Southbridge: Jack D. Bruce, 79, of South St., passed away on Thursday, July 18th, in the UMass Memorial Medical Center, University Campus, Worcester, after a brief battle with metastatic Melanoma.

He leaves his beloved wife of 56 years, Madeleine M. (Cantara) Bruce; his two daughters, Mandi Bruce-Magura and her husband Todd Magura of Wayland and Courtnie Tower of Southbridge; his three grandchildren, Alexandra C. Bruce-Magura, Ella R. Tower and Summer A. Tower; his former son-in-law, David Tower; and several nieces and nephews.  He was predeceased by his three brothers, William Bruce, Scott Bruce and Gary Bruce and his two sisters, Alice Lyons and Edith Brigham.  Jack was born in Putnam, CT the son of Alice (LaFleur) Bruce.  He was a US Army Veteran of the Vietnam War era serving as a Paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne Division.

Jack was Sergeant with the Southbridge Police Department for 32 years, retiring many years ago.  He also served as the D.A.R.E. Officer for the department. After retiring he started Jack Bruce Painting and Power Washing. He was also a real estate owner.  He was a loyal member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles in Southbridge.  Jack was an avid golfer and was a member at Hemlock Golf Club in Sturbridge.  Jack loved animals, especially his beloved cat, 'Keekoo'.  He enjoyed travelling, especially to Florida, Hawaii and the Caribbean Islands.  Jack loved going to the beach.

Jack was a loving grandfather and was known as 'Grampy Jack' to his grandchildren.  To his friends and family he was affectionally called 'Jack the Snack'.  Above all Jack was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend.  He was a generous person and would do anything for his family and friends.

His funeral will be held on Tuesday, July 23rd, from the Daniel T. Morrill Funeral Home, 130 Hamilton St., Southbridge, with a Mass at 11:00am in Notre Dame Church of the St. John Paul II Parish, 446 Main St., Southbridge.  Burial will be in New Notre Dame Cemetery, Southbridge.  Calling hours in the funeral home will be held on Monday, July 22nd, from 5:00 to 8:00pm.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Melanoma Research Foundation, 1420 K Street, NW, 7th Floor, Washington, DC 20005 or online at www.melanoma.org