Obituary of Bruce James MacLain

Bruce James MacLain

1944 – 2024

     Bruce James MacLain, 79 of Whitesboro, NY passed away on Saturday, March 30, 2024 from complications of congestive heart failure. 

     Bruce was born on August 8, 1944 in Potsdam, NY, to mother, Beatrice Smith MacLain and father, James William MacLain.  He grew up in Clinton, NY and graduated from Clinton High School, Class of 1962. Bruce received a Bachelor of Science degree from Utica College of Syracuse University, a University of the State of New York Teaching Certificate in Mathematics and Business Education, and a Master of Business Administration degree from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.

     Mr.  MacLain taught mathematics at Whitesboro High School for 31 years. During this tenure, he served as chair of the Mathematics department and faculty advisor to the student Mathletics team. He also was an adjunct instructor of various subjects at both MVCC and Utica University.  Bruce met his wife Catherine Torchia of Frankfort, NY when she was a student teacher at Whitesboro High School in 1970.  They were married in August of 1971 and maintained a loving and devoted union for 53 years. He will be remembered by his students as a strong supporter of women in STEM and by his friends and colleagues for his booming voice and unique sense of humor.

     Bruce was an active member of the community, dedicating several decades to the Saint Francis DiPaola Society of Frankfort, NY and the Optimist International chapters of both Whitestown and New York Mills, NY. As an Optimist, he played an integral role in district and local activities that benefited both the organization and the education and well-being of area youth.

In addition to supporting the advancement of youth, Bruce enjoyed NASCAR racing, camping, spending time with his granddaughters and tinkering with automobiles on Saturday mornings with his Y.A.S.M.A.C. family. He was a classic car aficionado, owning many throughout his life and always said his favorite color was chrome. 

     Mr. MacLain is survived by his wife Catherine, Whitesboro, his son and daughter-in-law, James and Kelly MacLain of Hernando, MS, his daughter and son-in-law Meghan and George Bauer of South Windsor, CT, his daughter Merideth MacLain of Albany, NY, his six cherished granddaughters Michaela, Emily and Regan MacLain of Hernando, MS and Paige, Eden and Summer Bauer of South Windsor, CT and several nieces, nephews, in-laws and godchildren.  He was predeceased by his parents James and Beatrice MacLain and sister Charlotte Wilsey.

     Mr. MacLain’s memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 6, 2024 at 3:00 PM at R.P. Heintz Funeral Service, Inc., 10 East Park Row, Clinton.  Relatives and friends are invited to call at the funeral home from 1 – 3 pm, prior to the service.  Interment in Sunset Hill Cemetery, Clinton will take place at the convenience of the family.

     Mr. MacLain’s family would like to thank the staff at the Katherine Luther Residential Health Care & Rehabilitation Center in Clinton NY, where he received excellent and compassionate care. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the Optimist International Foundation.