Bruce D. Fellows

ERVING- We are sad to announce the passing of Bruce Douglas Fellows, 85, on March 1st, 2023, he was surrounded by his family.

Bruce was born in Orange, Massachusetts to Verne Fellows and Barbara Edith (Hatch) Fellows on August 06, 1937.  

He is survived by his life partner, Jean Aldrich of Erving, Massachusetts, his son and daughter-in-law Chris and Jenny Fellows of Truckee, California, his daughter and son-in-law Penni and Kyle Sadlon of Whitinsville, Massachusetts, his sister Sherry Sipple of Medford, Oregon, and five grandchildren Colter, Stefan, Amelia, Monique and Heath. 

After high school graduation from Orange and graduation from Worcester Junior College, Bruce became a design engineer for the Union Twist Drill followed by the Bendix Corporation in Greenfield, Massachusetts. He excelled in this field and soon became the product manager.

As the cutting tool industry moved south, Bruce made the decision to stay in his beloved Northeast, and resided in the Orange/Erving area for life.

In the late 1980s Bruce and his brother Verne, Jr. started the steel building construction company VBF Industries. They found success erecting steel structures throughout New England.

Bruce’s entrepreneurial spirit continued even after retirement when he established several successful craft companies including New England Maple Products, Father Daughter Antiques, and Bruce’s Bees. His grandchildren have fond memories of going to see Grandpa Bruce at the flea markets to get honey sticks and maple candy. Bruce’s work also included a stint in the automobile industry where he sold cars for several dealerships.

He enjoyed summering between Erving and Arundel, Maine where he entertained family and friends with his New England brand of Bruce’s humor and lobster feasts at the beach.

As an outdoor enthusiast Bruce hunted, fished, trapped, camped, played golf, alpine skied, and rode motorcycles. He passed his passion for the outdoors to his kids as they and their families continue to enjoy adventure sports and playing in the outdoors today.

A calling hour will be held on Wednesday, March 8, 2023 from 10-11 a.m. at Witty’s Funeral Home, 158 South Main Street, Orange.

Interment will follow in South Cemetery, Orange.

Witty’s Funeral Home, 158 South Main Street, Orange, is assisting the family.

Guest book and directions online at WWW.WITTYFUNERALHOME.COM

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