Born: October 28, 1917, Morris County, New Jersey
Died: July 16, 2012, Morris County, New Jersey
Relation to Author: Grandfather
Here are the remarks from Bruce's funeral - one year ago - given by his son Barry.
Bruce Judson Cheney was born October 28 1917 at the Cooper family home at 8 Lawrence Street. His father, William Judson Cheney, was a Semi-Pro Baseball Player who had come to Dover in 1906 to play, and was also a Post Office Clerk. His mother, Leila Horton Cooper, was a homemaker.
Bruce was an only child so he got lots of attention, especially from his Mother. He grew up on Ann Street. He was focused on sports in his youth and young adult years. In high school they did not have interscholastic basketball or baseball so he had to settle for intramurals winning championships for the Southside teams. He received his only Varsity letter for tennis. After high school and while working at Picatinny he played hardball and then softball usually as shortstop.
He was a passionate fan of the NY baseball Giants and could recount in vivid detail exactly where he was (work at Picatinny) and how he reacted when Bobby Thompson hit the “Shot heard around the World” in 1951 to win the NL pennant defeating the Brooklyn Dodgers. In 1992 I played a trick on him and enticed him to come with his grandson Brendan and I to a baseball card show. He didn't know that the show was attended by Bobby Thompson. At the card show, he got to sit and talk baseball with Bobby Thompson. He left walking on air in disbelief.
He met Betty at Picatinny in 1941. She was a typist and he was in Stores which included making routine deliveries to her building. It got to the point where he was hanging around so much talking to her that it was interfering with her work and she was afraid of getting in trouble. At some point he got the nerve to ask her out. Since he didn’t drive he had to take the trolley to Kenvil to pick her up for a date. There wasn't much to do in Kenvil, so they would usually take the trolley back to Dover.
They married May 23, 1943. Their first child was born with a congenital heart defect and lived only months. I arrived next followed by my brother Brian
Dad was never one to go far from home. After marrying they lived in Mine Hill for a short time, moved to Kenvil and in 1956 had the house built in Mt. Fern - always staying close to family.
Everything revolved around the family. It seemed that almost every Sunday was dinner with the Nanas and often times a “Sunday drive”.
Dad’s five cousins were for the most part distant from Dover but he kept up letter correspondence throughout the years. His cousin Joyce and her family were in Pequannock and visits with them were enjoyed.
He adored his grandchildren and tried to spend as much time as possible in Warwick attending Church children’s choir, pageants and picnics, and their baseball and soccer games. He followed them closely thru college, writing occasional letters in the days of email. He would urge them to marry and have children so he could have great-grandchildren. He finally got his wish and although we don’t think he knew they were his he never forgot how to hold a baby and was happy and relaxed when they were in his arms.
He was a gentle, caring man who in addition to baseball loved to garden, vegetables and roses, and invariably carried with him a big welcoming smile. He kept that smile throughout his dementia years whenever he went out or received a visitor.
He was my coach, encourager, provider and friend.
His dementia over the last 2.5 years required continuous care. I am grateful that my brother Brian was willing to be the caregiver on a 24/7 basis over that time. I thank you for your dedication and compassion. It provided Dad with a familiar setting in which he was able to be comfortable. [Editor's note: Barry was in Dover almost every weekend to help with the care.]
Also, here is PopPop's obituary:
Bruce J. Cheney
AGE: 94 • Randolph
Bruce J. Cheney, 94, passed away Monday, July 16, 2012 at Compassionate Care Hospice at Saint Clares Hospital, Dover. He was born in Dover and graduated from Dover High School in 1937. He also lived in Kenvil before moving to Randolph in 1956. Mr. Cheney worked in Drafting at Picatinny Arsenal, Rockaway Township and he had been a Supervisor Technician there when he retired in 1976 after 35 years of service. He was an 81 year member of the First Memorial Presbyterian Church in Dover where he was an Elder, Trustee and an Usher. He was a 60 year member of Acacia Lodge #20, Free and Accepted Masons. He had been a member of NARFE. He also had been a basketball and baseball coach in Randolph Little League for 13 years.
Mr. Cheney is predeceased by his wife, Elizabeth "Betty" in 2009 and in 1947 by his son, Bruce J. Cheney, Jr. He is survived by two sons, Barry J. and his wife Lynn and Brian J.; three grandchildren, Kristin, Brendan and Bradley, and two great-grandsons, Eamon and Brooks.
Visitation Friday, July 20th, 2012, 3 - 5 & 7 - 9 PM at Tuttle Funeral Home, 272 State Route 10 West, Randolph (tuttlefh.com). Funeral Services will be on Saturday, July 21st, 2012, 10:00 AM at the First Memorial Presbyterian Church, 51 West Blackwell Street, Dover (973-366-0216). Interment will follow at Locust Hill Cemetery, Dover. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the First Memorial Presbyterian Church, 51 West Blackwell Street, Dover, NJ 07801.
Published in the Daily Record on July 18, 2012
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