Bruce P. Teittinen

FITCHBURG: Bruce P. Teittinen, 76, of Fitchburg, passed away Friday, May 31, 2024, at Health Alliance – Leominster, surrounded by his loving wife and family. Bruce was born in Gardner on November 9, 1947, the son of the late Paul R. and Alice (Young) Teittinen and has resided in Fitchburg for over 40 years. Bruce was a 1965 graduate of Narragansett Regional High School in Templeton. He continued his education at Northeastern University and Fitchburg State University before receiving his Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Anna Maria College in 1987. From 1970-1974, Bruce served his country in the United States Army and was stationed in Furth, West Germany. His title was the Personnel Management Specialist at the base. Bruce enjoyed many memorable European excursions when he had time off from his Army duties. He loved to tell stories of his ski days all over Europe. He especially cherished running with the bulls in Pamplona, Spain, going to the Grand Prix in Monaco twice, seeing American Frank Shorter win the gold medal in the marathon at the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich, and going on a week trip to Russia. Upon returning to the States in 1974, after honorable discharge from the Army, Bruce became involved in the Montachusett Ski and Snowboard Club, of which he was an officer for many years. At the meetings, he was smitten with a certain woman and finally got the courage to ask her out on a date. Surprisingly, Linda’s parents met at the same place years before, the Lion D’or Club in Cleghorn, as it was called. The rest is history. In 1985, Bruce formed C & B Sports Tours, Inc. and then the Central Mass Ski and Snowboard Group with his partner and long-time friend, Charlie Phaneuf. Over the next 37 years, they successfully provided affordable ski trips throughout the United States and Canada. For 30 years, Bruce worked for the Department of the Treasury as an Internal Revenue Agent for the Internal Revenue Service before retiring in 2013. Bruce led a full and active life. He loved to downhill ski, fish, hike, cross-country ski, talk about cars, “them Red Sox” and spend quality time with family and friends. Bruce and Linda traveled extensively throughout the US and Italy. He loved his many trips to Disney World and looked forward to the yearly trip to Maine. Bruce is survived by the love of his life, his wife of 42 years, Linda L. (Lincourt) Teittinen; his two sisters, Linda Johnson and her husband, Andrew, and their son Eric; Paula Fruit and her children, Matthew Fruit and Sarah Clark. He leaves his niece "like a daughter," Kara David, and her husband, Dennis Comeau; grandniece, "The Treasure," as he lovingly called her, Amaya LaFrance; and grandnephew, "the little boy he couldn't get enough of," Austin Comeau. His beloved extended family, The Lincourt’s: Joan David and daughter, Jill David; Donna and Frank Hiatt and children Adam, Ross and Jessica; Barbara and Michael Couture; Larry Lincourt; Paula Lincourt; Sandra Charpentier and children Matthew and Danielle; a very close family friend, Denise Loumis. Also, his sweet canine friend, Maggie Mae. The past 18 months have been a real challenge for Bruce. He suffered a spinal cord injury. He spent six months away from his home at Whittier Rehabilitation Hospital and came home in May 2023 to continue a grueling Physical Therapy regimen. He exhibited the unique Finnish concept of "Sisu": strength of will, determination, and perseverance. He never complained between Physical Therapy visits and Doctor’s appointments. He made significant gains. Bruce's family would like to thank all the dedicated staff at the Whittier Rehabilitation Hospital, Westborough, who made his stay rewarding and productive, as well as the Outpatient Center there. Also, thank you to Tammy Moses at Complete Physical Therapy & Wellness, Fitchburg, and his private in-home Physical Therapist, Kaitlin Coumas, who both played an irreplaceable role in Bruce’s gains. Their dedication and love for Bruce kept him going. Although Bruce’s heart has stopped beating, a heart that has touched so many lives can’t help but live on in those it loved. He will be sorely missed. Bruce’s family will receive relatives and friends at calling hours 4-7 PM Friday, June 21, 2024, at the Isabelle & Anderson Funeral Home, 316 Clarendon Street, Fitchburg. www.andersonfuneral.com His funeral service, A Celebration of Life, will be held at 11 AM on Saturday, June 22, 2024, in the funeral home, followed by prayers of committal at St. Joseph's Cemetery, Fitchburg. Memorial contributions may be made to the Appalachian Mountain Club, 10 City Square, Boston, MA 02129, or via their website: https://www.outdoors.org/donate/tribute-gifts/ .

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Bruce P. Teittinen

November 9, 1947 - May 31, 2024