Bruce Milne, age 75, of Land O’Lakes, Florida passed away Thursday, January 8, 2026 at St. Joseph’s Hospital North after a courageous battle with lung cancer. Bruce was born on March 9,1950 in Woodside, New York. He was preceded in death by his parents George and Margaret Milne.

Bruce is survived and sorely missed by his loving wife of 50 years Rose Anne (nee Anzisi), brother-in-law Paschal Drew of Point Pleasant, New Jersey, sister-in-law Margaret Milne of Guyton, Georgia and sister-in-law Frances Callahan of Holtsville, New York, as well as many multi-generational nieces and nephews.

Bruce was preceded in death by his siblings: sisters Moira Milne and Vivian Drew; brothers Bryan Milne and Ernest (Sandy) Milne.

Bruce served in the U.S. Army, 101st Airborne Division in Vietnam where he was awarded the Bronze Star.

Bruce worked at American Airlines as a Fleet Service Crew Chief for over 30 years at all three New York airports (LGA, JFK and EWR), Raleigh-Durham Airport (RDU), Miami International Airport (MIA), and Tampa International Airport (TPA.) After taking early retirement from American Airlines, Bruce worked for Pasco County’s Elderly Nutrition Program delivering meals to home-bound elderly residents of Pasco County.

He proudly became a member of the American Legion (Hugh Gilbert Strickland American Legion Post 138) where he became passionate for the American Legion Boys State Program, and he served as the Boys State Program Chairman for many years. He was also a Charter Member of the American Legion Riders Chapter 138.

In addition to his love for motorcycle riding, was always eager to help other veterans, active-duty military, and volunteered at Warrior Wellness Program as well as USO Florida. After retiring, his “job” became volunteering.

At Christmastime, Bruce became Santa Claus. He loved seeing the happiness and joy in the children’s faces when they sat on his lap telling him what to bring them for Christmas. It was truly a labor of love for over 35 years.

Bruce was also a dog lover – having never met a dog he didn’t instantly fall in love with – and the feeling was always mutual.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, January 24, 2026 at 11:00am at Loyless Funeral Home, 5310 Land O’Lakes Blvd., Land O’Lakes, Florida 34639; followed by a Celebration of Life at 2:00pm at Hugh Gilbert Strickland American Legion Post 138, 5535 W. Prescott Street, Tampa, Florida 33616.

In lieu of flowers the family has asked that donations be made in Bruce’s name to one of the following charities that were near and dear to his heart and where he, along with his wife, Rose Anne, volunteered for many years:

Hugh Gilbert Strickland American Legion Post 138 – Boys and Girls State Program (https://checkout.square.site/merchant/MLVAD0AF89BAH/checkout/UDDETRSL5VJT3UVFDAUS73OS?src=sheet)

USO Florida (United Service Organizations)

Warrior Wellness Program (www.warriorwellnessprogram.org)