Bruce Grotta, 66, of Higganum passed away suddenly on Saturday, January 28, 2017. Bruce was born and raised in Manchester, graduating from MHS in 1968. He earned his B.A. and Master's degrees from the University of New Haven. His career was spent in Corrections. He began by catching shoplifters at the W.T. Grant's stores in Manchester and Vernon. For more than 25 years he worked at numerous corrections facilities in CT - including at Cheshire Correctional where he met his wife, Susan. Throughout his career he served as a Corrections Officer, Counselor, Counselor Supervisor, Deputy Warden and Warden. After retiring in 1997 he fulfilled a lifelong dream and traveled across the country on his motorcycle. Shortly thereafter he began a second career volunteering with the American Red Cross. During that time he proudly responded to the 9/11 disaster and Hurricane Katrina. He then became the Program Coordinator for the Middlesex County office of the ARC. Those who knew Bruce will most strongly remember his big heart. His passion for generosity was matched only by his wanderlust, which took him by motorcycle and sail from ocean to ocean and coast to coast throughout the world, never favoring the beaten path. From his time in corrections to his countless hours dedicated to the service of others at St. Vincent de Paul, the American Red Cross, Mystic Seaport, counseling veterans' groups, and in many other organizations, he will be remembered as a paragon of selflessness and giving. In a world full of builders and dreamers, Bruce made no judgments and supported all with equal compassion and spirit. Always ready with a new perspective, a story spun of only the wildest and most imaginative yarn, and a recommendation for a place to walk in the forest, Bruce's magnum opus was simply a life well lived, and a beautifully fulfilled opportunity to spread joy and charity through everyone he touched. He was a loving and generous husband, brother, uncle and friend. His hearty belly laugh will be missed by those who survive him: his cherished wife Susan Shepherd, his dear brother Ranney Grotta and his wife Janice of Berkeley, CA, his kid sister Alison Caxide and her husband Antonio of Glastonbury, and his beloved nephews and niece - Alex Caxide and fiancée Sarah of Columbus, OH, Elyse Caxide of Boston., and Justin Stackhouse (his travel buddy) and wife Amy, and Colin and Christian Stackhouse, all of Bristol. He will be sorely missed by his dog Keegan. Calling hours will be Thursday, February 2 from 4-7 pm at the John F. Tierney Funeral Home 219 West Center Street, Manchester. A celebration of Bruce's life will be held on a date to be determined. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the soup kitchen at St. Vincent DePaul, Middletown or to the CT Humane Society. For online condolences please visit www.tierneyfuneralhome.com.