Bruce W. Klingler, aged 74, passed away on August 25, 2024 at Rochester General Hospital, Rochester, NY after suffering a massive stroke.
A beloved educator and community figure, Bruce dedicated 30 years to teaching history at Hilton High School. His passion for nurturing young minds extended beyond the classroom as he served as a senior class advisor, was instrumental in founding and coaching the school’s ice hockey program and developed the modified lacrosse program for the Hilton Central School District. His outstanding educational contributions were recognized when he received the Teacher of the Year award from the University of Rochester.
Those who knew Bruce will remember his warm personality and his love for engaging with others. He found joy in movies, music, live concerts, and above all, spending time with his family. Bruce was an Eagle Scout and a proud graduate of Irondequoit High School’s Class of 1968, where he played lacrosse and football. He continued his love of lacrosse in college joining the team at SUNY Brockport. Bruce was an ardent supporter of the Buffalo Bills, Buffalo Sabres, and the University of Notre Dame football. After retiring from teaching, his love of history led him to become a Civil War re-enacter.
He leaves behind his loving wife Peggy, his son David, his daughter Janeane, and his cherished grandchildren Ethan, Lauren, William, Harper and Violet. He is also survived by his brother Paul (Rosanne) and many other loving family members and very close friends.
A celebration to honor Bruce’s life will be held at a later date. His positive influence and the memories he created will live on in the hearts of his family, friends, former students, and all who knew him. Bruce will be deeply missed, and his legacy will continue to inspire those fortunate enough to experience his guidance and friendship.
So sorry for the loss of Bruce, your brother Paul. It was nice to see that he had many things in common with us. A fan of the Bills, hockey, lacrosse and the love of music. Our condolences to his brother Paul, wife Peggy, children David and Janeane and grandchildren.
Rest in peace Bruce
Your friends Tim & Cheryl Hesse
Didn’t know Bruce but sounds like he was a great giver of his time and abilities, a true gift to all who knew him. Paul Gudgel
One of my favorite teachers.
RIP he was a great teacher..
I’m so sorry to hear of the loss of Bruce knowing him was an honor he was a good kind person I truly loved him and I’m deeply saddened to hear this . I’m sending love,hugs, and prayers to you all !!
He was one of my very favorite teachers.
I will always appreciate the help he gave me when I struggled with my grades. He was a great teacher and a good friend.
My love and condolences to his family.
Mr. Klinger was one of my favorite teachers. He made learning history interesting and he was a great class advisor. So very sorry to hear of his death. God bless his family.
Peggy, I’m so so sorry to hear that Bruce passed away. I’m sure he knew that he was one of my all time favorite teacher, and later friend. I remember when I first met him when he just started Hilton, along with Mike maier and me mascadri. I thought wow, we have the coolest teachers! Bruce always had that grin that just brightened my day. You both will always be dear in my heart and I hope that knowing how much he was loved will help you get thru the hardest of you days. Love to you and your family. Kathy baker ames💔
Dear Peggy, Bruce’s passing is such sad news. I am so sorry you, David, Janeane, and the grandkids are going through the pain of his passing. As you know ke was well liked by staff and administration and loved by students. I enjoyed the years we were Senior Class Advisors together. When several HS staff ended up at VE I was hoping he’d find his way over. Of course the HS population would never let him go.
With sympathy on your loss,
Margie Bower
Mr Klinger made History fun. So glad to have him when he was at the beginning of his reaching career.
Condolences to the family. He was a great teacher!
Both of my boys were in his class & really liked him & had interest in his class. I think 1 son was in class with David. So sorry for your loss. 🙏🙏
💟He was our favorite teacher. The kind you remember your entire life. Thank-you Mr. Klingler for letting us be ourselves, your sense of fun, and for sparking our curiosity and quest for knowledge. You were the best of all. Our deepest heartfelt condolences to his beloved family & friends. ♥️
Mr. Klinger was a wonderful teacher and such a great support to his students. My deepest sympathies to his family!!!!
I will never forget him.
I just heard that he went to St. Anne’s to visit Tom Dowd. I thought that was so typical of him. Karen Soehner Larkin Class of ‘77.
“Klinker” had an infectious personality. Having known and stayed in touch with Bruce from Dake Junior High, thru IHS and including a “road trip” through SUNY Brockport to visit him in 1970!.
Numerous double dates with his wife Peggy and my Corvair(!) During his off sport season in high school Bruce was a basketball play by play radio announcer for WIRQ, the oldest high school student run radio station in the country. Even though I thought I should have played more Bruce made it sound like I was a star!
We didn’t do very well in keeping in touch these last years but Bruce always remained one of my greatest friends.
Peggy and family,
I had the distinct pleasure working with Bruce at HHS. His love of history was what inspired me to go back to school and attain my degree in History. He was a superb teacher and mentor to so many young people and a joy to work with.
Peggy and Bruce were dear friends in college. We all sort of lost track of each other as the years went by and we all became involved with families, careers etc. I am so sorry for your loss, Peggy. Sending hugs and much love.
So sorry to hear this. Mr. Klingler was one if my very favorite teachers. He was so incredibly supportive and kind, when I needed it most. Definitely one of those teachers/people you never forget. RIP Mr. Klingler.
‘In order to have a friend you must be a friend. ‘ Bruce was a close friend of mine for over fifty years. I will miss him very much indeed.
We were shocked to hear of Bruce’s passing. He was a wonderful colleague and we enjoyed his company at many of our lunches. Our condolences to you, Peggy and your family. May his memory be a blessing.