Bruce McDonnell

Bruce was born on September 19, 1944, in Schenectady, New York, to the late Wava Griffiths and Edward McDonnell.

As a young man, Bruce entered the U.S. Air National Guard, where he spent six years serving as an aircraft mechanic. After his service, he earned his associate degree and went on to build a long and steady career at Niagara Mohawk. He began as a lineman and later became a training specialist, spending the remainder of his working life with the company. Bruce believed deeply in showing up, working hard, and doing things the right way. When asked what he wanted on his epitaph, he said he wanted it to read, “He was a hard-working man.”

Alongside his career, Bruce owned and renovated apartment buildings throughout his life, first in Schenectady and later in Naples, Florida. This work was more than an investment to him. It was an extension of who he was. Bruce was extremely handy, but more than that, he was a true craftsman. He could build a house from the ground up, handling everything himself from plumbing and electrical work to framing and roofing. He took pride in his work, and it showed in every project he touched.

Bruce also knew how to enjoy life. He loved working in the yard, driving his Corvette, dancing, and sharing a laugh. He had a strong sense of humor and, even in his final days, continued making jokes and teasing those around him. He deeply loved his grandchildren and cherished the time he spent with them.

Curious by nature, Bruce was always interested in the world around him and in the people he met. He had a lifelong love of history and was always asking why things were the way they were. He loved camping and the outdoors, especially summer trips to the Adirondacks with his family at Moffitts Beach, and spending time at Cayuga Lake in the Finger Lakes region.

Survivors include:

Wife: Pamela McDonnell

Sons: Brian McDonnell and Scott McDonnell

Step-children: Rachel Dann and Jesse Dann

Grand-children: Imraan, Raihanah, Suhailah, Adnan and Luis

Siblings: Joan Cain and husband Terry, Doug McDonnell, Kathy Tessaro

Memorial service will be held at 11:00 am, February 17 2026, at First United Methodist Church, 388 First Avenue South Naples, FL 34102.

Memorial contributions can be made to/in lieu of flowers to the First United Methodist Church at https://fumcnaples.org/give/