Bruce Robert Garney

Bruce Robert Garney, age 77, of New Bern, North Carolina, son of the late Charles and Mary Scott Garney, passed away on Wednesday, February 19, 2025 after a long illness. Bruce was a beloved husband, brother, uncle, cousin, step-father, step-grandfather and friend.

He is survived by his loving wife, Mary Gemma Dowd; sister, Barbara Lussier of Syracuse, NY; nephew Joseph Assaf (Katie) of Syracuse and their children Julie, Michael, Peter, and Billy. He was blessed sharing Mary’s family and traveling the world to visit his step-children: Sara Ferree (Mark) of San Francisco, CA, and her children Zoe and Davia; Kevin Dowd of Hong Kong and his children Sasha, Sienna, and Lucas, and Robert Dowd (Victoria) of England and his children Abigail and Oliver. Bruce is also survived by his brother-in-law James Gemma (Stephanie); several cousins and many friends. He was predeceased by his niece Julie Assaf and brother-in-law John Lussier.

Bruce had a fulfilling career as a chemical technician for 51 years at R. T. Vanderbilt in Norwalk, CT. He was an US Army veteran who served during the Vietnam War as an MP. A sailor at heart, Bruce loved spending time on the water with his sister, Barbara, and always had a passion for adventure. He was known for his “hands-on” nature, enjoying puttering around the house, camper, and boat and tackling any repair with his handy skills. If you needed a tool, Bruce would have it! He was also an early adopter of technology, always the first to have the latest gadgets and innovations.

A lifelong traveler, Bruce had a deep love for the road, going on many trips and camping since the age of 17, from tenting to glamping.

The family will receive friends at Cotten Funeral Home on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., followed by a Celebration of Bruce’s Life with Military Honors at 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Doctors Without Borders, organizations that were close to Bruce’s heart.

Cotten Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to serve the family and friends of Bruce Robert Garney.

Online condolences may be made at www.cottenfuneralhome.com.

May Bruce rest in peace, and may his memory continue to inspire those who knew him.