Bruce Howard Hastings of Denton peacefully passed away on Feb. 3, 2025, at home surrounded by his family after a long battle with brain cancer. Born April 26, 1955, in Seaford, he was the son of the late Glenn and Elizabeth Hastings. He graduated from Seaford High School in 1973 and went on to earn his bachelor’s degree of business administration from the University of Delaware, graduating in 1978. Bruce became manager of Bargain Beverage in Denton for 36 years.
Bruce married Margaret Vogt “Chippy” on Sept. 30, 1988. Together they raised her two sons, Crosley “CD” and Wade Downes. They were never referred to as stepchildren as he loved and raised them as his own. He gave the same love to the grandchildren when they were born. Bruce never missed an event whether it be for CD or Wade or the grandkids. He was at every softball or soccer game, dance recital, back to school shopping event and anything else the grandchildren were involved in or doing. Bruce was always there to cheer them on and give them encouragement when needed.
He had many passions in life, but his biggest was being a sports enthusiast. Bruce loved baseball, especially the Baltimore Orioles. Being a season ticket holder, he would go to spring training in Florida every year. He followed every sports team and could tell you their record and the score of a game in any given minute. Bruce also liked playing dominos with friends, Bette Shull and Bob and Carol Rouse, and sequence and cards with Teresa and Irvin Manship, and Cheryl Harris.
Bruce is preceded in death by his cherished wife, Margaret Hastings who passed away in October 2013; parents, Glenn and Elizabeth Hastings; and siblings, Glenn Hastings and Barbara Rodgers. He is survived by his stepsons, Crosley Downes “CD” (Tonya) and Wade Downes; grandchildren, Kennedy Correa (JD), Brandon Callahan, Brittany Callahan, Zachary Downes, and Kolby Downes; great-grandchildren, Brayden Downes and another great-grandson coming in May; nieces and nephew, Kim LeKites, Lisa Hastings and Kenny Rodgers; and lifelong friends, Debbie and Allan Layton.
A visitation will be held on Thursday Feb. 13 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Fellows, Helfenbein, and Newnam Funeral Home in Easton. A memorial service will take place the following day on Friday, Feb. 14, starting at 10 a.m. at the funeral home. The graveside service will be private.
The family would like to thank Compass Hospice for all the care and kindness provided to Bruce and his family during this difficult time. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Compass Hospice, 160 Coursevall Drive, Centreville, MD 21617 or at https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=E354255&id=1.