Bruce W. Shultis Jr.

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Bruce W. Shultis, Jr., who lost his life to cancer far too soon on Saturday, April 29th, 2023. Bruce was born on May 26, 1969, to Patricia and Bruce Shultis, Sr., in Albany, NY, where he spent his childhood and his career. He graduated from Albany High School and went on to pursue a more than 30-year career with the City of Albany, where he excelled and rose to become the Buildings Alterations Coordinator. Bruce was a loving husband to his wife Joanne Shultis, father to his two children Ashley (Adam) Ford and Bruce W. Shultis III, and grandfather to Shane and Stassi Ford. Bruce is also survived by his sister Megan (Tye) Guinn, brothers-in-law John (Mary) Willey, Joseph (Tara) Willey, his sisters-in-law, Jacqueline (Dean) Halpin and Justine (Paul) Fazziola. Additionally, he leaves behind many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his in laws, Joseph and Mary Ann Willey, and he was looking forward to being reunited with his grandparents and "Ma" in heaven Bruce had many devoted friends, and he was grateful for their love and support when he needed it the most, especially Danny DiTonno and Mike Vennard. Bruce had many passions throughout his life. He was proud of his home and spent many evenings and weekends working on projects throughout his house and yard that made his home both beautiful and uniquely his. Bruce loved antiquing with his wife, scouring shops for the perfect item to add to his eclectic collection. At home, he would restore these items to their original splendor. He appreciated art and stained glass. Part of his genius was being able to find something and make it more beautiful through his own customization. Bruce collected and restored Schwinn bicycles, gifting them to friends and family. Bruce didn’t simply collect things. Every antique, bicycle, or neon sign he found came from a person, and Bruce listened to their stories and created connections with the people behind the objects. Bruce was the memory keeper of his family. He was always behind the lens, photographing everyday activities, holidays, and life’s most precious moments. Besides being the photographer, Bruce also collected and preserved thousands of photographs that spanned generations of family members. Throughout these photos you can see all the pets Bruce loved throughout his life, including the cats and dogs who were always by his side to the many African Cichlids who he trained to eat right out of his hand. Bruce never forgot a memory made with family, from his summers as a boy in Vermont to his final precious days at home. Bruce felt deeply and used music to evoke memories of the most important times in his life, from first meeting Joanne, to becoming a father and grandfather, to hosting epic Memorial Day parties that would bring together all the people from each part of his life. Bruce appreciated vehicles; from the Lincoln Town Car he was so proud of as a young man to the motorcycle he loved riding down winding country roads. Bruce loved airplanes, and he developed a special interest and connection to the 109th Airlift Wing of the New York Air National Guard. He loved watching them fly over his house and took gorgeous photographs of these incredible airplanes as they soared above the larger-than-life patriotic flags that Bruce displayed for them on the pergola he built with his son. Now, his grandson Shane shares the same passion for anything with a motor that Bruce enjoyed throughout his life. It’s impossible to sum up the life of someone who was so loved, whose life ended far too soon. Bruce’s tirelessness allowed him to do more for himself, for his family, for his friends, for strangers than most people do in a long lifetime. If you were in need, he was never too busy for you. He was quick to compliment and appreciated even the smallest kindnesses that were done for him. He made everything he touched beautiful, and as proud as he was of the things he made with his hands, his greatest joy, his greatest source of pride, were his children, Ashley and Brucie, and the family he and Joanne created together. Funeral Services will be held privately. Those wishing to remember Bruce may make a donation in his memory to the Mohawk Hudson Humane Society, 3 Oakland Ave., Menands, NY 12204. To leave a message for the family or view other helpful services please visit www.lgfuneralhome.com.

Bruce W. Shultis Jr.

May 26, 1969 - April 29, 2023