Bruce Gary Melton, age 87, left this world to take his place in heaven in the early morning hours of Thursday, August 8, 2024. Bruce was an amazing husband, father, grandfather, brother, friend, leader, advisor and advocate. As his wife has said many times, “We cannot imagine a world without him.”
Bruce was born on 20 November 1936 (Dad never gave his date of birth in any other form other than military). He was born in Rockingham, North Carolina, and raised in Martinsburg and Winchester by his loving parents, Wilma and Robert Speelman. Escaping the lure to become a thug on the streets, Bruce entered the military at the age of 17. Initially he was trained in radar operations, then transitioned to computer science and programming. While stationed in Vietnam, he served on the team that set up computer systems to feed the troops and then to bring them home from the war. He assisted in the establishment of the first computer at the pentagon and again at a secret military site in the DC area. After serving in the United States Air Force for 20 years, he kept the same desk and continued to serve our country through private contractors. At retirement, he devoted his life to his wife, children, and community. Bruce is survived by his wife of 68 years, Pierrette Claire L’Italien. Their Love Story is unmatched. Having been introduced by their best friends while Bruce was stationed in Maine, Bruce worked hard to earn the respect of Pierrette’s parents. After being told they could not marry until Pierrette reached the age of 19, they scheduled the wedding for Pierrette’s 19th birthday. He spent the remainder of his life worshiping the ground that Pierrette walked. Bruce is survived by his children: Jocelyne Melton his favorite daughter and Mark Melton the biggest surprise of their lifetime. It broke his heart to lose his elder son, Gary Melton, who although he will not share a room with him in heaven, he will let him visit regularly. He is also survived by Jocelyne’s husband, Gary Bercaw, and his granddaughter Tonya Hollingsworth Wychulis, her husband Danny, and her son River Free; Mark’s wife Shannon Melton, their son Josh Melton and daughter Pheylan Updike and her husband Spencer Updike and their son Jenson; Gary Melton’s wife Etta Melton, Gary’s daughters Larissa and Alexa, Alexa’s love Dakota and their young children Theo and Lilth; Bruce’s brother Robert Speelman and his wife Jill; cousins Becky McMenimem and her son Robbie. He was predeceased by his older brother Chief Master Sergeant Pete Melton. He is survived by Pete’s daughter, Carrie and Robert’s daughter Amy. Bruce loved outdoor adventures with his family, camping, hiking, fishing, and trips to visit family along the east coast and Canada. Bruce did not just serve his community. Once involved it became his passion. He devoted 35 years of service to the Boy Scouts of American, encouraging both Gary and Mark to become Eagle Scouts, along with several other young men in the community. He joined the Leitersburg Ruritan around 1994, was Club President in 2001, Vice-President in 2000 and 2007, Club Director from 2013 to 2015 and again in 2021 to 2023. He also served as the Ruritan Potomac District Zone 2 Governor from 2004 to 2005. He loved the town they chose to settle in and was known for personally helping neighbors in need. He is highly unhappy with missing the Leitersburg Ruritan Peach Festival this weekend. Bruce also assisted with Christmas bell ringing with the Salvation Army. He and Pierrette were active members of St. Ann’s Catholic Church, sitting in the first row and only missing a Sunday service when out of town or ill. Their devotion to God continues. It is so apparent that Pierrette is correct in saying, our family, our communities, and our world will not be the same without this great man in it. However, we can be assured that he is following God’s direction in cutting the heavenly grass, planting beautiful flower beds, and preparing heaven to welcome all of us. Bruce’s community of friends and family are invited to share our good-byes, celebrate his life, tell stories and provide strength and support to one another on Tuesday, August 13 from 5-7 p.m. at his viewing to be held at Rest Haven Funeral Home, 1601 Pennsylvania Avenue, Hagerstown, Maryland, followed by one of Bruce’s favorite bon fires at the Melton Home, 21628 Leiter Street, Hagerstown, Maryland. On Wednesday, August 14, at 11 a.m. all are invited to share in his Catholic services and funeral to be held in the Chapel of Rest Haven followed by continued celebration of his life at the Melton Home. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to continue Bruce’s commitment to the community. He would love for donations to be made to the Leitersburg Ruritan at 21427 Leiter Street, Hagerstown, MD 21742 or St. Ann Roman Catholic Church at 1525 Oak Hill Avenue, Hagerstown, MD 21742. Bruce shared a final message with Jocelyne: “I think I need to go now. Tell everyone that I had a wonderful life and thank them for the part they played in it. You did a good job. I love you.” We will miss you Dad, Husband, Pap, Brother and Friend.
Posted online on August 09, 2024
Published in The Herald-Mail
