Bruce Waldman 1942-2024
NEW CASTLE, Pa. — In loving memory of Bruce Waldman, a remarkable man whose presence touched the lives of all who knew him, who passed away Sunday, May 5, 2024. With profound sadness, we bid farewell to a cherished and beloved father, grandfather, family member and friend. Bruce lived a life full of fun, joy, kindness, integrity and unwavering love. His passion for life was infectious, igniting laughter in those around him with an endless catalogue of jokes that he loved to share with those most dear to him, and more widely via the New Castle News and social media.
Bruce Waldman was born Aug. 30, 1942, to Edith and Martin Waldman, in New Castle, Pa. He graduated from New Castle High School in 1960 and went on to obtain a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science, summa cum laude, from the University of Pittsburgh in 1964. Bruce then obtained a Juris Doctorate from Harvard Law School in 1967 and practiced law in Philadelphia, Pa. as a law clerk to Justice J. Sydney Hoffman and in Cleveland with Hahn Loeser. In 1973, Bruce returned to New Castle to run Waldman’s Meats with his father, Martin, and raise his children. As an active member in professional associations, Bruce was a leader in the meat processing industry until he transitioned to a second career in real estate in the 2000s, where he proudly provided housing to local New Castle residents.
Bruce is survived by his family, including marriages to Elisabeth Waldman and Linda Waldman; and three children, Tiffany Brown of New Castle, Todd Waldman (husband of Dr. Jessica Ciralsky and the late Rachel Jacobs) of New York City and Andrew Waldman (Nicole Li) of Sydney, Australia. He was also a very devoted grandfather who loved spending time with his five grandchildren, Bobby Brown, Alec Brown, Arianna Brown, Jacob Waldman and Blake Waldman. In addition, Bruce was a loving brother to David and Judy Waldman of Howland and their family, Jenny Kay (Todd Kay and Brad Grieco) and their children Dylan Kay, Sam Grieco and Evan Kay; and Matt Waldman (Katie Covett). He is also survived by his extended family located around the United States.
Bruce Waldman’s impact extended far beyond his immediate family. He touched the lives of many through his generosity, warmth and genuine concern for others. His kindness and empathy were boundless, leaving an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of knowing him. He volunteered and played a key role in the community and various organizations such as Rotary Club of New Castle, Lawrence Club, Jaycees, Neshannock School Board, Tifereth Israel and more.
Bruce cherished family traditions, including Thanksgiving and the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, and he would avidly attend with his family each year. He also had a voracious appetite to learn about the world through extensive travel with his family, and reading the Economist and New York Times. Bruce’s family looks forward to continuing these traditions in his honor.
Let us take solace in the fact that he simply wanted us to smile and laugh, which he consistently did throughout his long life. The next time that you enjoy a good joke and laugh, think of Bruce Waldman and smile. He was deeply loved and will be profoundly missed.
Visitation will be held 1 to 2 p.m. Wednesday, at the R. Cunningham Funeral Home & Crematory Inc. A funeral service will be held immediately following at 2 p.m. Rabbi Courtney Berman will officiate. A procession will take Bruce to Tifereth Israel Cemetery for a graveside service and burial.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to The Youngstown Area Jewish Federation online or at 505 Gypsy Lane, Youngstown, OH, 44504; the New Castle Rotary Club at P.O. Box 1740, New Castle, PA 16103 (c/o Heather Armstrong); the Women’s Entrepreneurial Fund at Michigan Women Forward online or at 1155 Brewery Park Blvd., Suite 260, Detroit, MI 48207 (Rachel Jacobs fund); or the charity of your choice.
Online condolences may be offered to the family by visiting www.cunninghamfh.com.
(special notice)