When he was six years old, grownups would ask Bruce Vitale what he wanted to be when he grew up. His answer was always “fireman.” Bruce caught the firefighting bug when he and his brother would climb over the Weequahic Park fence and visit the single engine firehouse on Hayes and Frelinghausen. Oh, they had to climb over the fence because they were living in the park barracks that the government built for all veterans returning from overseasWWII duty.
Bruce recalls the firefighters’ friendliness and, as a result, had decided to become one of them. His dream was realized when he joined the Plainfield, NJ Fire Department. There, he rose to the rank of Lieutenant, having passed with the highest score among all those taking the statewide qualification examination. After 25 years of serving the citizens of Plainfield, Bruce has retired, but refuses to accept a life of inactivity.
He resumed his previous career as a mason, which allows him the time and freedom to pursue his passion for the out-of-doors. He is an accomplished fisherman who is often recognized in the Star Ledger fishing columns. He also hunts deer and raises beagles. Matter of fact, he is a registered American Kennel Club judge.
Bruce joined the Navy and served with fellow classmate, Robert Bressman on the USS New-DD818. While in the service, he visited many ports-of-call including Saudi Arabia, East Africa, Italy Malta and Ethiopia.
Anne, his wife of six years, is originally from Manhattan and now buys and sells chemicals for recycling. “I’ve never been happier.” He’s not shy about expressing his love for Anne.
Bruce has two sons from a previous marriage. Douglas is 27 years old and works in the computer field, while 24-year-old Philip works in the Shop-Rite organization. “I am truly blessed as a father,” Bruce says. “They’re really fine people, my two boys. Never a hint of trouble from either one of them.”
There’s another point of interest in Bruce’s life. “I consider the Warren Township Recreation Department Annual Fishing Derby to be one of my most favorite achievements,” he says. “Each year about 150 to 200 kids, 5 to 14 years old, show up to fish on a two acre pond in Warren Township. I help them bait, cast and reel ‘em in. They have a great time and so do I.” Bruce has been volunteering his time and expertise to this effort for more than 20 years.
Bruce and Anne divide their domiciles between Piscataway, New Jersey and Watha (Pender County), North Carolina where the couple has a home right on the water. Bruce remains close with Martin Hubbs, Nick Siciliano and Ron Wilson (also lives in North Carolina). They’re among the 130 annual recipients of Christmas cards from Bruce. “I love the holidays and I love to let people know I’m thinking about them.” Want to be added to his list? You can e-mail Bruce at bvcuz@prodigy.net
