Dr. Bruce H. Person of Sheffield passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on September 7, 2024. Born on June 4, 1943, in Meriden, Conn., Bruce was the beloved son of Mary (Shumway) Person and E. Herbert Person. He is remembered for his dedication to family, profession, and community.
Bruce graduated from Maloney High School in Meriden before earning his bachelor’s degree from the University of Connecticut in 1965, followed by his graduation from Tufts Dental School. Bruce served honorably in the United States Air Force in Missouri before he and his wife Barbara moved to Sheffield in 1970. Bruce was known by many in the area as “Dr. Person” through his Great Barrington dental practice where he offered family dentistry until his retirement in 2004.
Bruce’s professional impact pales in comparison to his life beyond the dental office. He was a member of the Great Barrington Rotary Club for years, where he served many roles including as president; played an integral role in establishing, funding, and implementing the Rotary Club Scholarship Fund; and was honored as a Paul Harris Fellow. Bruce’s commitment to service extended to his adopted hometown of Sheffield, where he served on the Southern Berkshire Regional School District Committee and the Berkshire School Board of Trustees. He was the Sheffield town moderator and also served as Sheffield town constable—positions he truly enjoyed.
Bruce was very proud of his family and cherished the time he had with his grandchildren. Bruce enjoyed showing off annual Christmas photos with everyone gathered at his home in Sheffield. He sparkled when sharing his interests with his grandchildren. Whether making the biggest cannon-ball splash, taking the perfect photo, improving their golf swings, or learning how to operate his apple cider press, his grandchildren came away with life skills from a teacher unlike any other.
Bruce’s passion for travel and adventure took him to the corners of the globe, whether that meant striding the fairways at Saint Andrews, riding a camel in Egypt, photographing turtles on the Galapagos Islands, or chasing penguins in Antarctica. While he was very proud that he achieved his goal of traveling to all seven continents, he was quick to note that his last big trip, an Alaskan cruise with his family and grandchildren, was a top trip for him.
Bruce found great comfort in pursuing interests close to home with his friends. He could regularly be found on the course at Wyantenuck Country Club. He had a decades-long involvement with the Alford Brook Club where he spent hours in pursuit of rainbow trout. Wintertime meant skiing for Bruce: He frequently made the short drive to Butternut Basin, was a race chaser when his kids were younger, and enjoyed ski trips to Colorado and Utah with friends.
Bruce was predeceased by his wife of 37 years, Barbara Bartley Person. He is survived by his sister Nancy Kirner (John); his two sons, Eric Person and Josh Person (Jamie); and his partner of 18 years, Betty Sibley. He leaves behind his grandchildren: William, Olivia, Matthew, and Jacob.
The family is grateful for the compassionate and excellent care Bruce received from all personnel at Fairview Hospital, Berkshire Medical Center, The Phelps Cancer Center, and The Southern Berkshire Dialysis Center.
A celebration of Bruce’s life will be held on Saturday, September 14, 2024, at 12 p.m., with visitation from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., at Finnerty & Stevens Funeral Home, 426 Main Street, Great Barrington, MA. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bruce’s memory to the Great Barrington Rotary Student Assistant Fund or the Dana Farber Cancer Institute. Condolences can also be shared through the funeral home’s website.
