Bruce H. Needham

Bruce H. Needham, age 83, died peacefully at home on May 26, 2025.  He was married to Helen Cohn Needham for 54 years.  He is lovingly remembered by his wife, his children and grandchildren, extended family and a wide circle of friends near and far.

Born and raised in Massachusetts, Bruce earned a Political Science degree at Clark University, and enlisted in the Army upon graduation.  After attending officer's training school, he was sent to Vietnam as a First Lieutenant in the Transportation Corps and was awarded the Bronze Star for his service.  

Bruce earned a Master's in Public Administration from NYU and moved to the DC area in the 1970's to work for the federal government.  After stints at the Commodities Futures Commission and Bureau of Labor Statistics, he landed at the Department of Housing and Urban Development, where he worked as a personnel administrator for more than two decades.  In these same years, he married Helen (who accepted his proposal because he made her laugh) and raised two children.

After retiring in the 1990's, Bruce turned his attention to the needs of his local community and was an active volunteer for more than 25 years.  As a "Book Buddy," he was a reading tutor for elementary school students from families who spoke English as a second language. He was a Red Cross driver, transporting elders to their doctors appointments and shopping trips.  The Red Cross recognized him as a Volunteer of the Year for his contributions. 

Bruce never met a sport he wouldn't watch.  He was an avid spectator of everything from baseball to tennis to sumo.  He served as President of the Arlington County Golf Association for several years, revitalizing its membership through his enthusiasm and passion for golf.  He played regularly with men who became his close friends through his retirement, only stopping a year before his death. 

Bruce read extensively about the battles of the Civil War and visited many east coast Civil War battle sites.  He walked the entire length of the C&O Canal, hiked a portion of the Appalachian Trail with his son, and explored national parks throughout the United States with his wife, children, and grandchildren.  Bruce and Helen were fortunate to have resources, time and health to travel the world, and took memorable trips to Southeast Asia, Western and Eastern Europe, Russia, the Caribbean, Australia and the Galapagos Islands, among others.

All those who knew or met Bruce will remember his curiosity and adventurous spirit, his joy in friendship, his sense of humor, his morality and his humanity.   He inspires us to show up for others in good times and tough times.  May his memory be for a blessing.