Bruce Buchholz

Bruce Evan Buchholz, age 63, died on November 17, 2023, at his home in Bedford, NH.  Bruce was born in Elizabeth, New Jersey to Barbara Bowen Buchholz and Howard Buchholz and lived in Clark, New Jersey until age 8, when he moved with his family to Bedford, NH and attended McKelvie School.  Bruce had been married to, and divorced from, Lynne Piacentini of Goffstown, NH, and later Erin O’Neill of Bedford, NH.  Bruce graduated from Manchester High School West.  He got his start in the working world employed by John and Alicia Carlton caring for their property and being mentored by them.  Bruce then worked for many years in auto sales at Merrimack Street Garage, earning the respect and appreciation of colleagues and customers alike as evidenced by an office wall covered by personalized thank you letters and cards.  He believed that a happy customer who returned was better than a big sale to a customer who never returned.  Bruce developed his own businesses that included a car wash and independent auto sales.  In more recent years, Bruce was the owner of a large company specializing in window and door replacement.  He also had a second business doing bulkhead installations and repairs.

As a child and teen, Bruce spent summers in Florida with his grandparents, Al and Ruth Metz, where he developed an appreciation for deep sea fishing.  It was his retirement dream to return to that vocation.

Bruce was a fan of New England sports teams and watching games with his brother, Kevin, and with friends.  He also enjoyed a well-made beverage and could be relied on for his expertise in quality ingredients.  St. Patrick’s Day was, for several years, a special night spent with siblings and other family.  Bruce enjoyed motorcycling.  He was an impassioned advocate for animals and the efforts of groups such as the Animal Rescue League.  Bruce loved his family and regularly tended to the grave of his grandmother, Jeanette Greenwood.

For several years Bruce served on the Southern NH University President’s Cup Golf Tournament Committee, raising funds, volunteering on tournament day, and providing a car as the hole-in-one prize. 

Bruce was predeceased by his parents and grandparents.  He is survived by his four siblings, Gregory Buchholz of Laconia, NH; Diane Bolduc (and husband Dave) of Wolfeboro, NH; Kevin Buchholz of Manchester, NH; and Patricia Caruso (and husband Richard) of Allenstown, NH.  He is also survived by nieces and nephew, Elizabeth Boswell (and husband Kevin), Katharine Bolduc, Adam Buchholz (and wife Alyssa), Sara Buchholz, Nicole Gamelin, Rabecca Fulp, and Erin Fulp as well as by grand nieces and nephew, Eveleen Boswell, Olivia Boswell, Aubrey R., and Lincoln I.  Bruce also leaves behind long-term companion, Denise Stenmark, as well as many dear friends.

ARRANGEMENTS: Calling hours will be from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm on November 24, 2023, at Phaneuf Funeral Homes and Crematorium, 243 Hanover Street Manchester, NH; with a funeral service on November 25, 2023, at 10:00 am at Phaneuf Funeral Home with Msgr. John Quinn officiating.  Interment will follow at Bedford Center Cemetery, with family and friends welcome to attend.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Bruce’s memory be made to The Animal Rescue League in Bedford, NH. To view Bruce's Online Tribute, send condolences to the family, or for more information, visit www.phaneuf.net.