Bruce Stuart Jay

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Bruce S. Jay who passed away peacefully at RI Hospital surrounded by his loving family on Wednesday, April 30, 2025 at the age of 66. Bruce was born on July 7, 1958 in St. Petersburg, Fl to the late Cecil and Katharine (Douglas) Jay.

He graduated from Liverpool High School, class of 1976 where he was student council President. He attended the University of Wyoming for two years on a Division 1 Swimming Scholarship and graduated from SUNY-Oswego, NY receiving his BA degree in Economics.

Bruce was a resident of the Eden Park section of Cranston, RI for the last 40 years. He was the proud owner of Nu-Window Cleaning for 20 years until a medical diagnosis forced him into an early retirement. Bruce was also formerly employed by American Airlines at T.F. Green Airport and Boston’s Logan International Airport where he cherished the lifelong friendships he made there.

Growing up Bruce was a competitive swimmer on the Liverpool high-school swim-team. He received multiple accolades during high school which culminated in his induction into the Greater Syracuse Hall of Fame in 2014.

Outside of swimming, Bruce was an avid athlete who enjoyed participating in numerous marathons, triathlons, road races and cycling events including multiple MS150s. His most memorable marathon was the running of the 100th Boston Marathon. Just 18 months after receiving his most precious gift of life, a kidney, he ran on behalf of the National Kidney Foundation. Later that year, he received the 1996 Gift of Life award from the National Kidney Foundation, their most prestigious award.

After receiving his kidney from a woman that passed away in Connecticut, Bruce had a further appreciation for family and life. He was a loving father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend to many. He enjoyed being home in his backyard. Whether it was sitting under the tree relaxing on his patio furniture, mowing the lawn, chopping wood, entertaining the dogs, or enjoying his beloved Red Sox and Patriots with a Bud Lite in hand - whatever he did, he enjoyed it the most with his family.

As Bruce aged, he faced many health challenges which required great courage, strength, and perseverance. Bruce would call it “A will to live.” Bruce was incredibly grateful to the doctors, medical staff, and dialysis team for having provided him with such care allowing him to live his life longer with his family.

Bruce is survived by his son, Justin Jay of Cranston, and his daughter, Jocelyn Jay of Cranston. He is also survived by two grandsons that he loved deeply, Arthur Peters III and Rowan Jay; two brothers George Jay (Debbie) of Washington, DC and Howard Jay (Mary) of Colorado; predeceased by his brother Herbert Jay (Lynda) of Ohio.

Bruce is also survived by many nieces and nephews who he loved; his cherished life long friends Bruce Burt, John Woods, and Bobby Grimshaw; former wife and great friend, Sue Jay; predeceased by longtime partner, Phyllis Meshenburg

We would be remised if we did not mention his unforgettable luncheons with great friend Tommy Zammarelli and others at Tommy’s Place.

Visiting hours are Tuesday, May 13th at the NARDOLILLO FUNERAL HOME & Crematory, 1278 Park Ave., Cranston from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. followed by a Funeral Service at 5 p.m., all to which relatives and friends are invited.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to National Kidney Foundation, 209 West Central St. – Suite 207, Natick, MA 01760.