Bruce Michael Landers, 78, of Norwell, Massachusetts, entered peacefully into eternal life on April 28, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family.
Born in Holyoke, MA to the late Lillian B. and John E. Landers, Bruce spent his childhood in Newton, MA, where he built the foundation of his deep Catholic faith, strong work ethic, and love for family. He graduated from Suffolk University in Boston and proudly served in the U.S. Army Reserves as a heavy equipment operator.
Bruce was a hard worker from the start, beginning his career as a young paperboy in Newton. He fondly recalled saving his earnings to take his sweetheart, Susan Irene Lawson, to the International House of Pancakes in Brighton, a romance that would blossom into a beautiful marriage lasting 55 years and a loving partnership of 59 years together.
Bruce devoted 48 years to a successful career in procurement, working for several corporations across Rhode Island and Massachusetts, ultimately retiring from Blue Cross Blue Shield in 2018. His professional life reflected his values: integrity, perseverance, and a spirit of service.
An avid outdoorsman and adventurer, Bruce enjoyed skiing, biking, hiking, and camping with his family. He was a passionate boater and boat captain, navigating nearly every harbor from Rhode Island to Massachusetts, though never Maine, given his respect for its rocky coastline and unpredictable fog. His favorite harbor was Barnstable, where he and Susan would take the family for cherished summer vacations. Bruce was also a BMW motorcycle and Vespa enthusiast who loved the simple joy of a ride.
Above all, Bruce was a devoted husband, father, and "Grampy", a title he wore with immense pride and love. His grandchildren adored him, and he never missed a sporting event, home game, school performance, or family milestone. His steady presence, gentle wisdom, and fun-loving spirit made him the heart of his family.
Bruce's life was anchored by his deep, humble, and sincere faith in Jesus Christ, a faith that grounded him and shaped the legacy he leaves behind. He lived his faith quietly but powerfully, influencing generations through his example of love, humility, and devotion.
Bruce is survived by his beloved wife and best friend, Susan Irene (Lawson) Landers of Norwell; his sons, Michael John Landers (Victoria Williams Landers) of Lincoln and Ryan Benton Landers (Katherine Landers) of Medfield; and his five treasured grandchildren: William (21), James (18), Marie Joy (16), Catherine Grace (14), and Noah (13). He is also survived by his brother John E. "Jack" Landers Jr. (Roberta) of Redwood City, CA, his sister Elizabeth "Beth" Murray (Bob) of Plymouth, MA, and many beloved nieces and nephews.
Family and friends are warmly invited to visiting hours at Burke & Blackington Funeral Home in West Newton on Friday, May 2, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. A Funeral Mass celebrating Bruce's life and faith will be held at Corpus Christi - St. Bernard Parish in West Newton on Saturday, May 3, at 11:00 a.m., with burial to follow at Newton Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Bruce's memory may be made to New Covenant School (
https://www.newcovschool.org/support/
) or Lexington Christian Academy (
www.lca.edu
). His son, Michael John, served as Chairman of the Board of Trustees at New Covenant School for 12 years and at Lexington Christian Academy for 3 years, and four of Bruce's beloved grandchildren have attended these institutions.
"The godly walk with integrity; blessed are their children who follow them." Proverbs 20:7