Captain Edward F. Bruce, Jr., 89
Captain Edward F. Bruce, Jr., 89, of Dartmouth, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday April 23, 2026, following a brief illness. He was the loving and devoted husband of the late Gayle (Paradis) Bruce, with whom he shared 62 years of marriage until her passing in 2021.
Born in New Bedford, he was the son of the late Edward F. and Mary A. (Griffiths) Bruce. Eddie was educated in New Bedford Catholic schools and graduated from Monsignor James Coyle High School in 1954. Shortly after graduation, he proudly enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, serving honorably until 1959.
Eddie spent two decades as a commercial fisherman, working his way from deckhand to captain through determination, grit, and an unwavering work ethic. In 1985, he began a second career at Massachusetts Maritime Academy as a Water Survival and Lifeboat Instructor, a role he cherished and continued well into his early 80s. Over the years, he formed many lifelong friendships that he deeply valued.
He will be remembered for his commitment to hard work, his sharp wit, and his love of telling - and playing - jokes. Christmas parties on Shawmut Avenue, vacations on Spring Hill Beach, and Family Day were among his happiest traditions. Above all, Eddie's greatest joy was his profound love for his wife and their four daughters, who loved him just as fiercely in return.
Eddie was a proud member of the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.
He is survived by his daughters, Suzanne Carr and her husband Patrick, Colleen Thomas and her husband Ike, Noreen Duarte, and Gayle Antoniou and her husband Tony. He leaves behind his grandchildren, Patrick Carr and his wife Kristen, Seamus Carr and his wife Creign, Erin Gerber and her husband David, Caleb Duarte and his girlfriend Dawn Sanders, Abigail Duarte and her fiancé Ryan McGeary, Eliza, Mara, and Sophie Antoniou, and Scarlett Thomas. He was blessed with great‑grandchildren Grayson, Collins, Campbell, and Bowie Carr, and Cade Duarte, as well as many loving nieces and nephews. He will also be missed by his faithful and beloved dog, Tilly.
He was predeceased by his wife Gayle; his siblings Mary Catherine Saunders, Marie Celeine Toye, Lila Hogan Trott, Perpetua M. Murray, Dennis P. "Babe" Bruce, and Herman R. Bruce; and his son‑in‑law, Brian F. Duarte.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to the staff of St. Luke's SICU for the exceptional care and compassion shown to Eddie.
Visiting hours will be held on Thursday April 30th from 4-7 PM at the Saunders‑Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford. His Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday May 1st at 11:30 AM at St. John Neumann Church, 157 Middleboro Road, East Freetown. Burial with militaIry honors will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to South Coast Hospice Care, 200 Mill Rd., Fairhaven, MA 02719.
