We sadly announce the passing of a longtime stalwart leader in our Aurora community. Deacon Bruce Watermann, 72, died unexpectedly earlier this week.
Affectionately known as Deacon Bruce, he served Aurora’s Catholic community for more than 40 years, of which 20 of those years were at St. Therese from 1999 to 2019. Simultaneously, he served as Sunday Mass Deacon at St. Nicholas for more than a decade while helping at Sacred Heart, St. Mary, St. Peter, and St. Joseph, where he was assigned in 2019.
It has been said that the Deacon didn’t have the word ‘no’ in his vocabulary, evident in his consistent involvement in events throughout the community, services at multiple parishes, and family functions of parishioners who considered him part of their families.
His commitment to Spanish ministry in Aurora helped bridge the gap, remove barriers, and strengthen a sense of belonging for the thousands of those he served and interacted with over the decades.
With his signature smile, resounding voice, and embracing hug, Deacon Bruce made everyone he met feel special. He truly never met a stranger, because he viewed all of us as family.
We extend our condolences to his wife of 50 years, Jody, son Bob (Aurora Township Fire Chief), daughter-in-law Holly, grandchildren Abigail and Jackson, and all of his family, biological and spiritual, parishioners, and friends.
Godspeed, Deacon Bruce.
— Mayor Richard C. Irvin
— City of Aurora