Bruce Charles Van Duyne

Bruce was born to Pauline and Charles Van Duyne in 1936 in Boonton, New Jersey. He had one younger brother, Craig.

Bruce always had fond memories of helping his parents and grandparents in their gardens. Many people had victory gardens during WWII to help them survive through the rationing of food and goods.

Bruce attended Boonton High School in New Jersey and graduated at 16 years old. He was always ambitious, cutting lawns and doing odd jobs to make some extra money. Bruce put himself through college at Rutgers University by himself! He always joked saying you couldn’t do that anymore in this day and age!

Bruce earned his Bachelor’s degree from Rutgers in Horticulture and Entomology. He later received his Master’s degree from Rutgers University.

He married his college sweetheart Doris Haag, and they settled in Franklin Park, New Jersey, and had a son and a daughter, Gary and Lynn.

Bruce became the Agricultural Agent for Bergen County for 3 years and then the Agricultural Agent for Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Passaic County for the balance of his career. He later became an adjunct professor at Rutgers University, teaching a variety of horticultural courses. He also created and led the “Recycling and Composting program” for Passaic County.

He was especially proud of his cable TV show- “Your Yard and Garden” They would film on various locations such as Christmas tree farms, nurseries, orchards, koi and water gardens, farm produce stands, even his own backyard! They went all over the county to promote educational shows which featured the business owners and their different skills in the industry. The show was on TV for 12 years!

Many times, Bruce said he was so very lucky because he loved what he did for his career.

Dad was a wonderful and caring father who spent his free time coaching his kid’s sports teams- PAL baseball, basketball, and girls’ softball. He would fill out cards for all the kids telling us how well we were doing along with things we needed to brush up on and always practice, practice, practice!

I remember when he was elected to the Board of Education in Wayne, New Jersey. We were so proud of him! He served eight years as President (as a volunteer) and attended many late-night meetings but was so dedicated to public education.

Bruce moved with his second wife Annmarie Alois to Bradenton, Florida in their retirement years. They loved spending time with their neighbors and Dad was always working in his yard. He grew all kinds of fruit, vegetables and flowers! They both babysat for their little grandniece Ashley and loved spending time with her. She went everywhere with them, and their favorite was going to the park. Dad was truly blessed with the most wonderful neighbors who all looked out for each other and helped each other in times of need.

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Bruce is survived by his first wife Doris H. Clark and their children, Gary Van Duyne and Lynn Van Duyne.

Bruce is survived by his sister-in-law and close friend Judy Schettino (and her children).

Bruce is survived by his three cousins- Susan Nason, Janet (Leslie) Tedesco, and Jeff Evans.

Bruce’s second wife Annmarie predeceased Bruce some years ago.

Bruce was predeceased by his parents Pauline and Charles, and his brother Craig.

His special memories will be cherished by his family, friends, and neighbors.

A gathering of family & friends for Bruce will be held Saturday, March 8, 2025 from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Robert Toale and Sons Funeral Home at Manasota Memorial Park, 1221 53rd Ave East, Bradenton, FL 34203, followed by a Celebration of Life service from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM.