F. Bruce Whitman, of Emporium, PA, sadly passed away on February 6, 2023, at the age of 83.

Bruce was preceded in death by his parents, Jean Goyt and Leroy Whitman and his daughter Missy Peterson.

He is survived by his wife, Phyllis Wertz Keeney Whitman also of Emporium, PA. He leaves behind his children, Michele (Faron) Clouser of Mechanicsburg, PA, Diane (Timothy) Williamson of Summerville, SC, David Keeney of Emporium, PA, Joseph (Heather) Whitman of Elizabethtown, PA, and Michael (Kelly) Whitman of Camp Hill, PA.

He was blessed with nine grandchildren, Cassandra Reigle, Bryan Williamson, Alex Williamson, Zachary Whitman, Elizabeth Cossaboon, Ashley Williamson, Meghan Keeney, Lexi Whitman and Tyler Whitman as well as five great-grandchildren, Jenalyse, Emerson, Briella, Xander and Millie and another on the way.

Bruce was born on May 11, 1939, in Carlisle, PA and was a member of the 1957 graduating class from Alexis DuPont High School in Delaware.

One of Bruce’s many talents was being blessed with the ability to put pen to paper and eloquently express anything and everything and as such enjoyed a successful career as a sportswriter for the Patriot News for thirty-three years. He was well known as an outdoors enthusiast and retired after 15 years serving as Assistant Director for the Information & Education Bureau of the Pennsylvania State Game Commission.

After officially retiring, he continued his love for the outdoors and writing when he relocated to Cameron County, PA and fulfilled his dream when he began writing for the Cameron County Echo, a position he held until his passing.

Bruce was a member of the Sinnemahoning Sportsman Club, American Legion, and the VFW.

In addition to his love for sports and the outdoors, he taught himself how to play bass guitar after retiring and became a member of a band.

Services will be held on Saturday, March 4, 2023 at 3:00 p.m. in the K.M. Knight Funeral Home, 31 Second Street, Highspire, PA. A visitation will be held at 2:00 p.m. until time of service in the funeral home. Family and friends are welcome to attend a celebration of life following the service at the Penn Harris Gun Club, of which Bruce was a lifetime member, located at 201 Richardson Rd., Middletown, PA 17057.