Bruce G. Mackle

Bruce “Bob” G. Mackle, 83, of Honesdale, died unexpectedly on Tuesday, July 5, 2016 at Wayne Memorial Hospital in Honesdale. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, the former Carolyn Turner. The couple married on January 26, 1957.

Born on April 11, 1933 at the family home in Prompton, he was the son of the late Bruce S. and Madolyn Okewicz Mackle. He was a graduate of Honesdale High School, class of 1951. He served his country in the US Army during the Korean War. He was stationed at Fort Carson in Colorado. He was awarded the National Defense Medal and Good Conduct Medal. Upon his return to Wayne County, he began his career in the automobile sales and service business with his brother Flynn. He faithfully served his customers and always went above and beyond to be helpful to all who needed his service. He began his career in the family business known as “Mackle Motors” and eventually built his own business which was “Maple Car Sales”. He operated his business in excess of 25 years.

Bruce retired from auto sales and service and began a second career serving the citizens of the county as Wayne County Treasurer. He ran 5 successful campaigns and worked as treasurer for 20 years. Bruce was always very grateful to the citizens for their support and did his best to serve them with pride. He formed strong bonds with the courthouse employees.

Finally, he was asked to serve as Field Representative for Pennsylvania State Senator Lisa Baker. Bruce was enormously happy to have the opportunity to work with Senator Baker and with her staff. He developed deep and lasting friendships with so many of his co-workers and he missed them very much after his final retirement at the age of 81.

Holding a firm belief in community service, Bruce was an original member of the Honesdale Booster Club. This group of individuals was responsible for building the football field which is the site of the current HHS stadium. The Stinger football program played on the field that was actually constructed by volunteers from the area. Materials, equipment, time and expertise were all donated. Bruce was very generous with all of those things.

A member of the Honesdale Lions Club, he was recently recognized for his many years of active service. One of the latest projects that he assisted in was the replacement of the water fountain in Central Park in town. He also received the Community Service award from the local Chamber of Commerce. In addition, Bruce served on the finance committee of the Central United Methodist Church, where he was a faithful member for many years. Recently, Bruce was honored with a “Leaf” at Wayne Memorial Hospital for the donor tree by many of his friends and associates. Bruce was the catalyst for the naming and dedication of the General Tallman Bridge in Honesdale.

Bruce had a favorite saying, “Friends are Priceless.” Above all, he was a truly devoted family man. Nothing in the world was more precious to him than his family. Surviving in addition to his wife Carolyn, daughter Deborah Kussoff and husband Andrew, son Stephen Mackle and wife LeaAnn all of Honesdale; his sisters Lois Terrel and husband Stuart, Jean Zebrowski and Grace Koehler.

The pride of his life were his six grandsons; Nicholas Kussoff, Evan Kussoff, Michael Kussoff, Justin Mackle, Jakob Mackle, and Nathan Mackle.

His in-laws also include Joyce Mershon, Elizabeth Cashmark, Rachel Malloy and her husband John and Barbara Turner.

Bruce was preceded in death by his brother Flynn and sister Lucille Piorkowski.

Funeral services will be celebrated on Tuesday, July 12th at the Central United Methodist Church, Honesdale at 2 pm. Interment will follow in Glen Dyberry Cemetery. Friends may visit on Monday in the Wesley Room of the Central United Methodist Church, 4 to 8. Arrangements by Hessling Funeral Home, Inc., 428 Main St. Honesdale.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Honesdale Lions Club or the Central United Methodist Church, Honesdale, PA.