Bruce Charles Monroe
August 12th, 1950 - May 20th, 2024
Bruce Charles Monroe, aged 73, passed away on May 20, 2024. He was a beloved father, husband, sportsman, and friend who will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Bruce was born on August 12, 1950, in Los Angeles, California, where he spent his formative years with his siblings and parents. He attended West Covina High School and joined the U.S. Navy after his graduation. Bruce was a proud Veteran of the Vietnam War, where he served on the USS Washtenaw County. After the war, he spent some time attending Citrus College, where he met his wife, Geri. Bruce always had a passion and interest in cars. Thus began his career as an apprentice mechanic at Larry's Garage in Santa Fe Springs, where he spent the rest of his life working. Bruce eventually acquired Larry's as his own, becoming an ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) Master Technician. Then, he opened A & E Motorsports and took his passion for the automotive industry to the next level building custom cars.
Bruce was also an avid sports fan and a dedicated season-ticket holder of the San Diego Padres. He embraced all things motorsports, spending over 50 years either skiing or driving under the Team 331 number. Most recently, he finished his last passion project of building a boat with his brother, Jeff, and was able to take one last joy ride on Lake Havasu under their new race number, 332. From dirt bikes and buggies in Cal City to boats and wave runners in Lake Mead, Lake Havasu, and the Pacific Ocean, to cruising car shows in the 55 Chevy Bel-Air he built for Geri for her 50th birthday, and finally, taking rides on his Harley along the coast of California, Bruce embraced life to the fullest.
More than anything, Bruce was a devoted husband and Daddio. Nothing mattered more to him than ‘his girls.’ He was a coach, a comedian, a mentor. You can bet he made sure to teach his daughters to back up a trailer and drive boats. He even made sure they could change their own tires and oil (just in case). Bruce was always there with his humorous one liners and to offer wisdom. He was also incredibly generous and gave what he could, even if he didn’t have it.
Bruce is survived by his loving wife, Geri, and his daughters, Erin and Allyson. He is also survived by his sisters Karen and Janice, his brother, Jeffrey and finally, his nieces and nephews: Ryan Dove, Corey and Eric Harris, Skye Monroe, Dana King, and Kristen Harmon, as well as their children. Bruce is also preceded in life by his father, Gilbert, mother, Teresa, and brother, Glen.
On July 8th, 2024, a military service will be held at Miramar National Cemetery at 1:30pm followed by a Celebration of Life at Campus Jax in Newport Beach from 5pm - 9pm. All family and friends are invited to both. In lieu of flowers, the Monroe family invites you to make donations to his daughters' charities at:
THE Breast Cancer Fundraiser: THE BCF
https://www.thebreastcancerfundraiser.org/give
Teach Wanderlust
https://www.coloradogives.org/organization/Teach-Wanderlust
Bruce's family wishes to extend their heartfelt thanks to all who have offered their support and shared heartwarming stories during this difficult time.
Miramar National Cemetery
5795 Nobel Dr, San Diego, CA 92122
Campus Jax
3950 Campus Dr, Newport Beach, CA 92660
