Bruce A. Vakiener

Bruce A. Vakiener , 84, of Forks Township passed away on Friday, January 24, 2025 at Moravian Village, Bethlehem.   He was born October 12, 1940, in Brooklyn, New York, the son of the late Alfred and Idel (Holzman) Vakiener.  He was the oldest of his siblings, which Included his brother, Alan and sister, Janet.  Bruce and his wife Kathleen (Reddington) were married for 62 years.

Bruce graduated from Baldwin High School on Long Island in 1958 and continued his education at Lafayette College, graduating with the Class of 1962, with a B.S. degree in Metallurgical Engineering.  Lafayette College was always close to his heart as he remained involved with the school, especially with the men's and women's basketball teams.  A lifelong learner he earned an MBA from R.P.I., attending classes part time while working full time.  He worked for Loctite Corp. located in Hartford, CT. for 30 plus years.  When he retired he was President of the Northern Pacific Region for Loctite.  Never one to sit still, he then formed his own company, Vakiener Associates, assisting other companies in setting up their operations in the Far East.

He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Hecktown, PA where he served in various capacities including President of the Church Council. He was an Adjunct Professor at Northampton Community College teaching CPR, and was a volunteer EMT with the Hecktown Ambulance Corps. serving at one time as the Captain.  He had also previously served as a Scoutmaster for Troop 179 in Canton, CT for his three boys and was a volunteer fireman in town.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by sons Bruce (Vicki) of Hartland, VT,  Craig (Gretchen) of Nazareth, PA, daughter-in-law Beth of Rocky Hill, CT, and a brother Alan (Millie) of Lake Wales, FL.  Grandchildren Meagan (Mark), Timothy, Connor, Scott and Logan.  He was predeceased by his son Brian and his sister Janet Hulse.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday, August 9, 2025 at the Trinity Lutheran Church 323 Nazareth Pike, Bethlehem, (Hecktown), PA 18017.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions would be appreciated to any food bank or a charity of your choice.

Arrangements are being handled by the Bartholomew-Schisler Funeral Home, Nazareth.