Aaron Bruce

Aaron Bruce, 87, of Coatesville, Pennsylvania, passed away on Thursday, March 12, 2026, at Chester County Hospital in West Chester. Born in Birmingham, Alabama, he was the son of the late Gullie Bruce, Sr., and Bessie Mae Hurst Bruce. He was the beloved husband of Mildred Amelia Bush Bruce, with whom he shared more than 54 years of marriage.

As a young man, Aaron left his first jobs delivering newspapers and working for the milkman to seek opportunity in the North. He often recalled the summers spent at his grandparents’ home in the country, where he worked hard but found humor in the mule that knew it was break time as soon as the bus passed by. At 18, he traveled to Coatesville hoping to find work at Lukens Steel. When the mill was not hiring, he continued on to Chicago, but soon returned after learning the mill had opened its doors. He proudly took his place as third in line and began a lifetime of steady, determined work.

Over the years, Aaron served as a supervisor at Lukens Steel Company and later worked at Sears. He took quiet pride in providing for his family, always doing what needed to be done. He enjoyed reading the newspaper, playing his daily scratch-offs, listening to the blues and the music of James Brown, but most of all he cherished time spent with his family. A longtime member of the Episcopal Church of the Trinity and Faith Center United Ministries, he lived a life rooted in faith, responsibility, and love for those closest to him.

Aaron is survived by his wife, Mildred Bruce; his children, Michael Daryl Jennings (Iris) of Thorndale, Angela Selena Jennings, Annette Cecila Lavender, Constance Elizabeth Dutton, Tisha Hope Jennings, all of Coatesville, Aaron Stephen Jennings (Laticia) of Paradise, Curt Robert Jennings of Coatesville, and Peter Andrew Jennings (Paula) of Atglen; his brother, Charles Bruce of Coatesville; his sisters, Evelyn Skinner and Joycestine Vicks, both of Birmingham, Alabama, Teresa A. Washington-Walker (Fredrick) of Coatesville, Lillian Brown of Alabama, and Ellanore Hurd of Parkesburg; daughters-in-law Rhonda Jennings of Elton, Maryland, and Mary Jennings of Glenmoore; and a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, a great-great-grandchild, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and by sons Charles Lavere Jennings, Kenneth Eric Jennings, and Bruce Edward Jennings, as well as several brothers and sisters.

Aaron will be deeply missed. His memory will be cherished in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.