Bruce Edward Timmerman

February 10, 1952 – July 2, 2025

Bruce Edward Timmerman, of Knoxville, Tennessee, and formerly of Madison, Connecticut, passed away on July 2, 2025, in Knoxville after a long battle with cancer. He was born on February 10, 1952, in Hoosick Falls, New York, and spent many years in and around Madison before relocating to Florida and then Tennessee. When living in Madison, Connecticut, he often attended The Church of the Open Door.

Bruce is survived by his son, Aaron (Amy) Handy of Renton, Washington and five grandchildren; his brothers, William (Donna) Timmerman of East New Portland, Maine, David Timmerman of Branford, Connecticut, and Keith Timmerman of Branford, Connecticut; and his sisters, Barbara (Douglas) Kulp of Maryville, Tennessee, and Marilyn (Frank) Gonzalez of Fayetteville, Georgia. He will also be missed by numerous nieces and nephews, who include Amy Lynn of New York, New York, Matthew Gonzalez of Fayetteville, Georgia, Kaitlyn Gonzalez of Fayetteville, Georgia, Kristin (Ricky) Moore of Maryville, Tennessee, Sarah Timmerman of Hillsborough, North Carolina, Sarah (Christopher) Montgomery of Pensacola, Florida, Genis Timmerman of Litchfield, Maine, Malayna (Richard) Alexander of Pace, Florida, Naomah (Crystal) Russell of Hallowell, Maine, Wahleyah (Kelly) Wells of West New Portland, Maine, Onetah Timmerman of West New Portland, Maine, and Wenonah (Joshua Andrei) Wirick of Wiscasset, Maine.

Bruce was predeceased by his father, Walter Timmerman, Sr.; his mother, Bianca Timmerman, née Chandler; his older brother, Walter Timmerman, Jr.; and his brother Douglas Timmerman, who died in infancy.

From 1971 through 1977, Bruce served in the United States Army, first in active duty and then in the Reserves. While in the Army, Bruce was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Expert Marksman and Expert Hand Grenade commendations, Army Commendation Medal and Good Conduct Medal. Bruce received one award in 1973 when he was assigned as a truck driver, clerk and radio telephone operator, which states, “in executing the tasks associated with these positions, PFC Timmerman was required to perform many duties that would not normally be assigned to a man of his grade. He cheerfully and enthusiastically accepted all these assignments and accomplished them in an outstanding manner. His actions earned him the respect of his superiors and peers alike and reflect great credit upon himself, the 1st Infantry Division Forward, and the United States Army.”

Bruce was passionate about reptiles and amphibians and was a key figure in the Southern New England herpetological community. He was part of the Connecticut Herpetologists League, serving as both president and vice president, and was one of its original founders. He was also a member of the Southern New England Herpetological Association. Bruce enjoyed searching for snakes and other reptiles and amphibians in their natural habitats, often with one of his closest friends, Chuck Annicelli, whom he met in a pet shop in the early 1990’s. Around 2004, Bruce, along with Chuck, presented to the public a live exhibition of Connecticut snakes.

Bruce was known for his love of Starbucks coffee. He had a dry sense of humor that endeared him to those around him. He had a deep love for music, with The Beatles, Alison Krauss, Neil Young, Johnny Cash, and Nick Drake among some of his favorite artists. While working at R. R. Donnelley on the night shift, Bruce became close friends with Brian Wolfe, who became a lifelong friend. It was Brian who introduced Bruce to the music of Nick Drake.

A memorial service for close family and friends will be held in Connecticut on September 6, 2025, with additional details to be provided.

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