Neil David Bruins

Ilion
Neil David Bruins, Sr, CMSgt. (Ret)
Neil was born March 18, 1941 in Albany, NY to the late Otto W. and Ella Gifford Bruins. He graduated from Albany High School, class of 1958, and following graduation entered the US Air Force. Neil was united in marriage with Marion Schoneich on May 16, 1964.
Chief Bruins' military career found him stationed at many bases in the United States and overseas, including Japan, the Azores, Turkey, Nebraska, Alaska, Hawaii, Pennsylvania, Texas, Illinois, and Maryland. Neil's many commendations include: Meritorious Service Medal with Two Oak Leaf Clusters, Joint Service Commendation Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster, and Air Force Commendation Medal. After retiring in 1987 he obtained federal civilian employment at Hancock Field, Syracuse NY, Griffiss AFB NY, and Cherry Point MCAS NC. He retired from civilian employment in 2003 and relocated in Ilion. Neil was a member of the Ilion First Presbyterian Church and a former Session member of the church. He was also a member of the Air Force Association and a charter member of the AF Memorial, Washington DC.
Neil is survived by his wife Marion, six sons Neil, Jr and wife Christine of Little Falls, Daniel and his wife Jeanne of Frederick MD, Derik and wife Cari, Elmira NY, Dennis and wife Kristy, Lexington KY, Matthew, Richmond VA, and Michael and wife Shannon, High Point NC; his grandchildren Elizabeth, Sarah, Mary; Kathryn and husband William Miller, Corrine; Katherine, Colin and Jackson; Ethan and Andrew; Jack; Addison and Parker. He is also survived by his siblings: O. William and wife Ann, Rochester MN, Richard and wife Melissa, San Francisco CA, Judith Kemp of Lakeland FL, Barbara of Germantown, MD, Douglas and wife Nancy of Homosassa FL, Faye and husband Harold Gilbar of Johnsonville NY, Diane of Schenectady NY, Paula and husband Jim Bruins of Holland MI, Jayne and husband Joe Parker of Cape Coral, FL, an aunt, Hazel Fogle, and several nieces and nephews.
Neil's funeral will be on Saturday April 9, 2016 at the Ilion First Presbyterian Church with his cousin Rev. Jim Gerling officiating.
Friends are asked to call Friday April 8, 2016 from 4-7 PM at the Whiter-Hendrix Funeral Home, Inc., 100 Otsego St., Ilion NY.
Friends are asked to consider memorials to the Lunch Group at The Ilion First Presbyterian Church.
To leave an online condolence, please go to www.whiter-hendrix.com .


Visitation

4:00 pm - 7:00 pm Friday, April 8, 2016

Whiter-Hendrix Funeral Home Inc.
100 Otsego St.
Ilion
13357