Deacon Bruce Carley Wadsworth
Bruce Carley Wadsworth, the second son of G. Harry Wadsworth and Hazel Carley Wadsworth, was born July 7, 1938, in Utica. He spent his youth in the small hamlet of Clark Mills and in 1956 graduated from Clinton Central School. High school interests included playing the baritone, participation on high school athletic teams and being an avid Boy Scout. Bruce was a graduate of Alfred University, had a master’s degree from Syracuse University and a university certificate from SUNY Albany. All of this education led him into a teaching career in the field of earth science. Over a period of 35 years, he taught in North Syracuse, East Aurora, the Manlius School and at Bethlehem High School in Delmar.
In 1968, Bruce had a summer National Science Foundation Grant in Star Lake. One of the summer activities was climbing Algonquin Mountain. He was hooked, and our entire family of four began climbing the High Peaks. We finished our 46th peak in 1975, and then had time to join the Schenectady Chapter of the Adirondack Mountain Club.
His many interests included writing, and eventually an opportunity came along to prepare a guidebook for the Adirondack Mountain Club. “An Adirondack Sampler: Day Hikes for All Seasons” was an instant success.
Upon retirement from teaching, Bruce and his wife retired to life in Lake Placid. When the onset of foot problems forced retirement from hiking and climbing, Bruce pursued his interests in religion and became the deacon for St. Agnes Church in Lake Placid. He simply lived within his limitations. Bruce continued his fairly active life until last week, when health problems began to close in.
Survivors include his wife of 52 years, Betty; two children: Barbara Carroll and her husband Philip Jr. of Amenia, and Peter Wadsworth of Brooklyn; three grandchildren: Ben and Zachary Carroll and Ethan Wadsworth; Bruce’s sister JoAnn and her husband, Malcolm Desimone, of New Hartford; and brother-in-law Edward Blankman of Adams.
Calling hours will be from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 13 at M.B. Clark Funeral Home Inc., Lake Placid, with a Bible vigil prayer service at 8:45 p.m.
A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Aug, 14 at St. Agnes Catholic Church, Saranac Avenue, Lake Placid, with Father John Yonkovig officiating.
Relatives and friends are invited to “light a candle” and share a prayer, memory or leave online condolences at www.mbclarkfuneralhome.com.
The family suggests, in lieu of flowers, donations be made in his memory to the Adirondack Mountain Club, Goggins Road, Lake George, NY 12845-4117, or St. Agnes Catholic Church, Hillcrest Avenue, Lake Placid, NY 12946.
