Obituary of Bruce J. Kirchhoff

     In loving memory of Bruce J Kirchhoff, born Dec 1933, deceased Jan 2024, at the age of 90.

      Loving and devoted Husband, Father, Grandfather, Son, Brother, and Uncle. Veteran of the US Army.

      Born and raised in Irondequoit, Bruce attended high school at the Aquinas Institute of Rochester, and Ranger School at Wanakene NY. He worked for the California Forestry Service and LaDieu and Eshbaugh Associates, before serving in the US Army as an ambulance driver in Korea, followed by 10 years in the Army Reserves. After Korea, Bruce worked for LaDieu and Eshbaugh Associates as a licensed surveyor, retiring at the age of 62.

     Bruce was introduced by family friends to Eleanor (Ellie), who would become the love of his life. During their courtship, they enjoyed attending Church dances, and maintained a long distance relationship during his deployment with frequent letters. Bruce and Ellie married shortly after Bruce returned home from Korea. Together they raised eight children; instilling in them their values of family, integrity and responsibility, and an appreciation for a good joke.

     Bruce was born with a mischievous twinkle in his eye, the youngest of six. He spoke fondly of his childhood growing up on the Aman family farm, recounting tales of hunting for arrowheads with his father, swimming in the quarry, playing football, and pulling pranks with his many friends.

     Bruce loved spending time outdoors, vacationing in the 1000 Islands, rowing on the St. Lawrence River, fishing, hunting, and Gun Club. He had an appreciation for a good beer joint. Bruce enjoyed old Western and War movies, and the Minions always made him grin. He was a voracious reader, a coffee connoisseur, and a flannel shirt fashionista. Bruce also supported his community by volunteering with Hope House, and the Crescent Trail Hiking Association, and supported several charities.

      Bruce is survived by Ellie (Berthold) Kirchhoff, his beloved wife of 65 years; Children, Ann (Kenzo) Kirchhoff, Jean (Joe) Farruggia, Andy (Lorraine) Kirchhoff, Kathy Girard, Eileen (Steve) McCampbell, Sue (Mike) Schickler, Marge McKay, and Chris (Molly) Kirchhoff; Grandchildren, Alyssa, Janelle, Amanda (Marc), Elizabeth (Erik), Jennifer, Kaitlin, Ryan, Kayla, Connor, Jaime, Matthew, Andrew, Katie, Nathan, Samantha, Paige and Jared; Sisters, Jeanne (Norman) Meintel and Norma Sanger; Sister-in-law, Lucille Kirchhoff, many nieces and nephews, and caring friends and neighbors.

      Predeceased by Parents: Francis and Armand Kirchhoff; Sisters, Mary (Robert) Doohan, Lorraine (John) DeVoldre; Brother, Robert Kirchhoff; and Brother in Law, Richard Sanger.

      Friends and family are invited to call from 2-6 PM on Sunday, January 14 at the Willard H Scott Funeral Home, 12 South Avenue in Webster. The funeral mass will take place on Monday, January 15 at 10:30AM at Holy Trinity Church, 1460 Ridge Road, Webster. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Wounded Warrior Project (https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/donate, Donate by Phone: 855.448.3997) or by Mail: Download Form).

      The family extends a special thank you to the staff at Monroe Community Hospital, Friendship 2E, and the UR Hospice team, for their passionate care.