D. Bruce Conner

D. Bruce Conner, 88, of Lower Allen Twp. died Sunday, July 27, 2014 at Messiah Lifeways, Upper Allen Twp.

Born on Aug. 17, 1925 in Columbia, Pa., he was the son of the late Arthur W. and Iva Belle (Albright) Conner. Bruce retired in 1986 as the executive director of the Capital Area Intermediate Unit, a post that capped a long career in public education.

He taught in the former New Cumberland schools and served as a principal and superintendent with the Newport School District and as superintendent of the Cumberland County Office of Schools (1962-71). He served, briefly, as interim superintendent of Susquehanna Twp. School District.

Bruce graduated from New Cumberland High School in 1943, and following service in the U.S. Navy as a sonar man aboard the destroyer escort USS Naifeh (DE-352), during World War II, he graduated from Franklin and Marshall College. He received his Master’s Degree from Temple University.

He was a supporter of liberal causes and a member of Harrisburg Unitarian Church. He was a founding board member of WITF-TV.

Bruce is survived by his wife, Beverly Fowler-Conner, and by his first wife, Emmalyn Jean Cunningham Conner of Camp Hill. He was preceded in death by his second wife, Carol Jean Olsen Conner.

Bruce and his second wife, Carol, and current wife, Beverly, were longtime summer residents and supporters of Chautauqua Institution in Chautauqua, N.Y.

He also is survived by a nephew, Roger Conner of Chevy Chase, Md.; a niece, Deborah Olewiler of York; and stepchildren, Steven Olsen and Linda Olsen Black, by his second wife, and Wade Fowler, Alyce Fowler McKenzie, Robert H. Fowler Jr. and Susanna Fowler Weil, by his third wife.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 5 in the east community room at Bethany Village in Lower Allen Twp. with the Rev. Brand Eaton officiating. A reception will follow.

Memorial contributions may be made in Bruce’s memory to WITF, 4801 Lindle Road,
Harrisburg, Pa. 17111.