Bruce H. Baright

Bruce Harold Baright, 85, died on July 22, 2026 at the Taconic at Hopewell Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.

Born in Poughkeepsie on June 8, 1941, he was the son of the late Harry and Mae (Jones) Baright. Bruce graduated from Arlington High School and proudly served our country in the US Army. He was the owner and operator of Jim Ross Trailer Sales in Poughkeepsie. He had also been employed by IBM in Poughkeepsie and Camper's Barn in Kingston.

Bruce dedicated much time as a volunteer with the LaGrange Fire Department, serving as Captain of Station 2 and with the LaGrange Rescue and Ambulance Squad. He was a member of the Exempt Firemen's Association and a Charter Member of the Dutchess County Ambulance Association. He was also a 47 year member of American Legion Post #1302 in Poughkeepsie. Following his retirement to Homosassa, FL, he also was a volunteer crime watch officer with the Citrus County Sheriff's Office.

Bruce was an avid boater from the Hudson River to the shores of Florida. He enjoyed owning many types of boats, including his beloved house boat. He truly loved being on the water.

Bruce is survived by his daughter, Mary Gehrlein and her husband Jeffrey; his grandchildren, Devan and his fiancé Jenna, Danielle and Sarah; his sister, Beverly O'Hara; his nephew, Robert Baright; and his niece, June Bo. In addition to his parents, he was also predeceased by his life partner, Carol VanderLaan; his sisters, Ethel Pecchia and her husband Joe, and Shirley Roth and her husband Al; his brothers, Stewart Baright and his wife Anna, and Kenneth Baright and his wife Nancy; and his brother-in-law, Bob O'Hara.

A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, July 29 at 11am at the LaGrange Rural Cemetery, 135 Overlook Road, Poughkeepsie with military and firematic honors.

Memorial donations may be made to the LaGrange Fire Department, Station #2, 504 Freedom Plains Road, Poughkeepsie, NY 12603 or American Legion Post #1302, 55 Overlook Road, Poughkeepsie, NY 12603.