ROCKLAND — Bruce E. DeVarney, 74, died unexpectedly following a cardiac event, Wednesday, January 25, 2023 at Maine Medical Center in Portland.

Born in Derry, New Hampshire, March 5, 1948 he was the son of Wilfred and Pauline Woodbury DeVarney.

As a young man Bruce attended trade school, earned his CDL license and held several different jobs.

After moving to Maine, Bruce married the love of his life, April DeVarney in 1981. He was a devoted and loving husband, father and step-father. Bruce and April were best friends as well as husband and wife, they were always laughing and spending time together. Their daughter Laci said they were a great example of what love was, and anyone would be so lucky to find a love like theirs. Bruce was a loving and faithful caregiver for April throughout her illness and until her passing in December of 2020.

He was always a hard worker, working construction as both a subcontractor and foreman for several local companies. At one point he owned and operated his own company, BAL Construction.

Although he was one of the hardest working and giving people you could ever meet, he also enjoyed the simple things in life. He took great joy in being with his family, fishing, watching old westerns or his favorite show, ‘Curse of Oak Island’ (regardless of how often they found nothing), family functions, long drives with his wife, popping in at a moment’s notice to visit family, and woodworking. Over the years Bruce gave many beautiful handmade gifts to his children. They all said he could fix anything, and was definitely a jack-of-all trades.

Bruce had a green thumb that he got from his mother, and could bring anything back from the brink of death to flourish. He was meticulous about his landscaping, especially his lawn and would spend hours making sure the lines were straight and all going the same way.

Most recently Bruce has enjoyed his position as caretaker and sexton at Adas Yoshuron Synagogue in Rockland. He was proud of the work he did there and was fastidious about the condition of the grounds. He was always concerned about his job, and the people there, often saying they were like his second family. He treasured the friendships he made there.

His sharp, sarcastic wit made everyone laugh and he often made up his own words that few understood, but when you heard them, you knew, that was Bruce. He had a special place in his heart for animals, and maybe even liked them a little more than people, and he had a special affinity for his dog ‘Truck’ and his cat ‘Put-Put’ who his family often referred to as his favorite child. Bruce’s number one priority in life was his family. He loved nothing more than playing card games and spending time with his grandkids, many of whom called him ‘Bampie’.

Bruce was honest, trustworthy, and a genuinely good person. He will be sadly missed by all who loved him.

Predeceased by his beloved wife, April; his father; and his sister Fern Coffee; Bruce is survived by his mother, Pauline of Boscowen, New Hampshire; his children, Eric DeVarney of Texas, Peggy DeVarney and her companion Randall Graham of Florida, Matthew DeVarney and his fiancée Aryka Connolly of New Hampshire, Julie DeVarney of New Hampshire, Shawna DeVarney and her fiancé Kevin of Massachusetts, Laci DeVarney of Rockland, Larry Reed of Rockland, Paula Ryder and her husband Jason of Massachusetts, Brooke Simmons and her husband Jason of Friendship; 16 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; and his sister Sandy Lavesque of New Hampshire; as well as a large, loving extended family.

A graveside service will be announced in the spring.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to either, American Heart Association, 51 US Route One, Suite M, Scarborough, ME 04074; or Pope Memorial Humane Society, P.O. Box 1294, Rockland, Maine 04841.

To share a memory or condolence with Bruce’s family, please visit their Book of Memories at www.bchfh.com.

Arrangements are in the care of Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock Street, Rockland.