Bruce William King, Sr.

Bruce William King, Sr. passed away peacefully on April 22, 2026. He was born in Philadelphia, PA on August 8, 1935 to the late William and Margaret (nee Haeffner) King. Bruce was a graduate of "The Old" Northeast Philadelphia High School, originally Northeast Manual Training School. Bruce was a proud veteran of the U.S. Army. His duty stations included the 19TH Infantry Regiment, 24TH Infantry Division, Korea, 101ST Airborne Division, and the Combat Operations Center, Okinawa. After his Army service, Bruce worked at Philco Corporation Located at C and Tioga Streets in Philadelphia. On October 22, 1960 Bruce married Mary Margaret Reese. They enjoyed 65 years together and raised 3 children Bruce, Timothy, & Mary-Katherine (Kate).

In 1967, Bruce joined the Philadelphia Police Department and proudly served the citizens of Philadelphia for 27 years. He achieved the rank of Detective with his final duty assignment being part of the Headquarters Investigation Division's prestigious Dignitary Protection Unit. The DPU provided security details for notable and celebrity visitors to the city including former President George H. W. Bush, former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, civil rights activist Jesse Jackson, and The Jackson 5.

Bruce was an avid reader, fan of history and lover of old movies and music. He loved watching Jeopardy every night and dominating the game over anyone who happened to be watching with him. He often did better than the contestants themselves! A true fan of Philadelphia sports, you can be sure that Bruce would take pleasure in a win by the Eagles or Phillies and he would be sure to tell you everything they had done wrong after a loss. Bruce enjoyed a daily cigar while reading his newspaper and on a special occasion you can be sure he’d have his favorite drink in hand – a Manhattan straight up.

Bruce was preceded in death by his parents and his brother David. He is survived by his wife of 65 years Mary (nee Reese), his sons Bruce, Jr. (April) and Timothy (Cyndi) and his daughter Kate (Greg). Bruce was the loving grandfather to Gavin and Griffin King and Alison and Connor Welsh.  He is also survived by his sister Linda (Leon) David and her family.

Services for Bruce will be private at the request of the family. A celebration of life will be planned for a future date for all to attend and share their favorite stories.