Obituary of Bruce H. Link

Father, son, soldier, volunteer, Life Scout, friend and beloved husband, Bruce H. Link served many roles over his 65 years.  Bruce was born in Poughkeepsie, NY, graduated from Spackenkill High School, Dutchess Community College, and Marist College, earning degrees in Electronic Technology and Accounting. Bruce served in the U.S. Army, stationed in Korea as a Forward Observer, and subsequently served in the Army Reserves and was later honorably discharged at the rank of Sergeant.  Following active Military service Bruce was employed by H O Penn Caterpillar, IBM and Verizon. 

During his youth, Bruce served as a paperboy for the Poughkeepsie Journal, before passing off the route to siblings.  Incredibly talented with auto mechanics, Bruce found pleasure working on cars throughout his life, from the total ‘rebuild’ of his first Studebaker Station Wagon, to restoring Plymouth Barracudas and tinkering with Dodge Darts.  

Bruce married his high school sweetheart, Gere Smalley, in 1999 and moved to their farm in Hobart, NY, where together they raised their son Bruce II, step-children Danny, Tommy and Katie King, along with llamas, horses, cats and dogs. An active Boy Scout volunteer, Bruce worked at BSA Camp Henderson in the Tech Lodge for eight summers and joined camping and other trips with the Scouts, drawing on his experiences as a youth that saw him achieve the rank of Life Scout. In addition, Bruce volunteered with the Stamford Central School Booster Club and 4-H. He was known to help those in need, from friends to strangers on the road.

Bruce will be remembered for his Grizzly Adams appearance and teddy bear heart. There was no request too big and nothing too heavy, for him to lighten another's load. A generous and hard-working soul, Bruce had numerous and varied skills. He enjoyed many side projects in electronic hardware technology, construction and automobile restoration. He will be greatly missed by his family and many friends.

Bruce is survived by his wife, Geraldine S. Link at home, son Bruce II (BJ), Groton CT, stepchildren Daniel King (Linda Thompson), Rotterdam NY, Thomas King, Albany NY, and Katherine King, Albany NY. He is also survived by siblings Roderick W. Link, Jr., Poughkeepsie NY, Margaret (Anthony) Ormston, Winchester UK, Carolyn Link, Poughkeepsie NY, Lawrence (Cindy) Link, Belmont MA, Stephen Link, Washington DC, his aunt, Dorothy Illingworth, Lynchburg VA, and a large number of nieces, nephews and cousins. Bruce is predeceased by his parents, Roderick W. Link (2020) and Ruth H. Link (2012).

Due to the COVID -19 limitations, cremation will take place and a memorial service will be planned in the future with interment in the Link family plot, Ghent NY.

Memorial gifts are suggested in lieu of flowers to Rosemary Farm Sanctuary, South Kortright NY, Hobart FD, Stamford FD, or a charity of your choice.