Bruce Joseph Ladrie

Bruce was born in Washington, Vermont on May 4, 1937 to Benoit and Florence Ladrie. In 1952 he migrated with his family to south Florida, where he lived until 1980 when he moved to Durham, NC. He was happily married to Carol J. Hamlet until her death in 1982 and to Christine A. Ladrie until her death in 2023.

Bruce proudly served his country in the Navy and worked many years as a mechanic for Eastern Airlines, while also operating his own flight school. After working with Eastern for many years, he became owner-operator of Custom Overhead Doors which he managed until his retirement. He is remembered fondly for always having a smile and gladly listening to anyone’s stories.

Bruce was a member of faith at Saint Francis of Assisi Catholic Church where he had many friends. He volunteered with the USO, was an active member of the Piper Comanche club (AOPA), Lynn's Crossroads Ruritan Club and the Knights of Columbus. He made regular trips back to Vermont, where he loved to visit with friends and go on snowmobile and hunting trips. His passion was flying his Comanche plane on regular adventures going as far as Alaska, California and many other places across the US.

Bruce is survived by his brother, Norman Ladrie, his sister, Sonja Johnson, and his children, Jay (Lisa) Campbell, David (Laura) Ladrie, Liz (Kevin) Grimsley, Diane (LeeAnn) Ladrie, Kelly (Mitch) Campbell and Michael (Vanessa) Ladrie, as well as 14 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren.

A celebration of life will be held in his honor on the 3rd of September at 1:00pm at Saint Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Raleigh.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you donate to the USO or Duke Children’s Hospital.

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