Robert 'Bruce' Knowlden

Robert Bruce Knowlden

'Bruce'

2/18/1929 – 5/3/2025

Robert Bruce Knowlden, Bruce to his friends, Pop Pop to all who loved him; a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and great-great-grandfather, passed away on May 3, 2025, in Winter Park, Florida. Born on February 18, 1929, in Broom County, NY, Bruce’s time on this earth was filled with laughter, adventure, bravery, and family.

A U.S. Army Veteran, early in his life, Bruce felt the call to serve others with courage and kindness earning multiple honors, including a Purple Heart for his commitment to his country during the Korean War. When he returned home, a decorated hero, his family grew, and the real adventures began. A father to three girls; he moved his young family from New York to the Orlando area in 1964 in search of a life in the sunshine, alongside his beloved wife, Jane Whittemore Knowlden. Together, they built a loving home, supported their children, and shared in each other’s trials and victories, weathering the storms of life with a lasting devotion to one another.

Remembered by his community as a steadfast friend, Bruce often reminisced about his more than 35 years with the United States Postal Service. And after retiring in 2001, he picked up a new uniform complete with reflective tape and a big, red stop sign. For 17 years he greeted the children of Red Bug Lake Elementary and Sterling Park Elementary with warmth and an enthusiastic wave on their way to school. In 2016 he earned Crossing Guard of the Year, an honor he accepted with pride.

Bruce was particularly grateful to his family, claiming his greatest purpose to be his daughters, Debbie Perry, Terry Covell, and Gail Jones, whose achievements and happiness brought him profound joy.

Though Bruce has crossed over life’s bridge, and his journey here has ended, his legacy continues to inspire; his smile and memory are a comfort to all who were lucky enough to know him, from his lifelong bowling teammates to his regular “meeting of the minds” breakfasts with close friends, and everyone in between. Bruce never knew a stranger, instantly lighting up every room he entered, collecting best friends around every turn. He is preceded in death by his mother, father, five brothers, and his wife, Jane. Their memories live on in the hearts of his family, a tree with deep roots and many branches that include his three daughters, Debbie, Terry, and Gail, his grandchildren, Nicole Cohron, Tim VanWormer, Brian Schimmel, Corey Covell, Danny Covell, Erica Greenfelder, Garrick Covell, and Alexis Jones-Simmons, his thirteen great-grandchildren, and seven great-great-grandchildren.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Bruce’s life, honoring his memory with laughter during the memorial and service on May 9, 2025, at Newcomer Funeral Home, Winter Park. The memorial will take place from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM, followed by a quiet memorial service from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM, where friends and family will be encouraged to share stories after a reading and prayer.

Robert Bruce Knowlden will be fondly remembered by all, his spirit of service, devotion, and laughter will continue to shine through the lives he touched.

To share any memories of Bruce or to leave a special message of condolence for his family, please visit the guestbook below.