Bruce David Temple

Bruce David Temple was born in Philadelphia, PA to the late Ambrose E. Temple III, and the late Gloria Maxine Temple on July 26th, 1954. He was the fourth of six children.

Bruce received his education in the Philadelphia Public School System. He attended John Barry Elementary and William L Sayre High before eventually landing at Overbrook High School.

In 1973, Bruce became the father of a beautiful baby girl named Nicole, and a few years later, a handsome son named Calvin.

In 1976 after working at various jobs, Bruce decided to follow in his oldest brother’s footsteps to join the U.S. Marine Corps. He served in the Marines for six years. His enlistment took him around the globe to places he could only imagine. Bruce was selected to become a student at Sea School at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot. He was trained to be a member of a Ship’s Marine Detachment. As a result of his vigorous training, he became part of the Marine Detachment that was assigned to the U.S.S. Kitty Hawk. He was very proud to be one of the few selected for this assignment to Sea Duty. Bruce spent two years living in an aircraft carrier, with 7,000 other military personnel. During his tenure he received the Rifle Expert Badge, Good Conduct Medal, and Sea Service Ribbon. He also received a certificate for training at the Non-Commissioned Officers Leadership School, Air Traffic Control School, and Nuclear Biological and Chemical Defense School. He advanced to the rank of Sergeant.  Those six years in the military, made him the strong, proud, and confident man who returned home in 1982.

Upon returning home, Bruce accepted a position and began working with the Philadelphia Water Department. Later that year, Bruce met the woman who would become his lifelong partner and wife Pernice Sylvia Wells. Bruce considered himself a lucky man to have Pernice in his life. Bruce and Pernice were married in 2005 in Philadelphia, PA. Bruce eventually left the Water Department and started working for the Commonwealth of PA until his retirement in 2015.

Bruce had a majestic personality and an independent spirit and was gregarious in nature. He enjoyed playing cards with his friends, including his friend Moose. He also enjoyed eating crabs all season long. Bruce was much loved by a vast number of family and friends.

Bruce was preceded in death by his parents, Ambrose III, and Gloria Temple, and his two older brothers Ambrose IV and Benjamin Temple.

He leaves to cherish his wonderful memory his wife Pernice, his two children, Nicole and Calvin, his stepchildren Latanya, Dedra, Tyras (Charlotte), and Robert (Tammi), his three sisters Toni, Gloria (Eddie) Emberson, and Donna and three sisters-in-law, Maureen and Sheila Temple and Betsy Wells, two brothers-in-law Eddie Emberson and Larry Wells and a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Service will be held on Saturday November 04, 2023,10am. Viewing 9-10 am from Salt and Light Church, 5935 Chester Ave. Philadelphia, PA. Interment Fernwood Cemetery.