Obituary of Bruce A Carota

Bruce was born on 13 May 1942 in Paterson, New Jersey, second son to the late William Carota and Sophie Katherine "Kate" Mett. Growing up in Oakland NJ, Bruce’s first job in town was as a newspaper boy where he was known for having a great sense of humor and being a silly jokester to town residents. He was a member of the Ramapo High School class of 1960. In his youth, Bruce was a fan of baseball, especially the NY Mets. As a Veteran of the U.S. Navy Air Division, Bruce served from 1959-1963 taking him around the Mediterranean in Europe.  After his discharge from the Navy, Bruce served as a Police Officer in Oakland New Jersey for 26 years.  His most memorable moment during his 26 years of service, was when as a young rookie officer, Bruce delivered a baby during a snowstorm in a resident's home.  In 1970 he married childhood friend Barbara Cooper, and they raised their 3 daughters in West Milford and then in Oakland. Their marriage ended in divorce; however, they remained co-parents and friends for the remainder of his life, and she survives him. After retiring from the police force Bruce relocated to Tucson, AZ to be near to his aging Father and Stepmother. While there he engaged in Real Estate and Security positions. He loved the desert landscape and proximity to Mexico for the cuisine, shopping and beaches. As a member of the International Police Association (IPA), Bruce met and fell in love with his companion of 26 years the late Linda Jane Jones, a native of Ohio. In 1995 he moved with Linda to Glouster Ohio where they lived on their beloved Belle Meadow Farm until 3 years ago. On their farm they enjoyed their menagerie of animals over the years, especially their herd of cats! Hosting guests at their farm was one of their favorite activities along with harvesting vegetables from their garden, feeding the animals with their grandchildren, and no visit was complete without Grandpa’s tractor rides. Together they represented the Ohio IPA, enjoyed cruise-in classic car shows, winery tours, adventurous travels, OSU Football games and savoring seafood while at the beach in Hilton Head SC.  Bruce was an avid card player, and passed his love of Solitaire, Rummy and Spades on to all of his daughters.  His family will greatly miss his card playing antics, special “card talk” nicknames and signature moves. Bruce is survived by his 4 Children, daughters Cné Soukas of Fair Lawn NJ, Carin Kuehl (James) of Franklin MA, and Candace Pollack (Arthur) of Columbia MD, son William Carroll (Carolina) of Fredericksburg VA; 9 Grandchildren Aidan & Constantine Soukas, Christopher & Emma Kuehl, Cooper, Henry, Gabriel & Wren Pollack, & Brianna Buechele, and 1 Great Grandson. Bruce was preceded in death by his parents, brothers William & Robert Carota and Cousin Carl Mett who was raised with him as a brother. Bruce lost his loving companion Linda Jane Jones in 2021. At Bruce’s request, there will be no formal service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Bruce’s name to RBARI, Ramapo Bergen Animal Refuge Inc., 2 Shelter Lane, Oakland NJ 07436.