Richard Bruce Withers, “Bruce” to his close friends, of New Rochelle  and a former longtime resident of Pelham passed away on June 8th 2019. He was 80 years old.

Bruce was born in the Bronx to Robert and Francis Withers. He was raised in Pelham Bay where he attended PS 71 and Our Lady of Assumption Schools. It was during his years at school he would meet the love of his life Theresa Tarantino. They both met at a birthday party when Bruce was 12 and later married at Our Lady of Assumption in the Bronx.

They were married for over 60 years.

Bruce and Theresa lived in the Bronx before moving to Pelham in 1969. Bruce became very active in the community. He was a member of the Pelham Civics, Meals on Wheels, Pelham Art Center and was a Eucharistic Minister at St. Catharine’s Church.

During the day he worked for his own company Bruce Withers Graphic Design. BWGD focused on corporate graphics and communications; in his field he was considered one of the best in the country. His clients included IBM; Johnson & Johnson and The New York Stock Exchange His job was his passion. One of his career highlights was when his work was exhibited at the Modern Museum of Art.

Bruce would eventually retire at 70. As he said “The business has changed and so have I”. However he still kept a close relationship with his clients and worked as a consultant. In his spare time he would take up painting and enjoyed visiting and painting landscapes in Pennsylvania. His newfound love allowed him to travel and enjoy more time with his wife and grandkids Tara, Nicole, Salvatore, Rebecca, Isabel, Nicholas and Carolina.

Bruce will be remembered as a gentle, loyal, caring and dedicated husband, father and grandfather. He was an amazing and loyal friend to many people. His wife Theresa, his children Lori Caltabellotta and her husband Salvatore and his son Robert Bruce Withers survive Bruce. He will be deeply missed by his 7 grandchildren and the Pelham Community whom he called family.

A celebration of Bruce’s Life will take place on Tuesday June 11th from 4-8 pm at the Pelham Funeral Home Located at 64 Lincoln Avenue, Pelham NY.

A Funeral Mass will take place on Wednesday June 12th at 10:00am to be held at St. Catharine’s Church located at 25 Second Avenue, Pelham NY. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Bruce’s name to the Pelham Civics. For more information or to leave a condolence please visit pelhamfuneral.com.

Editor’s note: This obituary was provided by the Pelham Funeral Home.