Call     (401) 737-3510

Bruce Edward Larson | July 25, 2016 | Obituary

Bruce Edward Larson
July 25, 2016 | Obituary

photo of Bruce Edward Larson
photo of Bruce Edward Larson

Bruce Edward Larson passed this day of July 25th at the age of 71.

"Grumpus" left behind his wife of 45 years, Carol, his sons Adam and Eric, their wives Jennifer (Bowers) and Julie (Kolstad) his older brother Niles and his wife Nancy and his grandchildren - Hunter & Harlow (Adam & Jennifer) and a soon to be named boy coming in October (Eric & Julie).

Bruce was the son of Navy Commander Nils R. Larson - a highly decorated (NAVY CROSS) aviator during the attack on Pearl Harbor, and Barbara O'Donnell Larson both of Providence, RI and both deceased. As part of a naval family he moved around a great deal as a child but always called Wickford, RI home. He began working young and till the end he loved getting his hands dirty working hard. Enlisting in the Navy after high school he got his head screwed on straight and realized the importance of higher education.

Bruce met his wife Carol Jean (Zaccheo) Larson at Northeastern University. After obtaining his MBA from Columbia in 1970 Bruce and Carol moved to Ohio to begin his career with Ford Motor Company. They started their family after moving to Detroit, MI working for Ford for 10 years, moving to American Motors for three years and then he and Carol started a manufacturer's rep company representing Medtronic.

Their first venture led to a second venture with optical franchises in Michigan and concluded with their first retirement in 1990. During this period they welcomed the birth of their two boys - Adam and Eric, the apples of his eye. Upon retirement Bruce moved the family to Exeter, NH where Adam completed his High School Education.

Illness of Bruce's mother led him to eventually purchase Colonial Wine & Spirits in his home town of Wickford, RI - whereupon he and Carol began their unintended 2nd career lasting 20 years. In 2010, health complications led Bruce to end his working career and refocus on enjoying his Golden Years.

Bruce enjoyed flying small planes - he was instrument qualified, loved boating all his life, loved to build and loved to read. He spent his remaining days happy enjoying Wickford Harbor with friends coming over for dinner with his wife, a glass of wine, and a Shi-Tzu named Cole.

"It has been a good life, one helluva ride, and if I had it to do over again I would focus less on work and more on family." To steal a quote from his brother Niles, "I'll look forward to seeing you all again in the funnies!"

Relatives & friends are invited and may call on Friday, July 29, 2016 from 4:00 to 700 pm in THE CRANSTON-MURPHY FUNERAL HOME of WICKFORD, 140 West Main Street, Wickford Village, North Kingstown. His funeral and burial will be private.

Donations in lieu of flowers to be sent to Dana Farber Cancer Institute would be appreciated.

 

View/Sign Guestbook

Bruce Edward Larson passed this day of July 25th at the age of 71.

"Grumpus" left behind his wife of 45 years, Carol, his sons Adam and Eric, their wives Jennifer (Bowers) and Julie (Kolstad) his older brother Niles and his wife Nancy and his grandchildren - Hunter & Harlow (Adam & Jennifer) and a soon to be named boy coming in October (Eric & Julie).

Bruce was the son of Navy Commander Nils R. Larson - a highly decorated (NAVY CROSS) aviator during the attack on Pearl Harbor, and Barbara O'Donnell Larson both of Providence, RI and both deceased. As part of a naval family he moved around a great deal as a child but always called Wickford, RI home. He began working young and till the end he loved getting his hands dirty working hard. Enlisting in the Navy after high school he got his head screwed on straight and realized the importance of higher education.

Bruce met his wife Carol Jean (Zaccheo) Larson at Northeastern University. After obtaining his MBA from Columbia in 1970 Bruce and Carol moved to Ohio to begin his career with Ford Motor Company. They started their family after moving to Detroit, MI working for Ford for 10 years, moving to American Motors for three years and then he and Carol started a manufacturer's rep company representing Medtronic.

Their first venture led to a second venture with optical franchises in Michigan and concluded with their first retirement in 1990. During this period they welcomed the birth of their two boys - Adam and Eric, the apples of his eye. Upon retirement Bruce moved the family to Exeter, NH where Adam completed his High School Education.

Illness of Bruce's mother led him to eventually purchase Colonial Wine & Spirits in his home town of Wickford, RI - whereupon he and Carol began their unintended 2nd career lasting 20 years. In 2010, health complications led Bruce to end his working career and refocus on enjoying his Golden Years.

Bruce enjoyed flying small planes - he was instrument qualified, loved boating all his life, loved to build and loved to read. He spent his remaining days happy enjoying Wickford Harbor with friends coming over for dinner with his wife, a glass of wine, and a Shi-Tzu named Cole.

"It has been a good life, one helluva ride, and if I had it to do over again I would focus less on work and more on family." To steal a quote from his brother Niles, "I'll look forward to seeing you all again in the funnies!"

Relatives & friends are invited and may call on Friday, July 29, 2016 from 4:00 to 700 pm in THE CRANSTON-MURPHY FUNERAL HOME of WICKFORD, 140 West Main Street, Wickford Village, North Kingstown. His funeral and burial will be private.

Donations in lieu of flowers to be sent to Dana Farber Cancer Institute would be appreciated.

View/Sign Guestbook


Cranston - Murphy Funeral Home of Wickford
140 West Main Street
North Kingstown, Rhode Island 02852
401-294-4013

Urquhart - Murphy Funeral Home
800-812 Greenwich Avenue
Warwick, Rhode Island 02886


More info ...

Cranston - Murphy Funeral Home
140 West Main Street
North Kingstown, Rhode Island 02852

More info ...



Go To Top

Copyright Murphy Funeral Homes