Bruce Barton

Bruce Rogers “Hap” Barton, beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at the age of 80. Born on May 6, 1945, in Buffalo, New York, Bruce was known for his quick wit, generous spirit, and deep devotion to family and his community.

He spent his childhood with his brother, Bill, enjoying lazy summers at Cedar Bay in Ontario, Canada, at their grandparent’s cottage, Nanny and Hap, whom he adored. In high school, fate stepped in when he sat next to Cheron in 10th-grade World History class. She asked him to the Sadie Hawkins dance, and the rest, they say, is history. They were married on June 8, 1967 and remained inseparable for 65 years - 58 of them married.

Bruce graduated from Nichols College in Dudley, Massachusetts, with a degree in Business Administration and proudly served his country, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Army. In 1968–1970 he and Cheron were stationed in Frankfurt, Germany, where they welcomed their son, Russell William. From late 1970 to July 1971, Bruce served in Vietnam before returning home to Buffalo to begin his successful career in banking. In 1974, their daughter Rebecca Love was born.

His career took the family from Rochester, New York, to Stamford, Connecticut. After decades in finance, he retired as an executive with Bank of America. Bruce and Cheron then settled in Newbury, New Hampshire, to be closer to their son, daughter-in-law, and three granddaughters. In Newbury, he and Cheron became active in their new community, serving as volunteers at the Fells and he joined the Veterans Committee, eventually becoming chair of the group. He was instrumental in building the Veterans Memorial and actively involved in the outreach program to support young soldiers returning from active duty from places like Afghanistan and Iraq.

Bruce loved a great story and had a quick wit, with a genuine gift for making others feel welcomed and included. Halloween was his favorite holiday, and for years while living in Rochester, he transformed the family home into a full-scale haunted house, complete with hidden speakers in the windows blaring spooky music and would routinely terrify all the neighborhood kids.

A lifelong New York Yankees fan, Bruce enjoyed collecting unique memorabilia and attending games while he and Cheron lived in Connecticut. He found peace in his outdoor gardens, which he and Cheron built together wherever they lived. They loved traveling, especially to National Parks and visiting historical landmarks, and always treasured their time spent with lifelong friends. Bruce also cherished his winters in the desert in La Quinta, California, where he spent time with Rebecca, her husband Nick, and grandson Quinn.

He will be remembered for his devotion to his country, generosity, sense of humor, and deep love for his family. To many, he was known as Lieutenant Colonel Barton; to others he was Uncle Bruce, Uncle Hawkeye, Hap, and Dad. To his family he will be remembered as our rock; the steady supporter, always there for everyone with an ear to listen, advice to give, and someone who always had our back. His love, strength, resilience, and commitment he had for his family and the community will be his legacy.

Bruce is survived by his wife, Cheron; his son, Russell William, and his wife, Kerry, of Concord, New Hampshire; his daughter, Rebecca Love Haussling, and her husband, Nicholas, of Los Angeles, California; four stepbrothers; his cherished grandchildren, Hannah, Madison, Kendall, and Quinn and many extended family members.

He was preceded in death by his parents Virginia Love (Barton) Ortman and William Madison Barton Sr.; stepfather Dr. Harold Ortman; and older brother William Madison Barton Jr.

As Hap lovingly reminds us: “The answer, my friend, is blowin’ in the wind… the answer is blowin’ in the wind.”

ARRANGEMENTS: A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at 2:00 PM at CenterPoint Church in Concord, New Hampshire, with a reception to follow. The service will include military honors.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bruce’s name to Community Hospice House in Merrimack, New Hampshire (https://hhhc.org) The John Haye Estate at the Fells on Lake Sunapee NH https://thefells.org or New Hampshire PBS (https://nhpbs.org).

Assisting the family with arrangements is the Cremation Society of NH, Manchester. To view Bruce's Online Tribute, send condolences to the family, or for more information, visit https://csnh.com.