Obituary
Rev. Bruce Walter Henry Urich, Ph.D.
Rev. Bruce Urich, 88, of Orlando, Florida, passed away peacefully at Palm Garden of Orlando on November 6, 2020. Bruce was born in Evansville, Illinois, to Walter Klein and Louise Marie Miller Urich. He was predeceased by his parents, wife, Nina Ann Schrader Urich of 47 years, brother, Walter K. Urich, Jr., and sister, Carole Louise Urich. Bruce is survived by his wife of eight years, Cherry Lewis Urich, sons, Paul L. Urich and Robert B. Urich and daughter, Laura Urich-Liebersbach (Brian,) step daughter Gillian Arreguin (Manny,) brothers David A. (Shelia) Urich and Robert W. (Deborah F.) Urich, grandson and step-grandchildren and step great-grandchildren, nephews, nieces, and cousins.
Bruce served in the Panama Canal Zone in the U.S. Army and was honorably discharged. Instead of pursuing pre-law, at his mother’s suggestion he turned his focus to becoming a minister of the Gospel. He was an alumnus of the University of Maryland, Princeton Theological Seminary, and Temple University, and received his Ph.D. at Florida Christian University. Bruce served the Lord for 55+ years as a pastor of Presbyterian churches in eight states, ending with St. John’s Presbyterian Church in Orlando. Bruce was the Dean of Florida Christian University for 20 years where he was loved by the students. Also, Bruce served on two boards of Private Colleges (FCPC and CPCA) and was the Chaplain for the Orlando Full Gospel Business Men’s Fellowship International (FGBMFI).
Bruce was an avid reader, owned convertible cars, and had an interest in antique cars. In college, he was known as “The Walking Encyclopedia.” Bruce was 6’5 ½” and a question he was often asked was “Do you play basketball?” Sports was not one of Bruce’s activities. He loved to minister to people of every walk of life. Bruce had a special love for his parishioners and a big heart for anyone in need. As the pastor, he picked up two of his elderly parishioners every Sunday morning. His heart was so tender, that he would even stop and rescue a wayward turtle! At Christmas, he was part of a choir that presented Handel’s Messiah.
While at Palm Garden of Orlando for three years, he continued his ministry of prayer and singing (he remembered every word and tune of every hymn – amazing!), touching residents and staff. He displayed peace right to the end that was certainly straight from heaven. His love for the Lord and people was an amazing gift! Thanks to Palm Garden staff for their loving care.
The flag ceremony and placing of the urn in the Columbaria will be held on Thursday, December 3, 2020, at 12:30 p.m. at the Cape Canaveral National Cemetery (Lane D) 5525 US Hwy 1, Mims, FL 32754 located in the community of Scottsmoor www.cem.va.gov/cems/nchp/capecanaveral.asp. This will be followed by a celebration of life at 2 p.m. at Glory of God Anglican Church, 3735 Indian River Drive, Cocoa, Florida 32926 www.gogacc.com. Masks and social distancing will be observed.
Bruce’s legacy would continue to touch and save lives, especially of the unborn, should you consider donating to Choices Women’s Clinic, a Christian organization, at www.choicesfriends.com or send to 1851 W. Colonial Drive, Orlando, FL 32804.
Baldwin Bros., 1654 N Semoran Blvd., Orlando, FL 32807 https://baldwincremation.com/obituaries/bruce-urich/
We are so sorry to hear of Bruce's passing. We know he enriched your life for 8 years and you built many unforgettable memories. We also rejoice that Bruce is now with our Savior having the time of his life. We know that there has to be time for the family to heal so we ask for a special grace on you and the rest of the family.
Love & blessings,
Art & Leah Christie
We love you! Pastor John and Becky
Love and blessings Lynette Newton
God has blessed you and Bruce with wonderful days and years together, and you have been oh, so faithful in helping to care for him. May you know God's peace and security in His arms. Lord, walk with Cherry every day. Assure her of your everlasting love and your steadfast companionship. Anoint her afresh with Your Holy Spirit. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
He is bowing before HIS SAVIOR now & You Stood Faithful Loving & Kind thru it all--My Heart is Forever touched by "Your Love".
May The LORD WRAP HIS LOVE AROUND YOU EVER SO TIGHT❤❤❤
Sending condolences to you and prayers for peace and comfort. I did not know Bruce, I am sure he was an incredible man because he married you. Hugs, my friend.
Though it is so hard to say goodbye, may you eventually find comfort that your lives are enriched by a man who worked to develop his intellect in order to do his best to live a noble life in the service of God. My heart goes out to all of you.
So sorry to hear about the passing of Bruce. He was a very special man.
Sorry for your loss, but glad for Bruce's gain! Praying for you.
Praying for Cherry and for Paul and Laura and Rob. May God be a comfort to all who knew you. Love, Diane
I am so sorry for your loss. What a lovely tribute to your beloved Brucie! What a wonderful man of God he was! Thank you for sharing these beautiful words!!
Lovingly, Martha