Bruce Palmer Clinton passed Tuesday, May 25, 2021 into God’s loving arms. The beloved husband ( of 55.10 years) to his high school sweetheart Alfreda Lord Clinton, they were blessed by their children Deric Palmer Clinton and Corey Bruce Clinton (deceased). Bruce was predeceased by his parents Edythe Palmer and Royal Duane Clinton formerly of Binghamton, New York, and sister Suzanne C. Obourn, North East, Pa. A proud alumni of Conrad High School and the United States Merchant Marine Academy, Kings Point, New York with a Bachelor of Science degree “with honors.” Bruce was a licensed Merchant Marine Engineering Officer by the United States Coast Guard and Commissioned as LT (JG) in the United States Navy Reserves. Work and schooling for Bruce meant traveling the world. A few places included Europe, Hong Kong, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, the Mediterranean, Holland, Thailand, Mexico. Bruce worked 30 years at Hercules, Inc. in a variety of Staff, Supervisory and Project Management Assignments for the Corporate Engineering, Design, Construction, Operations and Environmental Departments. He also worked 10 years as the Project Construction Manager at Engineering and Construction Firms in Philadelphia and Wilmington. An early member of the Governors Task Force on Bicycle Safety, Bruce enjoyed bicycling his entire life, for fun, fitness and wellness. Many happy bicycling trips included the Eastern Seaboard with his wife, children and friends. Also, he lead many bicycle rides for local bicycling clubs near and far and volunteered by teaching Effective Bicycling at Central YMCA. In 2006, Bruce embarked on a lifelong goal to Bicycle “Across America.” He completed his trip in 35 days averaging 100 plus miles a day from Anacortes, Washington to Pine Point, Maine. He loved every minute and was eager to get up early each day and start the next leg of his journey. Bruce has bicycled in every US state but 15 and was preparing to complete this goal when health issues occurred. Bruce had many interests that also included working out at the YMCA, Volleyball, Baseball, Bowling, Golfing especially with his sons. Boating (first as a child with his grandfather) and, continued as an adult enjoying and sharing these fun experiences with family and friends. Memberships and volunteer services included ASHRAE, ASME, NSPE, YMCA of Delaware Metro and Western Boards, Adventure Cycling, USMMA Alumni Association Foundation, St. Barnabas Church. Bruce is survived by his son Deric Palmer Clinton (Kristyn) and beloved granddaughters Abigale Grace and Breanna Lynne Clinton, who brought him great joy. Niece Lucinda O. (John) Conti, Cousins David L. (Linda), Gary L. (Dianne) and Duane J. Clinton. Bruce was a thoughtful, caring, generous, dignified and humorous gentleman, who will be greatly missed by his wife and family. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, June 12, 2021 at 10:00 am at St. Barnabas Church. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the United States Merchant Marine Academy, Helen Graham Center, YMCA of Delaware Water Wise or a charity of your choice.
