Obituary of Bruce Oatway

Bruce Burns Oatway, 77, passed quietly among loving family at the Manchester Manor on Saturday, October 14, 2023.

Bruce is survived by spouse Suzanne of Manchester, sons Jason Oatway of Manchester, Brian & Jennifer Oatway (wife), grandchildren Steven & Ashley Oatway (wife), Kevi Oatway and Sydney Oatway and great-grandson Theodore Oatway all of East Hartford, brothers Richard Oatway (Florida) and Peter Oatway (Maine), brother-in-law Mark Monette (Manchester) and nieces Penny Means (Florida) and Vicki Green (Florida).

Bruce was born on March 5, 1946, in Maine, moved to Manchester as a baby and was a lifelong resident. He attended Manchester High School (Class of 1964), served in Vietnam (1965 – 1967) and worked at Pratt & Whitney as a tool & die maker until retirement.

Bruce was a man on the move whose idea of resting or a vacation was working on some project with others. Whether he was coaching his son’s youth sports teams, watching his grandchildren play sports, working on a project at someone’s home or just shoveling the neighbor’s sidewalk Bruce never sat still. He had other passions for fixing up cars in his garage and flying his model airplanes.

A huge thank you from the Oatway family to the caring and loving staff at Manchester Manor for being with our Father. Dementia is a terrible disease, and your nurturing care made a huge impact in Dads final days.

It is Suzanne’s wish that there be no formal services, but we will be having a casual Celebration of Life for Dad/Grampa at Brian & Jennifer’s home, 38 Gail Road in East Hartford from 4-8 pm on Thursday, October 26th. Sandwiches and soft drinks will be served, all are welcome to please join us celebrating Bruce’s life.