The life of Bruce Styles Burr began in Elizabeth N.J. July 13 1942 to his parents, Evelyn Klawunn and Arthur Karl Burr.  He grew up and attended schools in Clark Township N.J., eventually graduating at the top of his class from Arthur L. Johnson Regional High School, where he met his future wife, Patricia Gail Makowsky.  His college choice of Princeton University awarded him a Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil Engineering with a minor in Architecture and Cum Laude honors in 1964.  He and Patricia married in 1964 and began their lifelong adventure together in a small apartment, eventually moving to their first house in Pompton Plains, N.J. They had two children, Tracey Alexandra (1967) and Geoffrey Scott (1971).  During those early years, Bruce attended Rutgers University at night, earning an MBA while developing a successful executive career working for PSEG, a NJ Public Utility.  Eventually, the family moved to Martinsville, NJ, where they purchased, renovated, and lived in a historically dated farmhouse for over 30 years.  Although the house, family and job kept him quite busy, Bruce also completed a summer executive program at Penn State University and earned an Executive MBA from Harvard University. The New Jersey adventure ended in 1998 when Bruce retired.  He and Patricia moved to San Diego, California, in June of 2000.

The San Diego adventure started in Scripps Ranch, where he and Patricia developed lifelong relationships and love for their new home. Bruce accepted the role of chairman in his neighborhood Home Owners Association Architectural Committee during the rebuilding years following the devastating wildfire in 2003.  He remained in the role and on the board for over 20 years.  He embraced life in Southern California and enjoyed all that it offered.  He especially loved the ocean and all things related to it.  He and Patricia explored and enjoyed together the beaches, mountains, deserts, parks, landmarks, and many cultural activities available throughout their 25 years in San Diego.

Bruce was generally regarded by all as a true gentleman who was generous of heart and time, proud and deeply supportive of those he cherished. He was a devoted father and husband. He hugged and laughed easily and often.  He was considered a mentor and role model, a father and grandfather figure, and a loyal friend.  He survived cancer but died on April 21. 2025, from complications due to Congestive Heart Failure.  He will be deeply missed by his wife of 61 years, his two children Tracey and Geoff, and their families, and all those in his close and much-loved orbit.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to the staff at UCSD medical center. Thanks to their exceptional care, coupled with Bruce 's fighting spirit, Bruce beat cancer 3 times and lived out "nine lives".  Thanks also to the ER staff at Pomerado Medical Center hospital for the care and comfort they provided during his final hours.

In honoring Bruce's wishes, a Celebration of Life event will be held in July.  Details will be announced when they are finalized. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the American Cancer Society ( https://donate.cancer.org ) or planting a memorial tree in remembrance.