Bruce Okun passed away on Sunday, April 19th, 2020 at the age of 93. He died from complications from the Covid-19 virus. Bruce was born on July 21, 1926 in New York City, but lived the majority of his adult life in Monticello, NY. He proudly served in the United States Navy during World War II from 1945-1946.

Bruce was the MacGyver of fixing things. He always found a way to rig up a gadget that would solve any problem. He built a theater organ of which he was immensely proud and played it with passion. He was a gifted craftsman and created many unique bracelets made from welding rods which will always be cherished by those lucky enough to have been gifted one. Bruce was an honest man who prided himself in performing his job with integrity. In his role as Health, House and Building inspector for the Village of Monticello, he had a genuine concern for the rights of all those he served. He treated everyone equally, and opened his home to others when they needed a hand.

Bruce loved to fish and traveling to Cape Cod was something he truly enjoyed. He was an avid gardener and would grow tomatoes and basil just to give them away to those who enjoyed them. Bruce loved to cook - Zuppa di mussels was one of his specialties. He was famed for his New York style cheesecake. His recipe was a closely guarded secret.

Bruce enjoyed many barbecues and parties with family and friends. Even as his health declined, if you asked him how he was he was known to answer “I'm doing the best I can with what I've got”. He loved animals, especially dogs. He loved pickled herring and Milkyways. He loved gadgets and bargains which he found in abundance when perusing the local flea market. If he found a good buy he would scoop up many of that item and give them as gifts to those he thought would be happy to have them. But most of all he loved his family, especially his children, to whom he passed along his creativity, love of gardening and fishing. He will be greatly missed by all who loved him.

Bruce was preceded in death by his parents, Abraham H. Okun and Florence Neustadt Okun and his grandson Sebio Torres. Survivors include his wife, Marilyn Sekuler Okun, four children: Susan Okun Crochet (Bryan), Eric Okun (aka “Rick”) Wendy Okun Haydel (Julius) and Jeffrey Okun (Nancy), three grandchildren, Adam Crochet, Luke Crochet, Tyler Haydel (Marguerite), and one great grandchild, Amelie Mae Crochet. Also mourning Bruce's passing are Kathy Kreiter (Johnny) and family who were lifelong loving friends and caregivers. Donations in Bruce's name may be made to the Sullivan County Federation for the Homeless.