Bruce Eldridge

South China - Command Sergeant Major Bruce Franklin Eldridge, 78, died unexpectedly of natural causes at his home in Palermo on Tuesday, October 21.

A resident of Kennebunk and Arundel for 40 years, until moving to Palermo in 2014, Bruce was born in Rochester, NH on December 24, 1946, to Harold “Slim” and Charlotte (née Twombley) Eldridge. He grew up in North Berwick, ME, graduating from North Berwick High School in 1965 before joining the United States Army Reserves in 1966. After completing his initial military training and stateside service, he attended New Hampshire Barber College in Manchester, NH. In 1969, he opened his own barbershop, the Yankee Clippers, before eventually following his love of the outdoors into a new career. Bruce first worked as a lineman for the telephone company, and then he began a 33-year career with Kennebunk Light and Power Company, retiring in 2006.

Bruce also continued to serve in the Army Reserves with the 76th Division in Saco and commanded many other units in the New England area. His final assignment was CSM of the 1125th US Army Hospital in Auburn before retiring in 2000 with a total of 34 years of military service. He continued his service as the Sergeant at Arms for the American Legion Post 163 of Palermo prior to his sudden passing.

His commitment to serving others led him to become a bone marrow donor in 1998, saving the life of a then 3-year-old cancer patient from Takoma, WA, something he deemed one of his greatest accomplishments.

Bruce was an avid storyteller, and he never let the facts get in the way of a hilarious yarn. He reveled in the laughter of others, often making himself the butt of the joke, and he used humor in any and all situations as a way to build relationships or lighten the mood. When he wasn't chasing a laugh, he was chasing a thrill and enjoyed motorcycle riding, scuba diving, and sky diving. He loved his friends and family deeply and was often the first call, the trusted friend, role model, or safe harbour for many who knew him. A lifelong hunter and outdoor enthusiast, his family is taking great comfort knowing he had returned home days earlier from a successful moosehunt with loved ones.

Family meant more to Bruce than any awards or adventures. He is predeceased by his parents, grandson Parker Deveaux, mother-in-law Jacqueline Drapeau, sister-in-law Celeste Drapeau and brother-in-law Everett Reed. Bruce is survived by his loving wife of 23 years Monique (née Drapeau) Eldridge, daughters and sons-in-law Kelli and Brian Deveaux of Gorham, Jen and Thomas Noonan of Steep Falls, step-daughters and sons-in-law Jenn and Scott Corriveau of Lewiston, Chelsea Laflamme of Kennebunk, and Kim and Eric Johnson of Waterboro, brother Gary Eldridge and his wife Diane of Acton, and sisters Becky Reed of Wakefield, NH and Cindi Pike of Rochester, NH, and father-in-law Ron Drapeau of Auburn. In addition, grandchildren–the light of his life–include Emma and Olivia Noonan, Colby Leavitt, Bennett and Charlotte Deveaux, Savannah Perry, and Brayden and Jordyn Corriveau. The extended family includes many cousins, nephews and a niece, with whom Bruce enjoyed catching up and swapping stories. Bruce also leaves behind his lifelong friend and partner in crime, Bradford Smith and his wife Marilou of Florida.

An interment ceremony with full military honors will be performed on Friday, November 14 at 1:00 at the Southern Maine Veteran’s Cemetery in Springvale.

A brief celebration of life ceremony will then be held at Atlantic Pines Golf Club at Old Marsh in Wells at 2:30, immediately followed by a reception and time to visit. All are invited to attend any or all of the events as it suits you. We hope to honor Bruce by filling the day with friends, family, and laughter, exactly as he would have liked it.

Arrangements are under the direction and care of Aable Cremation Service, Waterville. An online guestbook may be signed; condolences and memories shared at www.aablecremationservice.com.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in memory of Bruce to support cancer research and patient care via dana-farber.org/gift.