Bruce Robert Moody Sr., 97, beloved husband, father, veteran and friend

CATTARAUGUS — Bruce Robert Moody Sr., of Cattaraugus, passed away peacefully at his beloved farm on Memorial Day, Monday, May 26, 2025. He was 97 years old.

Bruce was born at home on Maple Drive in Bowmansville on Aug. 10, 1927, the only child of Herbert R. Moody and Florence E. Nadolny Moody.

He attended a one-room schoolhouse during his early years and graduated from Lancaster High School in June 1945, where he enjoyed track and field and helped set a school record in the 4×100-yard relay.

Later that same year, Bruce enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served aboard the destroyer USS Bordelon (DD 881), deploying to Guam, Shanghai, Okinawa and mainland Japan before returning home in 1946. He briefly studied biology and pre-med at the University at Buffalo following his service.

In 1944, a new family moved in across the street, and Bruce was instantly taken by their daughter, Mechtilde “Tillie” Eisgruber. They became high school sweethearts and were married in October 1949, beginning a loving 73-year marriage. Tillie remained the great love of his life — his “Tomato” — and Bruce never missed a chance to sing her praises, literally and figuratively.

In 1947, Bruce and his parents purchased a run-down farm outside of Cattaraugus. His parents moved there and established a prize-winning herd of Angus cattle there while Bruce and Tille began raising their family together in Bowmansville. Bruce spent over 30 years working for National Cylinder Gas (NCG), later Chemetron, starting as a plant laborer and eventually working in sales, but the farm remained his true passion.

In 1975, Bruce and Tillie moved the family to the farm. Two years later, he joined Strate Welding Supply as a sales manager for their Olean and Jamestown locations, staying on part-time well into his 70s.

Bruce became an active member of the New Albion/Cattaraugus community, serving as a town assessor and member of the ambulance committee. He was also a dedicated Meals on Wheels volunteer, delivering meals well into his 90s, and was honored as Cattaraugus Citizen of the Year in 2019.

In earlier years, Bruce was a Cub Scoutmaster, avid hunter and expert marksman, competing for years with the Lancaster Pistol Club team. But throughout all his activities and hobbies, his true passion was the farm. He always kept a few horses and beefers, and he enjoyed restoring antique buggies and sleighs. Many Saturdays were spent visiting local Amish workshops to complete restorations, building lasting friendships within the Amish community.

Bruce was known for his quick wit and harmless pranks — like painting dinosaur footprints on Main Street or nailing a quarter to the floor of the local drugstore. He had a song for every occasion and often lifted spirits with his stories and perfectly timed melodies. His warmth, humor and kindness left a lasting impression on everyone he met.

He is survived by his sons, Bruce Jr. (Leslie) Moody and Bart (Kate) Moody; grandchildren, Lauren, Tyler and Adam Moody, Roy (Katie Lynn) Fischer, Katie Fischer and Liza Fischer; and great-grandson, Wyatt Fischer. Also a son-in-law, Brian (Lisa) Fischer.

Bruce was predeceased by his beloved wife, Tillie; and his daughter, Heide (Brian) Fischer.

Bruce lived a generous, joyful, and deeply committed life — marked by service, music, hard work and love for his family, friends and community. As one of the last remaining World War II veterans, it seems fitting that he passed on Memorial Day.

He will be dearly missed and fondly remembered by all who had the privilege to know him.

Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday June 20, 2025, at Roberts Memorial Free Methodist Church, 111 South St., Cattaraugus, where a funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday June 21, 2025.  Private family burial will be held by the family.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Cattaraugus Ambulance Service, 211 S. Main St., Cattaraugus; or Cattaraugus County Meals on Wheels, 303 Court St., Little Valley.

Arrangements entrusted to DiStasio Funeral Home Inc., South Dayton.

Online condolences may be made at www.distasiofuneralhome.com.