Bruce R Storm

Bruce Raymond Storm, 89, passed away peacefully on June 14, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of family, entrepreneurship, community service, and unwavering support for education and the arts.

Born on April 20, 1937, at Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis, Indiana, Bruce was the eldest child of Ralph Raymond and Mary Louise Storm. He was joined in childhood by his brother, Ralph Thomas Storm, and sister, Jane Ellen Storm (Sutkowski). Raised in Mooresville, Indiana, Bruce graduated from Mooresville High School in 1955, where he proudly served as President of his senior class.

Bruce attended Purdue University, earning his degree from the School of Pharmacy in 1959. During his time at Purdue, he was an active member of the Kappa Sigma Fraternity and participated in Navy ROTC. Following graduation, Bruce served his country in the United States Navy from 1959 to 1961 aboard the U.S.S. Ticonderoga off the coast of California.

After completing his military service, Bruce moved to Bloomington, Indiana, where he began his pharmacy career at Stout’s Pharmacy on the courthouse square. Only a few months later, Bloomington Hospital approached him to establish its first Pharmacy Department, where he served as the hospital’s primary pharmacist. Later, he partnered with Doug Hatton to open Value Plus Pharmacy on North College Ave and later a second store on West Third St. (Highland Village).

Though pharmacy was his first profession, Bruce’s entrepreneurial spirit led him in many new directions. In 1984, he founded Bruce Storm Real Estate & Management, a business that reflected his passion for helping others and building community.

Bruce also played a pivotal role in shaping Bloomington’s cultural landscape. In 1971, a former tenant and friend, Ray “Bear” McConn, shared his dream of opening a college pub. Together they purchased the Chatterbox across from the Indiana University School of Music and opened Bear’s Place. When the need arose for pizza but kitchen space was limited, they opened Mother Bear’s Pizza just a few doors away. What began as a simple idea grew into one of Bloomington’s most beloved institutions.

In 1965, Bruce was introduced on a blind date to Shannon Kay DeLaney, who was then working in the Eli Lilly Patent Department in Indianapolis. After only three dates—and a few lengthy phone calls—Bruce proposed just three weeks into their relationship. Three months later they were married, beginning a remarkable partnership that spanned almost 61 years. Together they built a life centered on love, faith, family, and shared adventure.

Bruce and Shannon raised four children: Tyler (Sandy) Storm, Tiffany (Brady) Ericson, Jason (Jill) Storm, and Joshua (Amy) Storm. Their family grew to include 11 cherished grandchildren: Jordan, Jake; Sophia, Cash, Cole; Shelby, Taylor, Jackson, JT; Parker, Madison. Nothing brought Bruce greater joy than gathering all 21 family members

together—whether on a beach in Mexico, aboard a Caribbean cruise ship, or simply at their home first in Marlin Hills and most recently in Meadwood.

Lifelong supporters of Indiana University, Bruce devoted countless hours to advancing the University’s mission. Bruce was one of the founding members of the Society of the Friends of Music, whose mission was to provide scholarships for students in the Indiana University School of Music. He was also an active member of the Well House Society and the IU Varsity Club.

Bruce and Shannon shared a love of travel and explored the world together, finding inspiration in new places, cultures, and people. These experiences deepened Bruce’s appreciation for diversity and fueled his desire to serve clients from many different backgrounds throughout Bloomington. Over the years, he invested in older properties along 4th and Grant Streets, which collectively have become an “avenue” of international cuisine.

Above all, Bruce treasured family. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, businessman, mentor and friend. His generosity, vision, and commitment to bringing people together, left an indelible mark on the city of Bloomington and on all who had the privilege of knowing him. Bruce’s life was defined by the relationships he nurtured, both personal and professional, and the countless lives he touched.

His legacy will continue through his family, his community, and the institutions he supported.

He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered always.