Obituary of Hon. Bruce Joseph Scorsone

It is with deep sorrow and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Bruce J. Scorsone, age 86, of Saginaw, MI, who peacefully passed away on Tuesday, December 24, 2024.

Born on October 13, 1938, in New York City, Bruce was the son of the G. Anthony Scorsone and Florence (Fetzer) Scorsone. He was a devoted husband, father, brother, and friend, whose presence will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Bruce won the game of life. He embraced life to the fullest. So many hobbies, so many interests, so many friends and what a great family and legacy he and Karyl created. Bruce and Karyl were married on June 19, 1965 in Saginaw, MI. We will celebrate all of that still knowing we will dearly miss a special friend.

Bruce had a long and distinguished legal career. Bruce graduated from Arthur Hill High School in 1956. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Michigan State University in 1960 and a Juris Doctor degree from Wayne State University School of Law in 1963. His career included work as an examiner at the estate tax division of the Internal Revenue Service and Chief Assistant Prosecuting Attorney for Saginaw County. In 1968, Bruce was elected and sworn in as a District Judge for Saginaw County. He would be reelected six times, and he served until 2000.

When Bruce retired, he started his second career as an outdoor enthusiast. For many years, Bruce worked at Copper Mountain and Breckenridge in Colorado. Bruce was an avid hiker, fly fisherman, biker, cross country skier and photographer. His love of photography started in college in the 1950’s and continued throughout his life.

Bruce is survived by his beloved wife, Karyl (Pierce), two sons, six grandchildren, his loving and supportive sister, Chris Hazen, several cousins and many dear friends. Bruce and Karyl shared 59 years of marriage. Together, they built a beautiful life, raising two children, Eric (Kendra) and Kevin (Jodi). Bruce was a proud father and loved spending time with his family, especially their ski trips. He also enjoyed spending time in the kitchen and cooking for family. He was a devoted grandfather to his beloved grandchildren, Anthony, Amalia, Isabella, Nico, Sam and Gigi who will forever cherish his guidance and affection. Bruce was preceded in death by his parents.

Bruce lived a full life of public service, family and love of the outdoors. His legacy will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to have known him. Bruce was particularly fond of the Navajo Chant which perhaps summarized how he felt about life, , “In beauty I walk, with beauty before me, I walk, with beauty behind me I walk, with beauty above and about me, I walk, it is finished in beauty.”

A celebration of Bruce’s life will be held on Sunday, January 5, 2025, from 2:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m., a time of remembrance will be at 3:30 p.m., at Apple Mountain, 4519 N. River Road, Freeland, MI 48623.

Bruce was a longtime member of the YMCA of Saginaw. Memorials in honor of Bruce may be made to the senior programming at the YMCA of Saginaw, 1915 Fordney St., Saginaw, MI 48601.

For information, please contact Deisler Funeral Home at (989) 799-1151. To express your condolences, please visit deislerfuneralhome.com