FALMOUTH, MAINE-- We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Bruce Russell Burkhart, who passed away peacefully on January 23, 2025, at the age of 84.  Born on September 9, 1940, in Muncie, Indiana to Sarah Margaret Smith Burkhart and Dr. Russell Sedden Burkhart, Bruce grew up with his younger sister Janet in a house full of love.  As a child, he enjoyed many activities including playing sports with his father and sister, attending St. Andrews Presbyterian Church with his family, and learning to play music, particularly the clarinet for which he eventually became first chair at Burris High School and would go on to win awards at the state level.  He spent many hours playing sports such as baseball, basketball, and tennis with his friends.  He loved trains and had a model train that would run from his bedroom to his sister's and eventually had a larger train table in his basement.

Bruce had a passion for learning instilled in him from his father that lasted his entire life.  He excelled in school and won a National Merit Scholarship.  He graduated Burris High School in 1958 and went on to study at Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana.  While at Ball State, he and his friends came to realize the discriminatory practices the university had at the time towards students of color when it came to housing.  He and his friends organized to help push Ball State to end these practices.  He went on to briefly study Russian history and despite enjoying these studies he decided to change direction entirely and earned a Masters in Iberian studies from the University of Wisconsin.

One of the through lines of his life was a desire to help others, which motivated Bruce to join the Peace Corps after finishing his studies.  Realizing the Peace Corps was not for him, he decided to return to Muncie to pursue a teaching certification and eventually taught math in Chicago.  As a teacher, Bruce always strived to impact the students with whom he felt were underserved.  After teaching, he moved to Baltimore and began his lifelong career in social work.

Bruce would eventually move to Connecticut where he would spend the remainder of his adult life.  He continued his social work career with the Connecticut Department of Social Services in the Protective Services for the Elderly program.  He had an immense amount of love for others, and it was through social work that he was able to pour his heart into helping his clients as well as to eventually mentor his staff in his role as a supervisor.

It was during this time that he met his former wife, Leslie Tervo, and during this time they had their two children, Erica Burkhart and Alexandra (Lexie) Burkhart.  A loving and devoted father, Bruce often spent his free time with his children playing catch, going to playgrounds, building snowmen, swimming, kayaking, and playing.  One of the fondest memories however was spending time together going to the barn on weekends to ride their family horse, Mr. Williams, who was a gentle soul and a fifth member of the family.

An animal lover his whole life, Bruce and his family would eventually go on to move to their own horse farm in Tolland, CT where they could enjoy the presence of Mr. Williams and their second horse, Miss Julie.  For many years, Bruce and Leslie ran their farm and boarded horses, creating a community of people coming and going with many, many horses to get to know and love.  Over the years there were so many different animals that came into his life, from dogs and cats to gerbils and roosters, each and every animal touched his heart deeply.  His is fondly remembered bringing his dogs for a walk in the woods, which he would call "going on a W in the W", with his cat Tigre following behind.

After retiring, Bruce and his wife Leslie split amicably, and he moved to his new farm in Willington, CT where he was able to care for his three horses- Mr. Williams, Miss Julie, and his newest horse, Montana.  During retirement, Bruce thrived on his little farm, taking care of his horses and living with his four dogs and his barn cat.  He often took walks with the dogs down by the river on his property.  He was able to take classes on

Native American History and completed a passion project for one of his courses about the Muncie tribe that lived in the town he grew up in.  He loved the Southwest and Mexico, and he visited Mexico several times throughout his life and found joy in decorating his new house in a Southwestern style.

Most importantly, Bruce was a musician and was able to spend his retirement playing in many bands, including the Big Band of the 40's, an 18-piece jazz band.  He was involved in five smaller bands where he found immense joy in playing music for residents in nursing homes throughout Connecticut.  He tried his hand at every instrument, and often said he could play any instrument except the Harp.  A prolific songwriter, it was during this time he also recorded many songs he had written throughout the years.  Bruce had the heart and soul of a musician, and it is not an understatement to say that he had music in his bones.

Bruce was a well-rounded individual, and it would be remiss not to mention his love of sports.  He was an avid sports fan, and he was a natural athlete.  He played most sports, including soccer at the collegiate level, where he learned how to play left-footed so he could get on the team.  He had an extensive knowledge of football, as well as basketball and was a passionate follower of the UConn Women's Basketball team.  He often brought Erica and Lexie to Hartford Whaler's games and Boston Red Sox games (Go Sox).  In addition, he managed his office softball team for twenty years. Coming from Indiana, Bruce was "Hoosier" at heart.  He loved Larry Bird and was a dedicated follower of the Indianapolis Colts.

Bruce will be remembered most of all for his humble, kind soul and warm heart.  He had the ability to affect everyone he met in a positive manner, leaving an impact that is felt deeply by all who had the privilege of knowing him.  He was a mentor as well as a father figure to many.  He had a generous spirit, an infectious laugh, and a brilliant mind that could talk about any subject with anybody.  He will be missed.  We love you, "ole Muncie".

He is survived by his daughters Erica Burkhart of Portland, Maine and Alexandra Burkhart of Chaplin, CT, his son "out-laws" Cory McCulloch and Matthew Nichols, his granddaughter Lumi Roxanne Stone, his sister Janet Burkhart, and his former wife Leslie Tervo.  He is predeceased by his mother Sarah Margaret Smith Burkhart and his father Dr. Russell Sedden Burkhart.  Both a graveside memorial for the family in Pennsylvania and a celebration of life in Connecticut will be planned at later dates.  We would like to thank the caring staff at Sedgewood Commons in Falmouth, Maine and Affinity Hospice for their commitment to his comfort and well-being at the end of his life.

As he would say, Rock on!

Donations in Bruce's memory may be made to: Communitas, Inc. Box 358, Manchester CT 06040.  Communitas is an organization working to keep people with disabilities and seniors at home in the community.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.hobbsfuneralhome.com.