Bruce A. Chaput, 63, of Worcester, lost his battle with cancer on Wednesday, December 8, 2010 at UMass Memorial – University Campus, surrounded by family and friends.

    He leaves his wife, Linda A. (Lefebvre) Chaput; his father, Louis A. Chaput of West Palm Beach, FL; five children and two step-children: Lauralea Dube and her fiancé Al Valentin of Worcester, Nicole Pannell of Worcester, Shawn Chaput and his wife Tina Bezdegian of Sahuarita, AZ, Jason Chaput and Brice Chaput of Worcester, Heather Krone and her significant other Andrew Cariglia of Worcester, and Amanda Ouellette-Frykholm of Worcester; 15 grandchildren, six great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews, including Brendan, Adam, Christopher and Samantha Lefebvre; many uncles, aunts and cousins, his brother in friendship, Stephen "Chick" Howard of Worcester, and the Rebels. Bruce was born in Worcester, son of Louis and the late Marion G. (Stewart) Chaput.

    Bruce enlisted into the US Marine Corps on July 29, 1965. He served two terms in Vietnam until November 28, 1971 when he was honorably discharged. He proudly wore the symbol of the US Marines until he died. Bruce lived, breathed and died a Marine.

    He worked in construction for many years and was a member of the Mass Laborers' Union Local 243. He was Commander of the American Legion Post 318 on Greenwood St and was a member of the Marine Corps League, the Tun Tavern Society and the Devil Dogs. Bruce was a kind, loving, and caring man to all that knew him. He loved his family, which was the most important thing in his life including his Marine family. He will be missed by all.

    A committal service with military honors will be held Wednesday, December 15 at Worcester County Memorial Park in Paxton. A procession to the cemetery will begin at 10:00 AM from Rice Funeral Home, 300 Park Ave, Worcester. Calling hours are Tuesday, December 14 from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation, 18251 Quantico Gateway Drive, Triangle, VA 22172, or an unwrapped toy may be brought to the funeral home for a child in need of Christmas, or donations may be made to the Massachusetts Veteran's Shelter, 69 Grove Street, Worcester, MA 01605-2600.