Bruce Ayer

Bruce R. Ayer, 90, of Syracuse, passed away peacefully Wednesday, June 16, 2010 at home. Born in Cazenovia on Monday, February 9, 1920, he was the son of Franklin Arthur Ayer and Eunice Richards Ayer. He moved to Camillus in 1957 and most recently lived in The Valley. Bruce was an Army Air Corps veteran of World War II and was a test pilot for Bell Aircraft. A 1949 graduate of Syracuse University, he was a member of Sigma Iota Epsilon. He retired in 1985 after many years as purchasing manager with General Electric. An avid SU sports fan, he also enjoyed traveling and square dancing and was a ballroom dance instructor. His other interests were boating, water skiing and camping. Bruce was a jack-of-all-trade and was able to fix anything that was broken. He built his own home. Bruce was predeceased by his first wife, the former Shirley Wilkins; and second wife, the former Gilda Santoro. Surviving are his daughters and sons-in-law, Cynthia and Thomas Thoman of White Lake, Michigan and Pamela and Richard Davis of Baldwinsville; sons and daughters-in-law, Douglas and Kathy of Camillus and Phillip and Luaina of Syracuse; seven grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. Relatives and friends may call Monday, June 21 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Buranich Funeral Home, 5431 W. Genesee St., Camillus. Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, June 22 at the funeral home. Bruce will be laid to rest in Greenlawn Cemetery, Warners. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Red Cross, Onondaga-Oswego Chapter, 220 Herald Pl., Syracuse, NY 13202.