STRAFFORD, N.H. — Bruce Kincaid Donle, 78, of Strafford, New Hampshire and formerly of North Reading, died surrounded by his family at Kirkwood Corners Assisted Living on Tuesday, September 14, 2021.Born in Winchester on March 27, 1943, he was the son of the late Earl and Doris Donle. He was a proud resident of Tower Hill Road, North Reading, for 64 years. He attended North Reading schools and graduated in 1961. After high school, Bruce worked as a mechanic at Sears and as an insurance adjuster at Allstate Insurance Company. In 1964, Bruce joined the National Guard and began his lifelong career of public service. He received his master’s degree in Criminal Justice from Ana Maria College.
Bruce was a 32-year member of the North Reading Police Department; he loved his job. During his career, Bruce was the department’s Armor and Firearms Instructor for 26 years. He was a true marksman and a great teacher. Bruce was also in charge of Firearms and Licensing. He served these positions with pride.
In 2007, Bruce and his wife moved to their dream home on Bow Lake in Strafford where he had been vacationing since the 1950s. With his family and friends, Bruce always enjoyed the lake. Activities such as swimming, boating, skiing, sailing and watching sunsets were enjoyed each year. He loved hosting guests so they could share his love of the lake.
Bruce had a strong commitment to his family and lifelong friends. Bruce always liked learning new things and often became an expert at them. His interests included: gunsmithing, computers, investing, beer brewing, carpentry, mechanics, shooting, sailing, snowmobiling and photography. If there was a project to be done, Bruce knew how to do it and was eager to help everyone. He was a member of the Masonic Temple and Shriners and a lifelong member of the NRA and the Reading Rifle and Revolver Club.
Family members include his wife of 53 years, Clarinda M. (Santos) Donle. He is also survived by his loving children: Kimberly Meaney and her husband, Mark, of Ipswich, and Kevin Donle and his wife, Kathy, of North Reading, along with his brother Wayne Donle and his wife, Simone, of Strafford, N.H., and his sister-in-law, Diane Donle of Texas. Bruce was predeceased by his brother, Keith Donle of Texas.
Bruce is also survived by his adoring grandchildren: Patrick, Katherine and Ryan Meaney; and Taryn Gately and Kyle Donle. He was also very close with many nieces, nephews, cousins and in-laws.
His funeral was held at the Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow St., North Reading, on Monday, September 20 at 10 a.m. Calling hours were held at the funeral home on Sunday, September 19 from 1-4 p.m. Burial was in Riverside Cemetery in North Reading.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Bruce’s name to the Alzheimer’s Association, https://www.alz.org/ or a charity of your choice.
To send an online message of condolence please visit www.croswellfuneralhome.com.
