Howard Henry Bruch Jr.

On March 3 ,2025, Howard H. Bruch Jr., 87 years old, peacefully passed away at Fairfax Hospital. Howard was born on July 28, 1937, in Easton PA and was the son of the late Howard H.Bruch Sr. and Stella Loder Bruch.

Howard attended Nazareth Area High School before joining the U.S. Air Force, where he proudly served his country. After completing his service, he became an electrician with IBEW Local 26, dedicating his career to his craft. (Over 60 years)

The love of his life was Kathryn Himler Bruch. Their lifelong bond began when they were schoolmates and deepened into an unbreakable partnership. They married on February 23, 1957 and spent 66 wonderful years together, building a family and a life filled with adventure.

Howard had an absolute love for travel and adventure. He found joy in exploring the world, whether through long walks, road trips, or simply admiring nature. Howard had a love for his motorcycles, RV’s and their boat.

He had a deep appreciation for rocks of all kinds, collecting them wherever he went. Hunting was not just a pastime but a way for him to connect with the great outdoors, his friends and himself. He had a special love for trees and cloud formations, often marveling at their beauty. He was also an amazing artist. Drawings and craving wood canes and making beautiful wood projects. One of his greatest dreams was to visit Alaska, a trip he had planned for this year but, unfortunately, was unable to take.

A true people person, Howard never met a stranger. He loved to talk to anyone and everyone, always ready to share a story or lend a listening ear. His famous saying, “Pretty good, and you?”, was a reflection of his kind, easygoing nature.

Howard is survived by his three children, Charles Bruch and wife Susan of Pryor, Oklahoma; Donald Bruch and wife Karen of Warrenton, Virginia; and Melody Bruch and husband Ray Shade of Martinsburg, West Virginia. He is also survived by 11 grandchildren—Rachel, Leah, Lindsey, Daniel, Gregory, Kathryn, and Steven, Stephanie, April and Bryce, Brylee, Philip, and Clayton, and 15 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Kathryn Bruch; his parents, Howard H Bruch Sr. and Stella Bruch; and his sisters, Dorothy and Stella.

A viewing will be held on Sunday, March 16, 2025, from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM at National Funeral Home & National Memorial Park, 7482 Lee Hwy., Falls Church, VA 22042. A Memorial Mass will take place on Monday, March 17, 2025, at 11:00 AM at St. Philip Catholic Church, located at 7500 St. Phillips Ct., Falls Church, VA 22042. Burial will follow at 1:00 PM at National Funeral Home & National Memorial Park, 7482 Lee Hwy., Falls Church, VA 22042.

Following the burial, family and friends are invited to gather at IHOP in Falls Church,Va (6655 Arlington Blvd) to celebrate Howard’s life.

Flowers may be sent to National Funeral Home & National Memorial Park, 7482 Lee Hwy., Falls Church, VA 22042