Bruce William Davenport

Born to Ruth and Ernest Davenport in Orange, NJ, Bruce was raised in nearby Livingston, after which he and his sister Sue travelled the world with his mother and step-father, John Tinsley.  They lived for two years on the island of Guam, where he completed high school and one year of college, then returning to the States, enrolling at Gettysburg College and earning a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry.  He later completed his teacher certifications and Master’s degree in Education at St John’s University where he met his wife, Patty. Bruce then became a Special Education teacher with Western Suffolk BOCES, where he remained for 30 years at both the James E. Allen Learning Center in Dix Hills and the Alternate Learning Center at Elwood Middle School, loving and meeting the challenge of the field.

Although his background was in science, Bruce loved and performed music, often with his sister and, later, with friends in various local establishments and private events.  He was proficient with many instruments, particularly keyboard and guitar, and became involved in church liturgy, initially at Resurrection-Ascension Church, his wife’s parish and later at Our Lady OF The Snow.  At the latter, he gave of his skills to talent shows, nativity pageants, weekly masses, weddings and funerals.  While there, he composed a Mass, the parts of which are used to this day.  Inspired by his late father-in-law, he developed a love of Irish music and would participate in seisiuns first in Patchogue and later in Southold.  He also joined the Siol Na h’Eireann Pipe Band, playing drums alongside his daughter, Casey and accompanying his son, Liam, who played bagpipes.

Bruce loved water sports, sailing, history, and puzzles, including sudokus and jigsaw puzzles (often claiming that there must be a piece missing if he couldn’t locate it).

He loved and was beloved by his wife, Patricia, his son Liam (Leah), daughter Casey (Chris) granddaughter Ella, sister Sue (John), many in-laws, nieces, nephews and friends.  As well, he loved the community of Our Lady of the Snow and sharing his talents with them, and that love was returned many times over.

We cherish his legacy and spirit.

 Visitation- Sunday January 5, 2025 from 2:00 - 6:00 p.m. at our Bayport Funeral Home, 683 Montauk Hwy.

Chapel Service- Sunday January 5, 2025 at 4:00 p.m. at our Bayport Funeral Home, 683 Montauk Hwy.

Interment- Blue Point Cemetery, Blue Point. Friends and family will gather Monday at 10:30 a.m. at the funeral home for a closing prayer at 11:00 a.m.