Barclay, Joseph Bruce 75, of Dover, MA and Kennebunkport, ME, died August 3, 2017 surrounded by the love of his family, from complications with cancer after a short but courageous battle. Bruce was born May 2, 1942, the son of James Barclay and Stella Grenda Barclay. He is survived by his children Bonnie, Jedd, Lorrie, Ryan, Sean and his wife, Amanda; and Todd and his wife, Dori. He was a beloved grandfather to his grandchildren, Aiden James, Joseph Broderick, and Karigan Suzanne. Bruce was predeceased by his wife of 40 years, Suzanne Whittemore Barclay, his parents, and older brother James Gerry Barclay, Jr. He is also survived by his nephew, Scott Barclay.
Born in Lawrence, MA, he helped to build his family home in North Andover, MA, alongside his father and brother, moving in on his 10th birthday in 1952. At Boston University he received both his bachelor's and master’s degrees. After college, Bruce entered the U.S. Naval War College in Newport, RI, earning the rank of Lieutenant and serving aboard two aircraft carriers during the Vietnam Conflict. He continued his dedication to the military as a participant and donor to veteran service groups.
Bruce had a long and committed career, teaching at Millis High School where he met his wife, Suzanne. Most of his professional life was spent at Hopedale Junior Senior High School, retiring in 2006 after 38 years of dedicated service to thousands of students. “Mr. B” was a staple of the Hopedale, MA community as a science, math, and psychology teacher, as well a class advisor, receiving many accolades from both students and colleagues. Bruce enjoyed carpentry, Boston sports, geology, classic movies, spending time in Maine, and being a grandfather. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends.
Visiting hours at the George F. Doherty & Sons Funeral Home, 477 Washington St. (Rt. 16) Wellesley on Sunday August 6 from 4-7pm. Relatives and friends kindly invited. Funeral services and interment private.
In lieu of flowers, gifts in memory of Bruce and Suzanne Whittemore Barclay may be made to the Mass General Center for Cancer Research. Gifts can be made online http://www.massgeneral.org/cancerresearch/support/ or mailed to the MGH Development Office, attention: Carrie Powers, Mass General Development Office, 125 Nashua Street, Suite 540, Boston, MA 02114-1101. Checks payable to Massachusetts General Hospital. Please include in the memo line for the Cancer Center Research Fund in memory of Bruce and Suzanne Barclay. For directions and guestbook, gfdoherty.com.