Bruce J. Spector, age 70, of Brighton, NY passed away on May 2, 2023 after a long hospital stay following a heart attack in December. Bruce was born in Rochester in 1953 to Milton and Minnie Spector. He grew up in Irondequoit, graduated from Irondequoit High School in 1971, then Oberlin College with degrees in Math and Economics in 1974, and then received his Master’s degree from Rochester Institute of Technology in 1981. During his career in IT, he worked for Bausch + Lomb, Xerox, Hewlett Packard, DXC Technology, and Wipro.
Bruce was a Capacity Planner for nearly the entirety of his professional career. He was well known for his dedication to his colleagues, his skill in managing the systems under his supervision, as well as his ability to participate in multiple virtual meetings at a time. His kindness and enthusiasm were also evident in his commitment to the Rotary Club of Pittsford where he served in multiple leadership roles over the years, including Club President, Foundation Treasurer, and various District roles. He fully embodied the Rotary motto of “Service Above Self,” giving his time and energy to many events on the calendar.
Above all else, Bruce found joy as a husband, father, and grandfather. His love for his children led him to coach multiple soccer teams over the years and attend countless sports practices, music recitals, and dance and theater performances. As his daughters grew older and moved abroad, he and his wife Donna traveled across the world to visit them. From Germany to China, Luxembourg to Switzerland, Bruce loved learning about and experiencing other cultures, and he took immense pride in the multicultural lives his children lead.
Bruce is survived by his wife of 45 years, Donna Gruschow Spector; his three daughters, Jessica (Dax) Liniere, Lauren Spector, and Lindsey Spector; his grandchildren, Aurora and Atlas Liniere; his sister, Laurie (Jay) Pritchard; as well as his niece, nephews, and cousins.
His loved ones are grateful for everyone who supported him throughout this difficult time, including the staff in the 4th floor cardiac units of Strong Memorial Hospital.
A private celebration of life will take place this summer. His family finds comfort knowing that so many will carry on his legacy of service, kindness, joy, gratitude, humor, and love. People are welcome to comment below or email a family member to share stories of Bruce. Donations in Bruce’s memory can be made to the Pittsford Rotary Foundation, P.O. Box 161, Pittsford, NY 14534 or a charity of your choice.
So very sorry for your loss Donna, Jessica, Lauren, Lindsey, Dax & his Grandchildren who are still so young. I know Bruce will be missed by so many.
We had many face time chats where we always talked about how amazing our ‘kids’ are and how happy they made him. Thank you Donna for allowing me to be part of the last family chat. Sending much love to all.
Donna, Lauren, Lindsey, Jess, Dax 💗
I love you all and you are in my heart and my prayers.
I have such wonderful memories of Bruce and know he loves you all so much. I am so sorry.
I met “Mr. Spector” and the entire Spector family when I was just 8 years old. I was so lovingly welcomed into their home for countless sleepovers and play dates and formed friendships that are dear to me heart. Bruce was always taking the time to play with Lindsey and I. Taking us sledding on snow days, setting the sprinkler up under the trampoline on hot Summer days, and taking us to the neighborhood park. I don’t know if the gift of gab was stronger with Bruce or my Dad, but Lindsey and I always knew we could get 20, 30, even 60 extra minutes of playtime once they got going. But over 25 years later the real core memory was Bruce’s peppy cheering. Cheering and jumping as he ran up and down the field as Lindsey played soccer. Him jumping by the TV while watching his beloved Red Wings play. His spirit was infectious and I was lucky to have known him. Myself, Jason, and my parents send all of our love and prayers to Donna, Lindsey, Lauren, and Jessica.
I first met Bruce over the phone on the last day of July 2003, and just over 2 weeks later I happily joined his team. Over the years we’ve had many managers but the one constant pilar of professionalism and leadership was Bruce. As some of the earliest adopters of the work at home model, we were blessed in that we had shared interests to talk about and quickly developed a friendship. Bruce shared advice and helped with all my major life decisions over our 20 year friendship. He was there and genuinely excited for me and my family every time something good happened. We talked about finances when I bought my first house … he shared in happiness when our daughter was born … he shared in worry whenever she was sick. He covered for me countless times at work so I could be at Amelia’s school for every event and never miss a minute of her activities. He encouraged me to get involved with local community service activities and we often got to compare Rotary to Kiwanis over the last 15 years.
I’ve already missed speaking with him over the last several months. We spoke a minimum of 5 times per week, sometimes for hours at a time, for just shy of 2 decades. The last few years we switched to video calls which helped to make the physical milage between us even less significant, and also gave Bruce multiple opportunities to speak to Amelia. He of course smiled and talked to her as if she were one of his own. Bruce loved to share stories and accomplishments of his own family as well. I loved hearing about all the things his girls were accomplishing over the years and keeping up with you more than you could have ever known at the time!
I miss him dearly already. I always called him “Boss”, even though he didn’t care for it, and that’s what I’ll continue to call him in my memories.
I still can’t believe that my Bruce sir is no more.. I was shocked to hear this through a colleague from Wipro..
He was such a nice human being . I know Bruce sir since the days i worked in Symantec capacity management project from 2010 onwards.. He is the best example of a good Manager.. He is such a dedicated person and made himself available to help team members across various regions (round the clock)..He would be the first person to appreciate any team members for their work..
I have always told him that he would remain as my Godfather for ever.. He was always my role model.. My wife Srilatha & I are really very saddened to hear this news.. we did our prayers for his wonderful soul to rest in peace..
I still remember his reference letter to my father in law for his acceptance for my marriage…. I was amazed that he treated me more like a family member.. Love you so much sir.. we miss you sir!!
Regards,
Yuvaraj
Donna and family So very for your loss. I graduated with Bruce from IHS. Our moms were good friends for years and I often visited their home near to the Copper Deli. We also shared another commonality. Donna your mom was the office lady at my elementary school and we were neighbors in Irondequoit as well .It is said that love is stronger than death. May his memory be for a blessing .RIP Bruce
My condolences to the Spector family. I worked for Bruce many, many years ago (2003) & only for a short time, but still he managed to motivate & inspire me. We kept in touch virtually over the years. I will truly miss him.
So glad to meet this Man in life!
And an Outstanding person!
Thanks for ALL Bruce!
My sincere condolences to all of Bruce’s family. I had the pleasure and privilege of working with Bruce on several committees during my years. In Rotary. Bruce had an unique ability to size up a problem and find an appropriate solution. I greatly respected his opinions and advice, and during our conversations always made a point of seeking out his wisdom. He was a very interesting man. He will be missed.
My sincere condolences to Donna, their three daughters, two precious grandchildren and other family members. I met Bruce when I joined the Board of Directors for Camp Haccamo over twenty years ago. I always had so much respect for his wisdom, his devotion to his family (whom he spoke of often), his dedication to Camp Haccamo and to Rotary, over the years. He was in my thoughts and prayers. Rest in peace, Bruce!
I worked with Bruce for many years at Xerox. I found him to be a dedicated fun-loving guy at building 300.