Bruce Edward Kalapach

June 25, 1957 – March 16, 2025

With broken hearts and profound sorrow, we announce the passing of Bruce Edward Kalapach—a beloved husband, father, and friend—who left this world on Sunday, March 16, 2025, in Fort Worth, Texas, at the age of 67. Surrounded by those who loved him most, Bruce's final moments were filled with peace and love.

Memorial Service:  1:00 p.m., Saturday, April 26, 2025 in Biggers Funeral Chapel, Lake Worth, Texas 76135.

Born on June 25, 1957, in Gary, Indiana, Bruce brought joy and light into the world from the very beginning. His life was marked by infectious laughter, boundless curiosity, quiet strength, and an unwavering love for the people lucky enough to know him. He graduated from Boswell High School in 1975 and later attended Texas A&M University, where he faced a life-threatening battle with ulcerative colitis. It was a fight that nearly took him, but in true Bruce fashion, he met it head-on—with grit, determination, and grace—and went on to earn his degree in 1982.

Bruce began his career in aerospace engineering on October 12, 1982, joining General Dynamics as a facilities engineer shortly after graduating from college. It was an entry-level position, but Bruce quickly immersed himself in the complexities of Production Aid design and the many idiosyncrasies of the F-16 production line. During this early chapter, he was mentored by retired P.E. James G. Palmer, who taught him the ropes and helped shape the engineer Bruce would become. Upon Palmer's retirement in 1987, Bruce stepped into his mentor's role and continued to grow in both skill and responsibility.

When General Dynamics was later acquired by Lockheed Corporation, Bruce transitioned seamlessly and became a facilities lead engineer—a position he would hold with pride for the remainder of his career. Over the years, he played a vital role in supporting various aircraft programs, ultimately focusing on the F-35. He was responsible for overseeing Production Aids for the aircraft from the EMAS mate stations through final delivery, including all resources required to support Flight Line activities. Bruce's precision, problem-solving, and deep understanding of the production process left a lasting mark on the programs he supported and the colleagues he worked alongside.

It wasn't just a long and meaningful career—it was also where fate placed him near a woman who would change his life: Lee Ann Husbenet. The two quickly became inseparable and were married on October 22, 1983. For nearly forty years, they shared a life rooted in quiet devotion—filled with laughter, simple joys, and a love that only deepened with time.

In 1991, Bruce became a father to his daughter, Stephanie—a role he cherished more than any other. He adored her beyond measure and found pure joy in watching her grow, play, and succeed. Their bond deepened through a shared love of golf—hours spent side by side on the course or on the couch watching tournaments together. Bruce and Lee never missed a single one of Stephanie's college tournaments, always her biggest fans on the sidelines, cheering with pride.

Bruce had a gift for bringing people together. He started a beloved after-work golf league at Squaw Creek Golf Course that became a tradition spanning more than 20 years—more than just golf, it was a gathering of friends, laughter, and camaraderie. He retired from Lockheed in 2013 with plans to move with Lee to Fairfield Glade, Tennessee, to enjoy their next chapter in peace. But life had another challenge in store.

In 2020, Bruce was diagnosed with colorectal cancer. He faced this new battle the same way he faced all of life's obstacles—bravely, quietly, and with love always at the center. Through five years of treatment, he never lost his warmth, his spirit, or his sense of humor.

Bruce had many passions, including collecting Redline Hot Wheels, his deep interest in history—especially World War II—and his captivating storytelling. He will be remembered for his sense of humor, generous spirit, wisdom, and unwavering love for his family and friends.

He is survived by his loving wife, Lee Kalapach, his cherished daughter, Stephanie Kalapach, and his future son-in-law, Derek Trofimczuk, all of whom will carry his memory with them in every step forward.

He is now reunited with his mother, Carol Jean Kalapach, his father, Bernard Benjamin Benedict Kalapach, his brother, Jeffrey, and his sweet fur angel, Duchess.

Bruce's legacy is one of strength, love, and connection. He was the kind of man who made the world a better place just by being in it—and he will be missed more than words can ever truly say.