Bruce P. Bousquet, 76, passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 12, 2025, at UMass Memorial Healthcare – Memorial Campus in Worcester. Born and raised in Worcester, he was the beloved son of the late Paul C. and Phyllis (Nadeau) Bousquet.

A true believer in duty to country, Bruce enlisted in the United States Marine Corps at the young age of 17 to serve in Vietnam. He continued his military service with distinction in the U.S. Army Reserves for 25 years, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel. Bruce believed that education was the one thing no one could take away from you, and his commitment to this principle led him to attain two master’s degrees.

Bruce’s commitment to protecting others extended into civilian life through a distinguished career with the Worcester Police Department. Rising through the ranks to Captain, he served with integrity and compassion until his retirement.

Bruce met the love of his life, Lidia M. (Dembowski), knowing immediately she was his one and only. He wrote her endless love letters from Vietnam, and the two married in 1970. Together, they made their home in Princeton, where they raised their family and shared 55 years of love, partnership, and devotion.

Bruce enjoyed growing his farm and tending to his livestock and vegetable garden. He would plant up to 500 broccoli plants to share with family and friends. Bruce was always happy to share his home for holidays, family meals, memorable cookouts, and pig roasts.

He enjoyed various hobbies, from scuba diving to winemaking and beekeeping. He also enjoyed the outdoors, hunting and fishing with his family and friends and spending time with family at their retreat in Kennebunk, Maine.

While he cherished the presence of his friends and family, he was often seen as a quiet and reflective man, carrying the profound weight of his war experiences on his shoulders. It was clear that these memories shaped him deeply, adding a layer of complexity to his gentle demeanor.

Bruce will be remembered as a family man, happiest when his family was together sharing a meal. He was ingenious, believing anything could be fixed with duct tape and spray paint. He was a husband, a father, a grandfather, and a great-grandfather. His strength, warmth, and unwavering sense of duty left an indelible mark on all who knew him.

He leaves behind his devoted wife, Lidia; his daughters, Michelle Marie Lopopolo and her husband, Anthony of East Sandwich, Pamela Jean Troio and her husband, Keith of Princeton, and Rebecca Bousquet Johnson and her husband, Christopher of Grafton; his brothers, Robert Bousquet and his wife, Linda of Moosup, CT, Paul Bousquet of Holden, and David Bousquet and his wife, Lisa of Sutton; his sisters, Denise Eressy and her husband, William, and Suzanne Lamoureux and her husband, Paul, all of Worcester; eleven cherished grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brothers, Richard and Edward Bousquet, and his beloved grandson, Jasper Johnson.

Family and friends are invited to gather for memorial calling hours on Monday, April 21, 2025, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main Street, Holden. A celebration of Bruce’s life will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at the funeral home. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Veteran’s Inc., 69 Grove Street, Worcester, MA 01605, in honor of Bruce’s lifelong service and dedication.