Bruce W. Newton

Bruce W. Newton, 82, of New Bedford, passed away Wednesday, December 20, 2023 at the Royal Nursing Center in Fairhaven, MA after a long illness. He was surrounded by Joann Roy-Newton, his wife of 30 years, as well as family and friends. Bruce was predeceased by his late wife Denise (Duhamel) Newton, his parents, Wilfred Newton and Evelyn Newton, his brothers, Charles Newton, Robert Newton, and sister, Marilyn (Newton) Crete.

Surviving family members include his wife, JoAnn (Lecuyer) Roy-Newton, their three sons, Kyle Newton, Trevor Newton, and Paul Newton; sister, Evelyn (Newton) Marques; a brother, Phil Newton, as well as, stepchildren, Lisa Lavigne and her husband Brian Lavigne of Acushnet, Pamie Roy Tan of Bridgewater, and Paul Roy and his wife Mellissa Roy of Bryan, TX. Additional surviving family includes Bruce and JoAnn’s grandchildren, Collin Lavigne, Cassandra Lavigne, Jasper Tan, Zavier Tan, Elena Tan, Kenai Roy, Kodiak Roy, McKinley Roy, and Zoe-Seraphine Roy.

Bruce was born and raised in New Bedford, MA. During his life, he owned and operated Bruce’s Cycles Motorcycle Shop for 10 years. He later worked as a Special Educator in the SMEC program for 10 years. In his later career, he worked as a school bus driver until his retirement.

Bruce was a lifelong avid motorcycle and classic car enthusiast, often spending time at Seekonk Speedway, Laconia, NH and many classic car events in the region. As a classic car collector, his most prized possession was his 1940 Ford convertible, which he and his wife enjoyed driving for many years.

Bruce and his wife, JoAnn, were active foster parents for the State of MA for approximately 20 years. During this time, Bruce and JoAnn adopted three children and provided foster care to over 50 children.

His funeral service will be Saturday, December 23, 2023 at 10 a.m. in the Rock Funeral Home, 1285 Ashley Boulevard, New Bedford. Burial will follow in Sacred Heart Cemetery. Visitation will be Friday 4-6 p.m. For online tribute/directions: www.rock-funeralhome.com.