He spent several weeks in the hospital battling COVID pneumonia and was initially responding well to treatment before he took a turn for the worse around Christmas. When it became clear that the extraordinary care of the Bassett medical staff was just not going to be enough, his daughter JoLaine was granted the ability to visit him in his final days.
Bruce was born on January 20, 1949 in Corinth, NY, the only son of the late William & Frieda (Bruce) Hall. Bruce graduated from Queensbury High School in 1967.
He began his post-secondary education at Hudson Valley Community College and finished at Siena College, graduating with a bachelor's degree in Sociology in 1974.
Bruce was a long-time employee of RJ Reynolds Tobacco Company while living in Guilderland, NY where he helped raise his two children. At that time, he was a Pine Bush Little League baseball coach and was heavily involved with the Helderberg Bassmasters Fishing Club.
He eventually moved to Oneonta, NY where he spent the last 25 years of his life working for the NY State Lottery from which he never retired.
A member of the Susquehanna Bass Association, Bruce was an avid fisherman who was happiest on his boat. He was a very active member of the Sons of the American Legion Post 259 in Oneonta. He enjoyed watching his favorite teams, the NY Giants & NY Mets, always best over a few beers.
Bruce was very generous and had a great sense of humor. For a man of his age, he was quite active and healthy which makes his death come as a deep blow to both friends and family.
Bruce is survived by his two children, William Hall & wife Julie of Golden, CO and JoLaine Hall & fiancé Isaac of Chelsea, MA; two grandchildren, Evolee & Trevor Hall of Golden, CO; four sisters, Billie Cirrincione (Joseph) of Annapolis, MD, Donna Ratzlaff (John) of Shawnee, KS, Gwendolyn McCarthy of Queensbury, NY, and Debra Wilcox of Fort Edward, NY; one aunt, Faith Bruce-Schermerhorn of Warrensburg, NY; several cousins; eleven nieces & nephews & their kids; and many friends in the Oneonta area.
Special thanks to Bruce’s close friends Linda Dickerson & Charlie Wilsey for their help and support during this difficult time.
The family will plan a memorial service to honor Bruce’s life at a later date.
To send the family an online condolence, please visit www.bookhoutfuneralhome.com.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Sons of the American Legion Post 259 (279 Chestnut St, Oneonta, NY 13820 / www.members.legion.org/tal/donatenow) or another charity of your choosing in his honor.
Arrangements are by the Bookhout Funeral Home, Oneonta.
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