ONEONTA - Bruce C. Shearer, 85, passed away Friday, January 12, 2007 at his home.

He was born May 28, 1921 in Kortright Center, the son of David C. and Lena (Stronagin) Shearer. They moved to Oneonta two years later and he was a resident most of his life.

After graduating from Oneonta High School, Bruce attended Hartwick College for two years before being drafted in the Military. After Army basic training he was sent to Fort Benning, GA and received his commission as a 2nd Lieutenant. He was sent to England, then to Normandy, France and joined the 4th Infantry Division a few days after D-day. He fought as a Rifle Platoon leader during the break thru at St. Lo, France, the liberation of Paris, Battle of the Bulge, thru the Siegfried Line and thru Germany, during which time was decorated 4 times for action above and beyond the call of duty, having received two Silver Stars and two Bronze Stars. He also received the ETO ribbon with 5 major campaign stars, Presidential Unit Citation, NYS Distinguished Service Cross, Combat Infantry badge and several other ribbons for service. He obtained the rank of Major.

After the war he returned to Hartwick College and received a degree in Education. Bruce taught Commercial subjects at Franklin Central and Oneonta High School for 7 years. He then joined his father at Shearer's Express and owned and operated the business for 20 years. During that time Bruce co-founded Astrocom Electronics and served as the Vice President and Director. He obtained his pilot license. Bruce purchased F & F Motor Express with terminals in Norwich and Syracuse. He also owned and operated the B-Line Taxi Company for several years.

Bruce served the City of Oneonta as a member of the Public Service Board. He has been a member of the Oneonta Country Club for over 50 years, served on the Board of Directors for 9 years and was the President of the Club for 3 years. He was also member of the First United Methodist Church in Oneonta, the Oneonta Elks Club and the Oneonta American Legion.

Bruce married Doris Green in 1947 and had "two of the most wonderful and fantastic daughters any dad could possibly have."

He is survived by his loving wife, Doris of Oneonta; his two daughters, Barbara and her husband, LeRoy S. House III of Wexford, PA and Nancy and her husband, Igancio Reyes of Chino Valley, AZ; two grandchildren, Kimberly House and LeRoy S. House IV; his sister, Mary Bordinger of Oneonta; and several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his brother, Morrison S. Shearer.

A memorial service will be announced in May.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Catskill Area Hospice & Palliative Care Inc, 1 Birchwood Dr., Oneonta or to the Salvation Army, 25 River St., Oneonta, NY 13820.

Condolences may be made to the family at www.lhpfuenralhome.com

The Lewis, Hurley & Pietrobono Funeral Home, 51 Dietz St. in Oneonta, is serving the family.