Bruce L. Adams passed away peacefully at home on January 20, 2021 at the age of ninety-eight. He was born on April 27, 1922, in Slippery Rock, Pennsylvania. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Education at what was then Slippery Rock College and later earned his Master’s Degree in Mathematics at the University of Pittsburgh. He served in the Mighty Eighth Air Force during World War II earning the rank of First Lieutenant as a navigator on a B-24. He completed thirty-five missions and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and several Oak Leaf Clusters. On October 16, 1945, he married his high school and college sweetheart, Twyla Jean Holben. He spent his career teaching physical education, mathematics and drivers’ training at Bellevue High School which became part of Northgate School District. Bruce coached high school football, basketball and baseball in the Bellevue School District over many years. He was elected to the WPIAL Hall of Fame as a basketball coach. He was also inducted into the Slippery Rock High School Athletic Hall of Fame and the Slippery Rock College Athletic Hall of Fame. Bruce served as an Elder and Clerk of Session at the Bellevue United Presbyterian Church for many years. Bruce enjoyed his family and friends and was always known for being very friendly and fun to be around. He loved to tell jokes and make people laugh. He loved following the Pittsburgh Pirates as a minority owner and enjoyed playing golf, especially after he retired. He is survived by his son, Dennis Adams of Philadelphia, PA, his daughters, Diane Adams of Gibsonia, PA, and Debra Fitzgerald of Jacksonville, FL, as well as his granddaughters Veronica Adams Tirpak (Bernie), Laura Fitzgerald Langer (Thomas) and Emily Fitzgerald, as well as three great-granddaughters, Maya Tirpak, Olivia Tirpak and Ansley Langer. He is survived by one sister-in-law, Peggy Holben, of Slippery Rock, PA. He was preceded in death by his wife, Twyla Adams, his brother, Robert Adams and his son-in-law, James Fitzgerald. Bruce had many excellent, dedicated caregivers over the years. We are especially grateful for those who were still caring for him: Jennifer Cunningham, Palma Lopreiato, Claudia Norris and Elyshia Truckley. In lieu of flowers the family would suggest donations to Slippery Rock University Alumni Association. There will not be any visitation or memorial service due to COVID-19. Burial will be private.
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