After a valiant battle with cancer, Bruce Edward Gertz, 68, a resident of Severn, departed this life peacefully on May 3, 2026, under hospice care. Born on January 24, 1958, in Cheverly, MD, Bruce was the only son of Dick and Laurena Gertz.

Bruce lived a life enriched by his passions and interests. A proud Lutheran, he was raised in Davidsonville, where he forged lasting friendships and cherished memories. He graduated from Southern Senior High School in Harwood, MD, and pursued college courses at Pellissippi Community College in Tennessee. Bruce considered himself a hands-on learner, thriving in practical environments. He worked for the City of Lake Worth, Florida, and, most recently, maintained car washes in the Maryland area. His creativity peaked during weekends and leisure time, where he could be found tinkering with Volkswagens, go-carts and building model airplanes, a true testament to his inventive spirit. An avid member of the RC Plane Club, he delighted in flying models that captured his love of aviation. Bruce also cherished the serenity of the great outdoors, often finding solace in the pursuit of rabbit, squirrel, and dove hunting.

Bruce is preceded by his mother Laurena (Waldrop) Gertz Williams and his father, Henry Edward Gertz, Jr. (Dick); and his step-father, William Williams (Bill). He is survived by his beloved wife, Marie (Sanderson) Gertz; his sisters, Cheryl Washington (Jimmy), Cindy Gertz (Terry Lewis), and Tina Smart (Bob); his aunt, Lorraine Clow; his step-mother Jan Gertz; his nieces and nephew, Sarah, Ryan, and Jennifer; and a host of cousins and family.

Family and friends may visit at the KIRKLEY RUDDICK FUNERAL HOME on Friday, May 8th, 11am - 1pm. Service service to follow immediately, 1pm. Interment Lakemont Memorial Gardens.