Bruce Charlton Huggins Jr.

Bruce Huggins, 82, departed this life on Tuesday, January 27th, 2026, surrounded by his family. Bruce’s passing was unexpected, following a short but significant illness.

Bruce was born in Poughkeepsie, New York on October 26th, 1943, the son of Bruce and Alice (Conway) Huggins. He graduated high school from Newburgh Free Academy in June 1961 and college from the State University of New York College of Oneonta (SUCO) with a bachelor's degree in education and a master's in counseling. Bruce and his wife June built a life together on Murphy Road, in the town of Butternuts near Gilbertsville, NY. While his last years were spent with family in Grand Junction, Colorado, his family knows that every night his dreams took him back to Murphy Road.

A common thread in Bruce’s life was compassion and service to his community, often putting the needs of others above his own. Bruce is fondly remembered as both kind and wise, with a quirky sense of humor. A true gentleman farmer, he was a master gardener, creative woodworker, avid historical reader, and enjoyed a passionate curiosity in genealogy. Ever the eternal list maker, he enjoyed planning the minute details of his day, his hobbies, and his garden.

While attending SUCO, he worked as a patrolman for the Oneonta Police Department. Upon graduation, he began his teaching career at Unatego Central School in New York State. Along the way he volunteered many hours of his life to the community of Gilbertsville- Eagle Fire Engine and Hose Volunteer Fire Department, the Butternut Valley Food Pantry, the First Presbyterian Church, and many hours spent as a substance abuse counselor in surrounding communities. Bruce retired from teaching at Unatego Central School in 2000 after 30 years of teaching.

Bruce was preceded in death by his parents, Bruce and Alice (Conway) Huggins, and his brothers Michael and David Huggins. Bruce is survived by his wife, June Huggins, his children Darcy (Perham), William, and Richard Huggins, his daughter-in-law Kathleen Whysner, and 3 precious grandchildren, Willam (Will) Perham, Jr, and Siobhan June, and Alice Sheryl Huggins. Bruce was especially thankful to have spent his last years surrounded by the laughter of his “grandbabies” and they in turn loved their “Papa Brucie” Very Much.

During his time on Murphy Road, Bruce nurtured life-long relationships that his family would like to acknowledge, because they know how meaningful they were. Leonard Omen, Virginia (Ginnah) Howard, David Greene, Jennifer Kemper, Bob and Estelle D’Amato, Timothy Sullivan, and Derek Musson all held a special place in his heart for which we are all grateful.

An open house at Bruce’s home in Fruita, CO will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers please consider making a memorial contribution on Bruce’s name to HopeWest (https://www.hopewestco.org/memorial-gifts/)