
I am so sorry for your loss.  No one informed me.  My prayers are with the both of you.  Uncle Bruce was an amazing and caring man.  Loved having conversations with him.



We just learned of Bruce's death and are so sorry for Lee and Zoe and their loss. We worked with Bruce for many years in Austin. He was creative, helpful and could always be counted on to come up with the right answer and a can-do spirit in addressing most any challenge. He set the highest  standard as an attorney and was a great friend and colleague besides. We both will miss him a lot.  



Dear Lee and Zoe, 
I know there is nothing we can say that will ease the deep pain you are feeling.  Still, we hope that it is some small comfort to know that you are being thought of with warmth and affection. 
. 
We never met, so I wanted you to know our relationship. We're part of the 
Kleiman family, and Aunt Beatty was one of my mother's sisters. Arnold was my cousin and Bruce a second cousin.  Bruce was  born 1 month after my daughter Lesley, and Faye and I would compare notes on their early days.  Although we live in New York City, when visiting Florida, where my mother also lived, would bring the families closer together. 
Bruce was always kind, friendly and fun, and all the kids enjoyed being 
together. They are fond memories. 
. 
We send you and Zoe our sincere sympathy at the loss of your dear husband and father - a most difficult passing. 
With affection, Barbara and Gerry Harris - Vicki and Lesley Harris 




Bruce's awesome spirit touched many lives.  At work, he was our Obi-Wan Kenobi--both wise mentor and skilled Jedi knight.  He effortlessly solved complex problems.  In doing so, he didn't just think outside the box--in Bruce's world, the box did not exist.  Any time I stopped by Bruce's office, work discussions always transitioned into talk about our families or random life topics like navigating the kiddie party circuit.  He comforted us younger parents with tales of Zoe's adventures and his parents' lives raising the Wilpon boys.  I'll never forget that twinkle in his eye when he recounted his first date with Lee.  Thank you, Lee, Zoe, and the rest of Bruce's family, for sharing Bruce with all of us.



Deepest sympathy for Bruce's family for their loss.



Our family lost a dear friend when Bruce passed away.  We first met Bruce when Zoe and our daughter Hana played basketball in elementary school.  Our girls became friends, linking our two families. Later, Hana and Zoe decided to be Bat Mitzvah partners.  That meant a lot of joint preparations and planning.   For some, that would be the end of a friendship, but for us it cemented the closeness of our families.  Bruce was always supportive and laid back.  When we suggested using Girl Scout Cookies for table decorations, Bruce and Lee readily agreed.   Bruce was very enthusiastic.  The idea of supporting a non-profit as part of the celebration appealed to Bruceâ€™s sense of give back. 
Afterwards, we spent many dinners and holidays together.   Whenever the Dolphins or the Heat were on TV, it was just another reason for us to get togetherâ€”the husbands loved sports and Chinese food.  
Bruce love to read, to talk about current events, especially about Israel, to reminisce about New York City, and to watch movies (comedies were a favoriteâ€”Bruce loved to laugh).  He was a big supporter of Israel, and encouraged Zoe to spend a semester there.  We even visited his Auntâ€™s bagel store during one of our trips to NYC. During summer weekends, we would go over to their home, hang out in the pool, and share the â€˜cocktail of the day.â€™  
And we had tickets to the Broadway show series together, catching many of the plays that came to Austin. One more memorable show was Fiddler on the Roof, featuring Harvey Fierstein.  Our daughters like to meet the stars as they left the theater.  They would get photos and autographs.  For Fiddler, meeting Harvey Fierstein was something all of us looked forward to.  But when Mr. Fierstein came over to meet his fans, he could hardly talk, claiming a potato chip was stuck in his throat.  We laughed often about that experience.
We will miss Bruce a great deal. Our thoughts and prayers are with Lee and Zoe and their extended family.



Bruce was one of a kind. I guess I could have done my job if he wasn't there but it would not have been as easy. He was always a phone call away. Whenever I needed any input on contracts etc, he would say 'Just give me 10 minutes and I will be down there'. Bruce was such a kind, smart, considerate person. He will be truly missed. 



Bruce was both a great friend and co-worker. I worked 33+ years for IRS before retiring earlier this year. I knew and worked with many attorneys both with the Government and on the other side of the table. Of all the attorneys I've worked with, there has not been a greater person/attorney to work with than Bruce. He was Collections "go to" attorney for the Austin District/Territory. He always had the right answer. I remember talking to him on the phone for long lengths of time (sometimes over an hour). We had and shared a lot of laughs and memories.  I will keep Bruce and his family in my prayers. He will be missed.  



Bruce was a person who always seemed to be happy and to love his life.  He never let anything get to him.  He was a great example to everyone he encountered.  My heart goes out to his wife and daughter who I know he loved so very much.  He will be greatly missed by all he knew.



I came to our office in 1990 and Bruce arrived in 1993.  From the start, it was obvious that Bruce and I shared the same sense of humor.  We used to laugh and laugh at just about everything, and became fast friends.  Bruce often helped me with many matters, as he did for everyone in the office.  He had a gift of being able to quickly size up a matter and solve it in the most time-efficient way.  I always envied him this abiity.  Later,  I was Bruce's manager but I knew better than to "fix what wasn't broke" and it goes without saying that I always approved of his course of action.  But Bruce wasn't just a great employee.  He reminded me so much of my father.  He was totally unselfish and would help anyone with anything.  There are so many attorneys that he taught the basics of collection and bankruptcy to, and he always had time to help anyone - Counsel and DOJ attorneys, paralegals, support staff, bankruptcy practitioners, insolvency specialists, revenue officers, and taxpayers.  Looking back, I think he helped them most of all since he guided them back to compliance with installment agreements, offers in compromise, etc.  Like my father, he really wanted to help people as much as he could.  And also like Dad, he had no enemies.  Everybody loved and admired Bruce, especially taxpayers because in many cases he was the only one who was able to really help finally resolve their IRS issues.  He was one of the most respected bankruptcy attorneys in Austin.  Several practitioners told me that when he walked into the bankruptcy court, there was a hushed silence.  At all times, Bruce maintained the highest standards of ethics and integrity.  He was also a wonderful husband and father.  He was always so proud of his family and so excited to see Zoe grow into the outstanding young woman she is.  I am so grateful that I was able to see Bruce in the hospital one last time in mid-September to say good-bye and will always cherish the time we had.  I am also grateful that Bruce would come into the office quite frequently, even though he wasn't feeling well, so we could share that time as well, laughing as always.  Bruce was a strong leader in his Congregation and drew strength from his faith.  I think  Job, vv. 23:10-12, sums things up beautifully (paraphrasing a bit):  "My foot hath held His steps, His way have I kept, and not declined.  Neither have I gone back from the commandment  of His lips; I have esteemed the words of His mouth more than my physical needs. He knoweth the way that I take: He hath tried me, and I have come forth as gold."  Bruce always did "come forth as gold," as a shining example of a life well lived.

Shalom my friend.  We will laugh together again.



What can I say, everyone loved Bruce. He had the most delightful laugh and smile.  He was the most laid back person in the office and was always able to calm others just by always being calm himself.  He had a very unique work style that always made things go smoothly.  He will be missed by all.  Until we all meet again our dear friend.  



The word that best describes Bruce to me is "compassionate." He was a credit to our profession and to the government. He always had a smile on his face but I think the times he was most full of joy was when he was with his family. I remember seeing him one day joking and laughing with his daughter at the Alamo Drafthouse and I remember thinking what a great guy he is. I can hear him laughing right now. And I miss him. 



Lee was a very good friend and a great attorney.  Lee you and Zoe will be in our thoughts and prayers.  I wish you the best . 



Please accept our sincere condolences.  Zoe and our son Agustin were classmates back at Barton Hills Elementary.  Our thoughts and prayers are with you. -- The Rodriguez Family



I will miss Bruce greatly and his absence from our office is already being felt.  He always brought humor and a positive attitude to everything he did.  He was always very generous with his time and was always willing to help any time I asked.  He would always share stories with me about the music festivals he attended with Zoe and the great restaurants that he took Zoe to.  When telling me these stories, I would always wonder if I could be as cool of a parent as Bruce.  I only had the privilege to work with and get to know Bruce for 5 years, but those 5 years have made a lasting impression.  This is a tremendous loss.  My thoughts are with Zoe and Lee.



I worked with Bruce while I was at the DOJ in Dallas from 1998 through 2010.   Bruce had a stellar reputation in that office and was known as an innovative counsel attorney for the IRS.  Often he would send cases to our office and we would label them â€œBruce specialsâ€ because they were outside of the box type of theories.  Bruce was always on top of the cases he referred to us and would always respond promptly to our inquiries or requests.  He was a great attorney for the Government.  Not only did he stand firmly for the Governmentâ€™s position but he cared about the taxpayers.  He was always willing to take a position that was fair and would accommodate taxpayers, allowing them to get a fresh start.

I left the DOJ in October of 2010, am now representing taxpayers, and have spoken to Bruce on several occasions, asking what the Government's position would be on different tax issues.  Bruce continued to be very responsive to my inquiries, trying to be helpful in any way he could.  Bruce was a true public servant, I will miss him and his work.    




I am so sorry for your loss. Losing your best friend and husband is hard, and your heart will feel broken for a long while. Know that it will get easier, and all your wonderful memories will help get you to the point where it doesn't feel as devastating as it does now. For now, though, weep as you will, for the loss is great. 



Lee & Zoe,

I am so sorry for your loss. My condelences to you and all your family.  

Nora Perez



I will always remember Bruce's infectious laugh and the valuable life's lesson's he taught me.  He always said just go for it and we'll see what happens, and don't worry about it until it happens.  His infectious laugh and sense of humor could always bring a smile to anyone's face.  I am privileged to have known such a wonderful man.  My thoughts and prayers are with you.  



Lee and Zoe, you were the most special part of Bruce's life, but he was the special part of the Insolvency Office.  He will never be forgotten.  God bless you in your grief.



Bruce and I worked with each other from the time he started IRS, wasn't sure about him in the beginning, but he became are a great colleage and friend.   He always had the answer no matter what I threw at him.  We enjoyed lots of frustration and laughs over the years.  I will miss him greatly. Rest in peace my friend. 



What a great guy. I am so sorry for your loss, Lee and Zoe. May his memory be for a blessing.




My condolences to Bruce's loved ones.  I pray for God's Peace to be with all of you.



Bruce, your smile will be missed but never forgotten.  You live on in our memories.  We met during one of those lunch bunch gatherings, and later, you, Lee, and Zoe came to our house for a Passover Seder.  We will all miss you very much, and our deepest sympathy goes out to Lee and Zoe.

Love,
Nelson Chafetz




Bruce and I converesed for over 20 years, but we never met.  Bruce was my "go to" guy for IRS issues.  Bruce always helped me through tough case situations without ever making me feel like I was the dumbest person in the world.  My prayers are with you and all of Bruce's family.



I worked with Bruce in manhattan during the late 80's.  Manhattan was a stressful place at the time.  Bruce and several of us took the time to go to lunch several times a week.  Bruce's humor and insights relieved the stress of the day.  I will miss him.



I can't say enough to describe the kind of man that Bruce was - he was kind, gentle, great sense of humor, very intelligent with a very easy laid back attitude toward problem solving.  It was fun to converse with him and listen to his point of view.  I will miss him greatly as a co-worker and a friend. 



My prayers are with the FAMILY.  Memories will be your comfort.



Bruce Wilpon, a fine gentleman with a infectious smile.  Bruce always sought to find the positive results from all encounters.  I regret that we were not able to spend more time together.  



My friend, always there with good advice, and with a positive attitude.  I couldn't wait for Bruce to come into the office so we could talk and I could make him laugh. I loved his laugh it would carry throughout the office and bring a smile to people's faces.  I am truly thankful for his friendship and for the blessing of knowing him.  He had a great outlook about everything and was just such a good person to be around.  I will forever treasure the good memories I of have of Bruce, which I can say are many.  I'm thankful that Bruce fought to give gave us all a few more precious days with him.  I loved Bruce, and will miss him dearly. 



Uncle Bruce was not only my favorite uncle but one of my 5 favorite human beings period. His loss can't be measured. I am grateful that I had a chance to know him and spend time with him as he was such a wonderful, kind, down to earth person. Instead of focusing on loss, I want to focus on gratefulness. I am grateful that uncle bruce had a loving wife and daughter and loving family his entire life. I know everyone is grateful for every second they were so lucky to have been able to be in the presence of uncle bruce.  Everyone loved him.  I canâ€™t hope to grasp his qualities in words.  There is a saying that the best go too soon and there is no sense in it, so there is no sense in not focusing on being grateful.  Grandpa Arnold and Uncle Bruce could help anyone defy any negative notion of humanity. Their qualities need to live on in our gratefulness, in our actions. To be more like them will make the world a better place.


OBITUARY

Bruce Martin Wilpon

May 6, 1958 – September 26, 2014

Weed Corley Fish Funeral Homes and Cremation Services

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