Bruce "Ben" Eric Nyberg

Bruce Eric Nyberg was born on March 19,1944 in Pawtucket, RI to his parents, T. Eric and Ethel Clark Nyberg, who preceded him in death. He was the younger, mischievous brother of Robert C. Nyberg, who also preceded him in death.

Ben, as he was known growing up, was a 1962 graduate of Lake Worth High School in Fl. He enjoyed all things on the water. Ben was an avid fisherman, loved to go boating and worked as a lifeguard at one point.

Ben joined the Air Force after high school and in 1965, was stationed in Savannah, Ga where he met and married his first wife, Susan Lutz. With her, he is survived by his son B. Eric (wife Mitzi) of north GA and his daughter, Michele and grandsons Eric and Joseph, of Savannah, GA.

After getting married in July, 1966, he was deployed to Vietnam. It was while he was overseas that his son was born. As Ben was across the international dateline, it was always a joke that his son’s birthday was the 29th, not the 28th.

Bruce, as he was known throughout his adult life, left the Air Force in the early 1970s and joined the Savannah Police Department. He was a motorcycle cop for years and was often riding in the St. Patrick’s Day parade. He loved that bike and would spend hours cleaning it. He also transitioned over to the Air National Guard and the 165th was the unit with which he retired.

Bruce loved to dance and many Sunday afternoons were spent teaching his children the rumba, waltz, samba, etc. He went to college at night and graduated with a BS of Criminal Justice from Armstrong State College in 1979. He loved traveling, cruising and playing cards (notably, hand and foot that he learned from his parents and passed to his children).

After 25 years, Bruce and his first wife divorced. There followed a brief second marriage, also ending in divorce. And then he met Janet Foster, who would become his wife on 5/20/2005. They were married just short of 19 years, but together greater than 20+ years.

With Jan, Bruce continued his love of traveling and cruising. He also developed a passion for yard sales and incredible finds. He loved collecting coins, like his father. He also added steins, lighthouses, eagles and other items to his collectibles. He and Jan shared a deep love not only for each other and their families, but also their fur children, Toby and Mindy the Bassett hounds, and Missy, their beautiful cat.

Jan preceded Bruce in death on April 10, 2024. He is also survived by his stepdaughters Kim (husband Chris) Wells and Tammy Tucker. He was also blessed to be the grandfather of Trevor Wells, Brittany, Brandon and Tristan Tucker. Bruce had a very hard year with his heart. We truly believe that once he lost his beloved Jan, his heart simply stopped fighting the battle.

Dad was a proud US Veteran and often donated to multiple military charities. He was a supporter of the VFW and the Wounded Warriors, to name a few. Bruce, and his family, would be honored if any donations were made to either of these or even a local pet rescue.

It brings us peace to know that Bruce and Jan are together again. Bruce wished to be cremated and have his ashes left where he was happiest, on the water. With that, his ashes will blessed with prayer and released in the gulf.

Vara med Gud, Dad.

Services were completed at Brewer & Sons Funeral Home - Clermont Chapel in Florida.