Obituary of Bruce James Washington

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During the early morning hours of a snowy night, signs of a birth became eminent as Baby Bruce James Washington made his entrance into the world and family of his parents, James and Bertha Washington, October 2, 1958.

He became the little brother of Pamela and they have lived and loved each other for a lifetime. As a youngster, Bruce was very active. He loved, and played all sports, and seized every opportunity to engage in sports with neighborhood friends, and throughout the city. He was a true sportsman playing in Pop Warner leagues, basketball at Madison, and he continued playing sports throughout his school years. He was a devoted Buffalo Bills fan attending many home games, or spending his weekends glued to the television watching the Bills and a variety of other sports. 

Bruce graduated from Nazareth Academy, formerly Nazareth Hall, Lake Avenue, Rochester. A few years after completing the requirements for Nazareth, Bruce entered  Aquinas as a freshman. He later earned his A.A.S Degree from Corning Community College where he majored in Social Sciences and remained on the Dean’s List throughout completion of his program. Bruce’s fascination with social sciences sparked his interest in conducting research on many incidents of racism, and events involving slavery, with particular interest in the Underground Railroads, the slave-trade and the atrocities of slave auctions.

Bruce began training as a tailor from Ruggerio Custom Tailoring in Elmira, NY., and became a journeyman who earned numerous contracts. Among his many creations were custom made suits for difficult to fit, larger men that later earned him the title of “master tailor.”

Beloved son, sibling, uncle, and friend, on Sunday, July 3^rd, 2022 at age 62, Bruce unexpectedly, departed his earthly life. He is predeceased by his father, James Washington, Rochester, NY; Grandparents, Ozelle and Annie Ruth Vickers; two uncles: Jimmie Vickers, Brooklyn, NY; and Leroy Vickers, Rochester, NY.

He leaves to mourn his passing his loving mother Bertha Washington, Laverne, CA; Brothers: Keith LaSalle Gary, Laverne, CA; Elroy Washington, Rochester, NY; Sister: Pamela Washington, Rochester, NY; Aunts: Mary Ellen Humphrey, Rochester, NY; Betty Vickers, Anchorage, AK; Special Aunts: Margie Lovett-Scott, and Gwendolyn Thornton, both of Rochester, NY;  Uncles: Ozelle Vickers Sr. (Patricia), Rochester, NY; Robert Vickers, Rochester, NY; Nathaniel Vickers (Annette), Alamosa, CO;  Jerome Vickers, Rochester, NY; Niece: Keiona Myles, Augusta, GA; Nephews: Keith W. Gary; Muskegon, MI; Keinan Gary, Fort Worth, TX; and a host of cousins, other relatives, and friends.