ROCKLAND — Charles F. “Bucky” Bruce Jr., 78, died unexpectedly June 1, 2014, surrounded by his loving family, at Maine Medical Center in Portland.

Born March 4, 1936, in Fort Fairfield, he was the son of Charles Sr. and Evylena Stanley Bruce. Educated locally, he was a 1954 graduate of Fort Fairfield High School.

Following graduation, Charles enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served proudly aboard a submarine as a torpedo man. While in the Navy, Charles married his high school sweetheart and best friend, Darlene Michaud, in Ft. Fairfield. Upon being honorably discharged, Charles spent one year studying at M.C.I. before graduating from the University of Maine at Orono with a bachelors degree in chemistry.

Entering the workforce, Charles and Darlene eventually moved to Rockport, where he became a hotel entrepreneur. A man of many talents, he also enjoyed many hours on the water as a lobster fisherman.

His wife said he was a “can do” kind of man with a Yankee Ingenuity that was unsurpassed.

His passing leaves a huge hole in the hearts of all who knew him.

Predeceased by two brothers and two sisters, Charles is survived by his beloved wife, Darlene of Rockland; his son, Charles F. Bruce III of Portland; two daughters, Bethany Bruce (Rob) Bonosconi of Preston, Conn., and Angela Bruce (Alan) Williams of Falmouth; seven grandchildren, Jessica and Justin Bonosconi, Sydney and Macklin Williams, Benjamin Bruce, Samuel Bruce and Charles Bruce IV.

A celebration of Charles' life will be held Saturday, June 7 at 9:30 a.m. at Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock St. in Rockland. A gathering at the Samoset Resort in the Penobscot Bay Room, will follow immediately.

Flowers are gratefully accepted; however those who wish may make memorial donations to either Boy Scouts of America, Pine Tree Council, 125 Auburn St., Portland, ME 04103; or St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, P.O. Box 1000, Dept. 300, Memphis, TN 38148-0552.