportunity Office and was always taken by his kind, gentle spirit. We stayed in touch over the years following; he would tell me about his finds at various auctions throughout the area – I even adopted him as my “Uncle Bruce”. His spirit will be missed – A light has gone out on earth.
My husband, Dennis, who also knew Bruce, and I wish to express our sincere condolences to the family.
Bruce and I found out through ancestry.com we were cousins removed by one generation just a few months ago. We have been corresponding and it was with deep sadness I learned of his passing from his brother. I trust your work will continue and reflect the love he had for all things historical (including people!) I would have loved to have met him.
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of this wonderful man. I knew Bruce many years ago through his sister, I spent many afternoons at his house when I was younger, and we went to colloege together. Although we have been out of touch, he has been in my thoughts a lot lately. May God comfort his loved ones.