Bruce E. Furbeck

Bruce E. Furbeck, a lifelong resident of Monroe residing briefly after retirement near the Hamlet of Wallkill, passed away peacefully at home Wednesday, Sept. 19, 2012, ending his more than 15-year battle with Parkinson’s Disease. He was 64.
He was surrounded by his loving and devoted wife, Michael, and their family.
Bruce was the son of the late Virginia Wetherell. He was born May 31, 1948. Bruce grew up and raised his family in Monroe.

M-W class of 1966

He graduated from the Monroe-Woodbury High School, class of 1966 ,where he had dated and eventually married his high school sweetheart and loving wife, Michael F. Donnelly. They were married August 17, 1968.
Bruce was an auto mechanic in Monroe. For 30 years he proudly owned his own service station, Bruce’s Service Inc. (Arco, Gulf, and Citgo). He built the business and maintained it with the help of every family member.
He was very grateful for the patronage of all his customers and friends and the loyalty from his employees throughout the years. He worked long hours at the station, providing gasoline, a 24-hour towing service, auto repairs, and rental cars as an agent for both National and Avis car rentals.
Bruce devoted much of his life serving his local community. Bruce was both a life and honorary 46 year member of the Mombasha Fire Company (Monroe Fire Department). He had served there as a volunteer firefighter, a past fire chief, and a past executive board member.
Additionally, Bruce ventured into politics. He had been elected and served local government for a term as a trustee on the Monroe Village Board.
Several years as a hobby, he successfully raced stock cars primarily at the Orange County Fair Speedway. During this period at the speedway Bruce was known as the “JD Stacey of Monroe” for having the service station proudly displayed as a sponsor on the sides of many race cars from numerous Monroe competitors.

Family and friends

Bruce was proud of his family and their achievements. He is survived by his beloved wife of 44 years, Michael Furbeck, at home; his twins: his daughter Kimberly L. Zahra and her husband Michael of Monroe and his son Bruce “Robert” and his wife Michele of Monroe. Grandpa loved his four grandchildren: Emma, Samantha, Michael and Courtney.
He is also survived by his brother Robert Wetherell of Arizona., his brother-in law Daniel Farrell of Chester, his sisters-in-law Carol Furbeck of East Setauket and Jo Ann Kelso of Missouri, many loving nieces and nephews and his friend Joe Rumsey.
He was predeceased by his mother, his sister Phyllis Farrell and his brother Bob Furbeck.

Services

Visitation was scheduled for 5 to 8 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 24, at Smith, Seaman & Quackenbush, Inc. Funeral Home, 117 Maple Ave., Monroe.
A fireman’s prayer and service was scheduled for 7 p.m.
A funeral service was scheduled for 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 25, at the funeral home. Interment was to follow in Seamanville Cemetery on Spring Street in Monroe.
The family wishes to thank Dr. Francis Imbarrato, M.D., and the wonderful staff of Hospice for their caring, compassion, and comfort.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Orange and Sullivan Counties in his name.
Funeral arrangements have been made by Smith, Seaman & Quackenbush, Inc. Funeral Home. For additional information, call 845-782-8185 or visit online at www.ssqfuneralhome.com.