Bruce Banks Sr.

Mr. Bruce Edward Banks Sr. was born in Queens General Hospital in South Jamaica Queens, to the late William Leon Banks Sr. and the late Lucille McMillian Banks on April 28, 1945. He was the second of three children. He departed this life on March 19, 2012 at 4:00 AM at the age of 66. Bruce passed away at home with family. For most of his younger years he attended the Greater Allen Ame Cathedral in Jamaica Queens. After a pause in his church journey Bruce found his final church home of worship at the Canaan AME Church of Astoria. Bruce attended I.S. 123 Shirma Jr. High, and Pine Forge Institute where after he received his High School Diploma. Bruce always believed in a higher education going on to John Jay, College of New Rochelle and St. John University.

Some of Bruce’s hobbies were kayaking in the east river, rollerblading, handball, paddle ball, racket ball, basketball, and bike riding with his bike shorts over his sweat pants, orange safety vest, and helmet. Bruce worked in many different professions from labor ready work, operating the family business, working with senators and mayors, only to go to his chosen profession of becoming a Substance Abuse Counselor at various locations such as the Minority Task Force on AIDS, Phoenix House, and lastly the West Midtown Medical Group. Bruce was a man of many talents and was always pushing to be better and better at anything he did. He always wanted the best for his children. Bruce was very well loved by all as he had love for all as well.

In his teen years at the age of 17 or 18 he met and later married Lydia Hart. Out of this union they were blessed with three children, and then moved to Astoria. They divorced and later at the age of 29 he met and loved Christine Conquest. Out of this union they were blessed with two children. Bruce had a special love for all his children and they loved him as well. In his final months of life, Bruce was a fighter. He wasn't giving up or letting his sickness get the best of him. He was feisty, talked smack, and told his jokes to the end. Bruce fought a good strong fight. We needed and wanted him here longer with us but God needed his angel more. We all now have a guardian angel looking down on us. So, rest in peace Bruce. No more pain, no more sorrow. You are in good hands now.

Bruce leaves to cherish his fond memories, five children, Tonyia Banks, Bruce Banks ll, Troy Banks, Mary Conquest (Banks),Maria Conquest ( Banks) and honorary son Ronnie Pinckney (Ron Don), four grandchildren Malik Banks, Kahleel Banks, Bella Simone Banks, and Skylar Mary'e Conquest-Wilson, and honorary granddaughter Jamilah Johnson, one and only godson Tuqawn Currie, one sister Cynthia Banks, three aunts Roselle (Henry) Robinson, Hattie Perkins, and Elizabeth Rose, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends and friends and friends. In the end his friends were there for him!

Viewing will take place at the Thomas M. Quinn & Sons Funeral Home

Viewing will be held Monday March 26, 2012 3:30-5:30p.m.

Funeral Service will be held 5:30-7:30p.m.

Final Viewing will be 7:30-8:30p.m.

Repass to follow the service at Goodwill Terrance 8:30-11:00p.m.

4-21 27th Avenue

Long Island City, New York

Interment Tuesday March 27, 2012 Family will be arriving at the Funeral Home 9:30a.m. and leaving at 10:00a.m. then

proceeding to the Forest Green Cemetery in Morganville, N.J.

for anyone that would like to join the family, all are welcome.