Robert Bruce "Brucci" Holden

Robert Bruce "Brucci" Holden, 88, formerly of Newton Township, died on Thursday at Willowbrook Place, South Abington Township. He was preceded in death in 2012 by Shirley Kay Stump Holden, his wife of 53 years, and in 2023 by Patricia Pahoski Holden, his wife of 2 ½ years.

Born in Scranton, he was the son of the late Robert and Elizabeth Miles Holden. He was a graduate of West Scranton High School and a Veteran of the United States Navy. Prior to his retirement, Bruce worked as a butcher and owned his own wholesale pizza business. He was a member of Countryside Community Church, where he was active in promoting the annual fishing derby, fundraising for the building project, and singing in the choir. His favorite activities were fishing trips, hunting, travel, and, in later years, mowing the lawn. Even at 88, Bruce always had the heart of a teenager, and enjoyed opportunities to socialize with friends or visit his favorite coffee shops.

Surviving are daughter Karen Owens and husband Robert; son Robert Holden and wife Bonnie; grandchildren Shana Slaybaugh (Chris), Joshua Owens (Megan), Rachel Bennett (Cody), Hannah Bartling (John), Joseph Owens (Sarah), Caleb Owens (Kaylee), Seth Owens (Rachel), Levi Owens (Dori), and Elias Owens; eleven great grandchildren; brother David Holden (Betty); and his favorite pet, Pepper.

Bruce was preceded in death by younger brother, Richard Holden (Pat), and infant sister, Diane.

The family would like to thank Willowbrook Place for the caring and compassion shown to Bruce.

A funeral will be held on Wednesday at 10 a.m. at Countryside Community Church, 14011 Orchard Drive, Newton Township, with interment to follow at Abington Hills Cemetery. Friends may pay their respects on Tuesday from 4 pm to 7 pm at Lawrence E. Young Funeral Home and Cremation Services Inc., 418 S. State Street, Clarks Summit.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Countryside Community Church.