Bruce A. McIlhaney

Bruce A. McIlhaney of Bethlehem went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, June 29th, 2017. For over 41 years he was the loving husband of Christina (Carroll) McIlhaney. Born in Allentown, he was the son of the late Bruce and Doris McIlhaney. He was the loving and beloved father of Maureen and Hillary. Bruce was a graduate of Dieruff High School and later earned his Bachelor's Degree in Education and his Associate's Degree in Nursing. Bruce honorably served as a war photographer for the Stars and Stripes in the United States Army during the Vietnam War, and was awarded a Purple Heart and a Silver Star. He worked at the Bethlehem Steel for some time and later as a registered nurse. Bruce enjoyed playing guitar, singing, photography, bike riding, reading the Bible, painting, cooking and leather working. He was an active member of First Baptist Church in Bethlehem where he was part of the Praise and Worship team and sang in the choir. He also sang in the Zion Choral for many years. His deep compassion for others led him to volunteer for mission trips building houses in Mexico, in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina and in New Jersey following Superstorm Sandy. He was politically active and believed in equality and compassion for all. Locally he volunteered his efforts as a cook at Trinity Episcopal Church and was a frequent volunteer at ArtsQuest.

Survivors: He will be lovingly remembered by his wife Christina, his daughters Hillary Rose Harper and her husband Michael of Bethlehem; Maureen Doris Costura, her husband Daniel and their daughters Lea Rose and Tessa of Hyde Park, New York; and Charlene Conlon and her husband Chris of Washington DC; his sister Judy Fasching and his brothers Robert, Barry and Harold and their spouses.

Services: A celebration of Bruce's life will be held at 11 A.M. on Saturday, July 8, 2017 at First Baptist Church, 3235 Linden Street, Bethlehem, PA 18017 where the family will receive family and friends from 10 A.M. until time of service. Bruce's arrangements have been entrusted to the Cantelmi Long Funeral Home, 500 Linden Street, Bethlehem. A memory tribute may be placed at www.longfuneralhome.com

Contributions: In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Zion Choral, 5207 Vera Cruz Rd. Center Valley, PA 18034 in Bruce's memory.

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Calling Hours

JUL 8. 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM (EDT)

First Baptist Church
3235 Linden Street
Bethlehem, PA, 18017

Celebration of Life

JUL 8. 11:00 AM (EDT)

First Baptist Church
3235 Linden Street
Bethlehem, PA, 18017

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