Bruce Harris Hellman, of Rochester, New York, passed away peacefully on July 20, 2026, at the age of 83.

Born on August 30, 1942, in Rochester, New York, Bruce was a lifelong resident of the community he proudly called home. The son of Maynard and Florence Hellman, he was raised with a strong work ethic, an exceptionally generous spirit, and a deep commitment to helping others.

From an early age, Bruce was larger than life -warm, engaging, and unforgettable. With his quick wit, cheeky sense of humor, and gift for storytelling, he could have an entire room laughing within seconds. Bruce loved making people smile and was always ready with a joke, a funny story, or wisecrack.

In his younger years, Bruce was a magnetic presence who naturally drew people into his orbit. He shared many happy years with his first wife and high school sweetheart, Susan, and together they raised their four children-Todd, Sherri, Josh, and Brett. Their home on Terrain Drive was always a place where family, friends, and neighbors gathered often, and everyone felt welcome.

As a gifted dancer, he brought his trademark confidence, humor, and enthusiasm to the dance floor-and oh, how he loved to dance. Whether showing off his legendary moves or simply enjoying the music, Bruce had a way of becoming the life of the party with seemingly little effort. It was while “cutting a rug” at a local disco that he met the love of his life and second wife, Linda. Their chance encounter not only sparked a partnership filled with adventure, laughter, and a lifetime of cherished memories, but also blended their families, as Bruce proudly welcomed Linda’s children, Kim and Mark, as his own.

Bruce forged a successful career through determination, hard work, and a genuine commitment to serving others. He was best known as co-owner of Maynard’s Electric Supply, the Rochester electrical wholesale company founded by his father, Maynard. Bruce played an instrumental role in growing the business into a respected name throughout Western New York, earning the trust and loyalty of contractors, builders, and homeowners through exceptional service and strong personal relationships.

In his later years, Bruce enjoyed gatherings with his close-knit group of friends, where meals, stories and laughter were always plentiful. An avid motorcyclist, Bruce loved the freedom of the open road and created unforgettable memories through multiple motorcycle trips with Linda and dear friends. He also had a deep love for animals, especially dogs, and found great joy and companionship in his beloved Cavalier King Charles Spaniels-Rommie, Lexxie, and Rikkie.

Bruce was preceded in death by his parents, Maynard and Florence Hellman, and his granddaughter, Taylor Hayward. He is survived by his wife, Linda; children, Todd (Nicole) Hellman, Sherri Hellman, Joshua (Lee Ann) Hellman, and Brett (Michael) Hellman; stepchildren, Kimberly (Jay) Jewell and Mark (Shannon) Klein; siblings, Jeanne (Sam) Feldman, Glenn (Erik) Hellman, and Neil (Sandy) Hellman; grandchildren, Aidan, Sage, Alyssa, Raine, and Avery; grandson-in-law, Anthony Hayward; and great-grandchildren, Alanna and Nino Hayward.

Bruce’s memory will live on through his loving family, cherished friendships, and the lives he touched through his generosity, humor, and effortless charm. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

Services have been held privately. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Bruce’s honor to the following organizations: American Cancer Society, Colorectal Cancer Alliance, Operation Freedom Ride.