Bruce N. Graham Sr.

      THE OBITUARY OF BRUCE 

After 75 years of making us laugh, bringing us joy, and sharing his love, our beloved Bruce  accepted the angels' invitation to join our Lord in Paradise on Wednesday,  March 21,2024.  Though our hearts feel dark and heavy, heaven has welcomed Bruce into its marvelous light. 

Bruce Nathaniel  Graham,  Sr. was born on December  12,  1948 to Leola and Richard Coleman   Graham, Sr. He was a lifetime resident of Trenton, NJ, where he graduated from Trenton Central High School and is remembered as friendly and popular among his classmates, friends, and relatives. As a young man, Bruce was married to Denise Hoagland, with   whom he had two beloved sons: Bruce, Jr. and Wayne. 

Among Bruce's  successful occupational positions were those at two of America's iconic manufacturing  and distribution conglomerates: General Motors and American  Cyanamid. He also retired after 20 years of meritorious service to the New Jersey National Guard as a lead cook. He was so capable and meticulous at his craft that after retirement, he took over the grills and the fryers at every family gathering, whether at an outdoor cookout or an indoor holiday feast. He was also a member of the Cavaliers. 

Bruce was kindhearted, generous, and fun-loving. He enjoyed several pastimes, such as family get-togethers, musical entertainment, and gaming in Atlantic City However, his utmost favorite recreation was whooping it up over his beloved Dallas Cowboys!  He was a loyal fan to the bone as he recounted and defended every Cowboy  triumph or defeat. And  anybody who bad-mouthed his all-star team was at risk of getting jovially bad-mouthed right back! 

Bruce will be long remembered for his eager willingness to help with whatever project a loved one was undertaking. Whether it was fixing a car, painting garage doors, replacing windows, or whatever  — we could count  on Bruce to  help SUPERVISE!    Bruce's menacing roar could be that of a man 7 feet tall. His teasing laughter was that of a mischievous teen. His devotion to family mirrored the ferocity of a Papa Bear. And his piercing gaze was that of a thinker reflecting more deeply than we could ever know. 

Bruce was preceded in death by his parents, Leola and Richard; his older sister, Brenda; his younger brother, Lester, his sister-in-law, Bertha; his maternal and paternal grandparents; an uncle, Paul Nathaniel Graham; and an aunt and uncle, Eloise and Joseph Dargan. 

Bruce is mourned by his long-term love and fiancée, Clarissa Bell; his children; Bruce Graham, Jr. (Nicole), Wayne    Graham (Khadijah), and Monique Starr. Bruce is also mourned by 11 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. Bruce's mourners also include 2 brothers: Richard Graham and Robert Graham; and one sister, Iris Graham Hubbert ( Jeffrey). Bruce leaves 2 nephews: Troy Raysor and Richard   Graham,  IV (Kristina); a  great-niece, Kennedy Graham;   and  a great-nephew,  Marcus Graham.   Also  among those who will cherish Bruce's memory is Clara Bell, who  Bruce lovingly called "Mom"; Keever, his special daughter; and a host of cousins, other relatives, and friends who will long remember  him fondly. We  all loved Bruce, but God loved him best. 

Funeral service will be 12:30pm Saturday, March 30, 2024 at Ministerios Fraternidad Cristiana, 715 Bellevue Ave., Trenton, NJ 08618 . Calling hours will be 11am until the time of service. Interment will be at Ewing Cemetery, Ewing, NJ.

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