William Bruce

William Henry “Hank” Bruce Jr. was born on September 13, 1954 and passed away peacefully on May 16, 2025. His parents, William Henry Bruce Sr. and Hilda Mae Bruce preceded him in death.

Hank attended St. Mark Catholic School and Catonsville High School, he graduated in 1973. Hank also took continuing education classes at Catonsville Community College.

Hank was retired from Baltimore County Public Schools, having worked there for 42 years with the bulk of his career as a special education paraeducator. Hank worked with many teachers in several schools, and he always took pride in helping special needs students - both academically and socially. Hank really cherished the connections he made with his students through the years.

Hank’s gift and passion was playing and composing music. A musician from the age of 12, he began singing and playing with local bands by the age of 15. Hank was a member of various bands throughout his life, including: The Sonics, The Persuaders, Bodkin Creek, The LP’s & the 45’s, The David Zee Band, and Prime Time, to name a few. Hank was an accomplished alto saxophonist, but he also played soprano, tenor, and bass saxophones, oboe, wind controller, and keyboard. Hank produced two albums of original and cover tunes in the 2000s. Hank’s musical contributions were recognized in 2017 with his induction into The Maryland Entertainment Hall of Fame, an honor of which he was truly proud.

Hank leaves to mourn: his wife of 41 years, Renée, his daughter, Christina Bruce Rodichok, his son-in-law, Daniel Rodichok, his beloved grandson, Julian Rodichok, his sisters-in-law, Denise Peacock and Michelle Peacock, his brother-in-law, William Peacock, lifelong best friend, James Brightful, and a host of other relatives and friends.