Bruce A. Stern
In Loving Memory of Bruce Allen Stern
December 15, 1946 – February 7, 2025
Bruce Allen Stern, age 78, passed away peacefully at his home in Waikoloa, Hawai’i on February 7, 2025. Born on December 15, 1946, in Los Angeles, CA, Bruce was a brilliant mind with a kind heart. He graduated in the top five of his class from Caltech in Pasadena, CA, with a degree in Chemical Engineering. Bruce dedicated over 40 years of his life to advancing science as a lead scientist in the aerospace industry, where he held numerous patents for innovative technologies. He was widely respected as an expert in Research and Development for Advanced Materials, Quality Management, Operations Management, and the implementation of large-scale IT systems.
Bruce is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Debby Stern of Waikoloa; daughters Kimberly (Brittni) Wolf of Bel Air, MD, and Tammy Freeman of Fredericksburg, MD; and four beloved grandchildren: Michael, Jakob, Phoebe, and Zachary. It is comforting to know that Bruce will be reunited with his Grandson, Matthew, who passed away at age 25 in 2018. Bruce is also survived by his sisters, Susan (Frank) Stern-Kalmar of LaMesa, CA, and Sharon (Paulo) Rosi of Chatsworth, CA.
In retirement, Bruce continued to inspire and invest in others. He mentored the Children’s Robotics Programs at Kealakehe and Waikoloa Elementary/Middle Schools, volunteered with the Waikoloa Film Festival, and served for seven years with the Ironman World Championship in Kona. He was also a steady supporter of Debby’s volunteer efforts with the Red Cross, the Aloha Theater, and local schools.
A lifelong learner and avid writer, Bruce was a published author and active member of the Hawai’i Writers Guild and the Writers Support Group at Tutu’s House in Waimea. His novel, The Fuel Saver Conspiracy: A Peter Jones Mystery, tells the story of an engineer and ISO auditor whose groundbreaking idea draws him into a world of surveillance, corporate corruption, and dangerous intrigue. The book reflects both Bruce’s scientific expertise and his gift for storytelling.
Bruce was well-known around Waikoloa for his daily walks with his beloved dog, Howie. He seemed to know the names of every neighbor and every dog in the community. His warm smile, curious mind, and genuine Aloha Spirit left a lasting impression on all who had the pleasure of knowing him.