Obituary of Bruce J. McKee, Sr.

Bruce J. “Puddy” McKee, Sr., 88, a lifelong resident of Woburn, passed away after a short illness on Tuesday, September 27. He was the husband of Norma M. (Egge) McKee. Born and raised in Woburn, he was the son of the late Hugh W. McKee, Sr., and the late Anna (McKay) McKee. Bruce was a graduate of Woburn High School, class of 1952. After graduation, Bruce studied electronics. Realizing he would rather be outdoors, Bruce started working for an excavation and plowing contractor in Melrose. He eventually established his own company, Bruce J. McKee, Inc. in Woburn. Specializing excavation for sewer and water systems, Bruce was involved in many construction projects in the area. He continued running his company and working until finally retiring at age 84. Bruce was former member of the Woburn Lions Club, and loved participating in building and riding on the floats in the Woburn Halloween Parades. He was also a longtime member and Past Exalted Ruler of the Woburn Lodge of Elks. Bruce was also an avid golfer. Bruce was a 65-year member and Past Master of Mount Horeb Masonic Lodge in Woburn; as well as a longtime member of the Shriners. In the 1970s, Bruce was instrumental in obtaining the current Masonic lodge building on Arlington Road. He, along with a group of talented members went to work refurbishing the building and adding the lodge room and function facilities. In 2015, Bruce was honored by his lodge by having the building’s lodge room named in his honor; and to have been presented his 50-year Past Master’s Certificate. In addition to his wife Norma, with whom he celebrated 67 years of marriage this month, Bruce is survived by two daughters, Beth-Ann Norton of Pepperell, and Laura J. McKee and her husband Martin E. Truitt of Williston, FL; and one son, Bruce J. McKee, Jr. and his wife Alba Varela of Dracut; and he is survived by two grandchildren, Curtis Parker of Londonderry, NH, and Meredith C. Norton of Pepperell; and he was preceded in death by his son-in-law the late Christopher R. Norton. Bruce is the brother of June Carner of Woburn and her late husband Richard, the late Hugh W. McKee, Jr and his wife Charlotte of Woburn, the late David P. McKee and his late wife Barbara of Reading, and the late Marguerite Brine and her late husband Joseph of Woburn; and he is survived by his two half-sisters, Merle McKee and her husband Wayne Holland of Methuen, and Nancy McKee of Tennessee; and many nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews. Visiting hours will be at the Graham Funeral Home, 3 Arlington Rd., Woburn on Monday, October 3 from 3:00-7:00 pm, with a Masonic Service at 6:30. The funeral will be at the funeral home on Tuesday, October 4 at 11:00 am, followed by interment at the Woodbrook Cemetery in Woburn. Contributions in Bruce’s memory may be made to the Shriners Hospitals for Children, 51 Blossom St., Boston, MA 02114 (www.shrinershospitalsforchildren.org)