Bruce J. Pecorella

Bruce Joseph Pecorella of Pine Plains, NY, left this world too soon on March 1, 2026, at the age of 76, at Vassar Hospital in Poughkeepsie, NY. During his final days and moments, he was surrounded by family and friends at his side.

He was born to Philip and Catherine Pecorella on February 6, 1950, in New York, NY, and was a graduate of Valley Stream High School. In the spring of 1967, he met his future wife, Marjorie, and on August 18, 1973, they were married in Valley Stream, NY. Shortly thereafter, they started a family and relocated to Pine Plains, NY, where they raised three children.

Bruce was a caring husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He became known as “Big Dad” to many, a tribute to his strong personality and oftentimes unsolicited life advice. He loved spending time outdoors, whether working, hunting, or fishing. A true car enthusiast, Bruce enjoyed working on cars, and two of his prized vehicles were a 1959 Chevrolet Bel Air and a 1965 Pontiac GTO. He was always there for his children as they participated in many activities while growing up.

Bruce retired from IBM, where he began his career in Manhattan during the 1970s before transferring upstate to East Fishkill, Kingston, and finally the Albany Nanotech Complex. He was passionate about the Pine Plains FFA and served as an Agricultural Advisory Board Member up until his call home to heaven. One of his favorite times of year was the Pine Plains Agricultural Fair, where he loved working the roast beef dinner, slicing meat so he could talk to everyone.

He is survived by his children: Bruce (Christina) of Scriba, NY; Mike (Maureen) of Lambertville, MI; and Jaclyn (TJ) of Pine Plains, NY; his grandchildren: Savannah, Brucie, Brandon, Evan, Daniel, Greyson, and Caroline; great granddaughter: Everly; his sister, Kathy Blette; and his niece and nephew, Amy and Robert. He also leaves behind many dear friends, including his lifelong hunting partner, “Uncle Richie” Buckley, as well as those who helped him along the way: the Douglass family and his little buddy, Eli.

He was preceded in death by his father, Philip; his mother, Catherine; his “bonus” parents, Thomas and Lillian Gately; and his wife of 50 years, Marjorie “Cookie” Pecorella.

A celebration of life will be held at a future date and shall be announced. Graveside services for Bruce will be conducted privately at St. Charles Resurrection Cemetery in Farmingdale, NY. Memorial donations may be made to the Pine Plains FFA, 2829 Church Street, Pine Plains, NY 12567.