Robert Bruce Fagan

Robert “Bruce” Fagan  

7/3/54 – 2/19/25

“Bruce” Fagan, recently of West Hartford, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, at Hartford Hospital surrounded by his wife and friends.  He was born in New Haven, CT on July 3, 1954, he was the son of the late Robert and Charlotte Doolittle Fagan.  He was the cherished husband of Marie Goodine. 

Besides Marie, he is survived by his treasured two daughters, Nelmarie (Antonio) of Plainville, CT and Yuneli (Luis) or West Harford, CT.  He was able to see his two new granddaughters enter this world last year, Alana and Camilla and enjoy their precious smiles.

Bruce was also survived by his brother, William (Sarge) Fagan of Killingworth CT, JoAnn Panek (Pete) of Texas.  His nephews Ric Hosley (Kim) of Chester, CT, Kyle Raymond of Punta Gorda Florida, Josh Raymond (Tanya) of Texas; nieces Susan Pingree (Brett) of Falmouth, ME and Wendy (Woo) Fagan of Durham, CT; and his great nieces, Cecilia, Hunter, Isabel, Cassidy and Jaide; great nephews, Blaise, Brodie and Carter.  He was predeceased by his precious sister Sharon Hosley. 

Bruce was an Army Veteran, serving in the Vietnam Era in Germany as a E-3 in heavy artillery from 1971-1974.  He was proud of his military service and was involved afterwards with many organizations and always wanting to help and connect with his fellow military brothers and sisters.  He was one of the founders of the non-profit, Skydive for Veterans.  He was the chairman for the Veterans Committee at Westbrook Elks for several years and many other committees, etc. 

Bruce was an active member of the Mason’s and proud to be part of the brotherhood.  He was an officer these past years.  He had just been promoted to Senior Warden at Anchor Lodge 112 in East Hampton, Ct.  He was in the Shriner’s and Scottish Rite.  He was also in the Widow’s Son.  He was happy to spend time with his brothers participating in fund raisers, events, and camaraderie. 

Bruce was a humble man who was there for anyone from family, friends, or complete strangers.  He wore his heart on his shoulder and called anyone he met “sister” or “brother” and a friend to everyone.  He was selfless with a big heart, always looking out for someone.  He was known far and wide. 

Bruce started his own arborist business American Home and Tree.  He could be seen up in the trees climbing or in his second love bucket truck “yellow” and dump truck “green.”  He was also observed traveling all over in his truck “big red.” Bruce was also the Tree Warden for the Town of Killingworth.

Bruce was a man who lived life to the fullest, no holds bar.  He would say he was an “adrenaline junkie” and he needed to keep going because “it is hard to hit a moving target.”  He worked as a deep-sea diver, raced hydroplane boats in the states, and “jumped out of perfectly good airplanes” since his Army days.  He was the so called “copilot” when he flew with his “buddy” in experimental planes across the country and fly overs for Veterans events at the Elks Club. 

Bruce was connected to his spiritual community.  He explored, learned, and embraced the native cultures of Lakota, Cree and Peru.  He treasured time spent with his mentors and connection with his Tiyospaye from various parts of the Northeast.  He ran shamanic drum circles and spoke of the Wisdom of the Ancestors.  He was a water pourer in sweat lodge and a pipe carrier.  He walked the “Red Road” which embraces all with the focus of “Love is the Answer” and “Service to Others.”  He was a cofounder in 2023 with his treasured wife in creating Rising Wings Counseling Services with the focus on connection and healing. 

Bruce was a member of the Royal Order of the South Dakota Buffalo.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend calling hours on Friday February 28, 2025, from 4:00-7:00pm at Cromwell Funeral Home, owned by Doolittle, at 506 Main Street, Cromwell, CT.  There will be a Masonic Ceremony that night at 6pm.

A graveside service will be held on Saturday, May 10th at 9:00 am in the State Veteran Cemetery, 317 Bow Lane, Middletown where full military honors will be accorded followed by a Celebration of Life at 11:00 am at the Westbrook Elks Lodge, 142 Seaside Avenue, Westbrook.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to Skydive for Veterans may be made in his honor.  www.skydiveforveterans.org.  To send condolences and share stories with the family, please visit www.doolittlefuneralservice.

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