Bruce Richard Councilman

Bruce Richard Councilman (Bruce) 9/11/1946 - 4/26/2020 Bruce Councilman, a former Vietnam combat helicopter pilot, and adventurous fixed wing private pilot, made his last lift-off from his home in North Port, FL on April 26, 2020. Bruce was born to John Phillip Councilman and Marie Teresa Angotti in Montague, MA in 1946. His parents have preceded him in death. Bruce graduated Turners Falls High School, MA where he was a handsome, popular student who played cornet in their band. He went into the Army in 1966 and was assigned to Officer Training School at Ft. Sill, Okla. He became an artillery officer and acquired a BS degree from Cameron University. Bruce was then assigned to Ft. Bragg, NC for helicopter instruction. He commanded a helicopter for Vietnamese commanders of South Vietnamese troops. His last assignment was Ft. Rucker, AL as an instructor for advanced training. Bruce was honorably discharged as a Captain, USAR FA, Helicopter Pilot, 13th Aviation Battalion, and Combat in 1975. His hard earned medals were National Defense Service, Good Conduct, Sharp Shooter Rifle Bar, Vietnam w/60 Device, Vietnam Service, Air, Bronze Star, Army Commendation, and two overseas service bars. Bruce resided in Gunnison, Colorado where he met and married the love of his life, Kathryn (Kitty) Greenizen Councilman. They relocated to their present home in North Port, FL in 1985. Bruce was employed by Sarasota County Parks and Recreation as a supervisor/manager where, after 25 years, retired in 2010. He loved flying as well as hiking/camping with his BOZO friends. Bruce is survived by his devoted wife of 37 years, Kitty Councilman, Brother John P. (Jack) Councilman and his wife Bobby Councilman, two Sisters-in-Law Janice Greenizen Zemany and Kristine Greenizen Barrett, two Brothers-in-Law Kurt Greenizen and Martin Barrett. He was a devoted Uncle to nine nieces and nephews and several great-nieces and great-nephews. He leaves behind numerous friends and family he thought the world of. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516 or to the Disabled American Veterans DAV-Disabled American Veterans, P.O. Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301. Service Information Date: Friday, June 26, 2020 Time: 3:00 pm - 3:30 pm Sarasota National Cemetery Address: 9810 State Road 72, , Sarasota, FL, 34241 941-922-7200 | Map Cemetery Information Date: Friday, June 26, 2020 Time: 3:00 pm - 3:30 pm Sarasota National Cemetery Address: 9810 State Road 72, , Sarasota, FL, 34241 941-922-7200 | Map