Obituary of Bruce Commandeur

Bruce Commandeur, 70, of Delhi, died Sunday evening July 23, 2023. Bruce, originally of West Orange, N.J. relocated to Delhi, 37 years ago. He is predeceased by his parents, Thelma and Edward Commandeur, and his brother Tommy.

Bruce is survived by his wife, Arden Keller, his daughters Diane (Paul) Commandeur, and Patricia (Charles) Commandeur, his sister Deborah (Jim) Corcoran, his brother Peter (Denise)Commandeur. He has 4 grandchildren, 3 nephews, and 1 niece.

Bruce was a true iconoclast. He was a bold thinker and well-studied in a wide array of subjects, always embracing a lively discussion on politics, culture, mechanics, cars, gardening, energy, finance. The list was endless. He loved a good debate but did not suffer fools gladly. His views were often surprising - conservative by nature, he would often surprise with a unique turn of position. Hmmm…. thought provoking, kept you guessing if you were curious.

Bruce was a porch sitter in the summer. He loved the squeaky screen door slamming shut, watching his precious hummingbirds dive bomb each other, and gazing upon his wondrous collection of antique junk cars arranged on the lawn. A thrifty, talented mechanic, our 75-year-old clothes dryer speaks to his resourcefulness.

He was a loner but was kind to others. He always seemed to champion the underdog. He donated a kidney to his brother which remains 27 years strong. He was an active member of the Delhi Bridge Committee. This group, led by Lois Ray, defied the NYS system to close the Sherwood Bridge in Delhi and raised money, jumped through all the bureaucratic hoops, and built it themselves.

 Bruce was #3 in the draft lottery while the Viet Nam war was still raging. He decided on the National Guard. He spent a couple of years in Israel on an archeological dig, enjoyed hunting and fishing, photography, making furniture, inventing, and innovating. Bruce was above all, a patriot, and a carpenter.

He will be missed by family and friends for his lively discussions, broad interests and compassion.

There will be a Requiem Mass at St. Peter’s Church in Delhi, Friday August 4, 2023 at 12 noon. Reception to follow.

Please visit www.hallandpeet.com to share a condolence with Bruce’s family.