WEST ALBANY Bruce Robert Harper, 81, of Russell Rd. passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 10, 2021 at Kingsway Arms Nursing Center.
Born in Albany, Bruce was the son of the late Francis P. and Wilhelmina Bradt Harper. He was a veteran of the US Air Force. Bruce was retired from the Colonie Police Dept. K-9 Unit. He had worked as a Colonie Police Officer for 20 years with his K-9 sidekick, Baron and was a member of their Elite Team. These teams are certified in both patrol and narcotics detection by the NYS Dept of Criminal Justice Services and the nationally recognized Police Work Dog Assoc.
Always an animal lover, Bruce both raised and bred German Shepherds. He enjoyed fishing, belonged to the West Albany Rod & Gun Club as well as the American Legion Zaloga Post #1520 in Albany.
Bruce is survived by his beloved wife, Carol E. Fitzgerald Harper of West Albany; by his brother, John L. (Jane) Harper of Schenectady and by his sister, Linda A. Tunney of Clifton Park. He is also survived by his nephews, John L. (Maryanne) Harper, Jr., David P. Glatz, James M. (Angie) Tunney, Christopher J. (Paula) Tunney, Matthew R. Tunney and his niece, Janice (Robert) Maswick as well as a large and loving extended family. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his sister, Shirley F. Hyland.
A funeral service will be held Monday at 11:30 a.m. in the Fitzgerald Funeral Home, 105 Vliet Blvd., Cohoes. Interment will follow with military honors in the Gerald BH Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, Schuylerville.
Relatives and friends may visit at the funeral home from 9:30-11:30 a.m. prior to the service.
Those wishing to remember Bruce in a special way may make contributions to the Mohawk Hudson Humane Society, 3 Oakland Ave., Menands, NY 12204