“Esperance (Schoharie County): Bruce R. Deffer 75, of Gidley Road in Esperance died Wednesday April 11th in Sanford Florida with his family support around him. Bruce was born January 31, 1937 in Queens, NY a son of Chester and Lillian (Heimer) Deffer. He received his education from Cobleskill and Schoharie Schools until enlisting in the US Navy. He served from 1955 to 1959 and was assigned to the USS Intrepid which is currently a floating museum in NYC. Bruce began his career with the Pettibone Corporation operating his shop in Colonie and later, as a service representative for the company traveling around the US and Canada. Upon his retirement, he drove school bus for Schoharie School and was the caretaker of the Esperance Cemetery. He was a member of the Esperance Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad where he also served as Chief, Assistant Chief and Captain of the Rescue Squad. He was also elected to the Town Board and was a member of the Esperance-Sloansville United Methodist Church and a former member of the Esperance BPO Elks Lodge #2507. Bruce enjoyed traveling and spent many winters in Florida and also visiting 49 of the United States. Survivors include his wife Margaret Largeteau Deffer of Esperance, his children Bryan (Cheryl) Deffer of Esperance, Nicole (John) Willwerth of Central Bridge, Joseph (Barbara) Largeteau and Brian (Sheryl) Largeteau, both of Esperance and Mark Largeteau of Alamogordo, NM, 15 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, two sisters Naomi Tague of Schoharie and Debbie Kotos of Long Island along with a sister-in-law Grace Deffer of MA and 5 nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by one brother Ronald Deffer. Calling hours will be held from 6-8 PM on Friday April 20th at the Langan Funeral Home, 327 Main Street, Schoharie where a funeral service will be held at 11AM on Saturday April 21st. Burial with military honors will follow in the Esperance Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Mr. Deffer to the Esperance Fire Department and Rescue Squad, PO Box 84, Esperance, NY 12066”
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Lanagan Funeral Home 11 April 2012