Deacon David Bruce traveled the world and the U.S. before settling with his family in Hawaii more than a decade ago. (Courtesy Deacon David Bruce)
By Deacon David Bruce
Special to the Herald
My journey started in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on May 19, 1960, when our loving God blessed my parents (William Arthur Bruce Sr. and Frances Cvercko Bruce) with their third and youngest child. My name is David Gene Bruce. This is my life story, according to God’s plan.
I was born a cradle Catholic to a humble but loving and God-fearing family. My sister Daria, my brother Bill Jr. and I were all baptized, received first holy Communion, were confirmed and attended St. Coleman’s Catholic Church and School.
My father was a very dedicated family man who worked diligently to ensure a good life for us. He, together with my mother, made sure our family had a very strong faith life.
Coming from a diverse background of Italian, Scottish and Czechoslovakian, I grew up a very happy child, surrounded by many aunties, uncles and multitudes of cousins.
At age 13, my father, a yardmaster for United Railroad, got injured on the job. My family was forced to move to a warmer climate due to the harsh Pittsburgh winter, for my father’s health.
We settled in North Fort Myers, Florida, where I spent my teenage years. I attended and graduated from North Fort Myers High School in 1978.
Upon graduation, I decided to serve my country like my father and uncles, who all fought in World War II — so I joined the Army. Immediately after completing boot camp, I was assigned to Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, as a military police officer/correctional officer.
It was there that I met my best buddy/wife Hazel, to whom I have been married now for 43 years. Hazel is from the Marshall Islands. We have two boys, David II (40) and Atlan (38). We also have two beautiful grandchildren, Savannah (8) and Colton (7).
Hazel and I and the boys spent 13 of my 15 years in the military overseas. We spent three years in Japan where David II was born, 3-1/2 years in Germany and three years in Italy.
At the end of my tour in Italy, we decided to divert my service to another government entity. We moved back to the U.S. and I went to work for the Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Prisons.
Our next chapter was a whirlwind. I dragged Hazel and the boys all over the United States, from the Pacific Northwest to the deep South — 13 states and institutions in all.
Finally, in 2013, we moved to Hawaii and in 2017, I retired as an associate warden from FDC (Federal Detention Center) Honolulu after 24 years of service.
Now what? Golfing? Oh yes, please. But is that all?
I was always involved and served in all my parishes. At one point, when I was young, I contemplated becoming a priest; however, God had other plans for me.
But when I retired, I thought I should and could do more. And as I prayed on it, more and more I was asked, “Have you considered being a deacon?”
Then one day, Father Ed Barut (of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Ewa Beach) said, “There is a diaconate inquiry weekend coming up, you should go check it out.” Hazel, my Scripture-quoting wife, was very excited and we attended. And the rest, as they say, is history.
Five years later, in God’s perfect plan, on Jan. 20, 2024, Bishop Larry Silva ordained and assigned me to St. Joseph Church in Waipahu. It is there where I humbly serve all daily and assigned Sunday Masses.
I help out with the marriage preparation ministry. I continue with prison ministry. I help serve other parishes when the need arises and all other assignments from my pastor, La Salette Father Eric Castro. I also serve the community as a chaplain for the state Department of Law Enforcement’s Sheriff Division.
Looking back at my life and realizing how blessed Hazel and I have been, I am humble with gratitude and want to live with Jesus’ words, “I came to serve, not to be served,” as my credo.
For those discerning to be a deacon, the best way to thank God for your blessings is to be a deacon and serve God’s people. Nothing is more gratifying than that.
“As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” (Jos 24:15).
