Bruce Morris Applegate Obituary

We are sad to announce that on October 6, 2018, at the age of 72, Bruce Morris Applegate (Wellsboro, Pennsylvania), born in Nazareth, Pennsylvania passed away. Family and friends are welcome to leave their condolences on this memorial page and share them with the family.

He was predeceased by: his parent Morris J. Applegate. He is survived by: his parent Lucille W. Applegate (Flick); and his spouse Bonnie L. Applegate (Filchner).

He co-produced Nazareth's Heritage Revue for the 250th anniversary in 1990 and was remembered as "the real Santa' by those who heard his annual reading of "The Night Before Christmas" at the Nazareth Memorial Library during the walking tours. Bruce, aka, Santa, appeared at the Nazareth community tree lighting ceremony for more than 30 years and generations of families had the gift of home visits from Santa for nearly 48 years. After retiring to Wellsboro in 2008, Bruce continued his involvement in theater where he worked with Hamilton Gibson productions as a performer, director, and overseer of the conversion of a local warehouse into their new theater space. Bruce's commitment to the community, constant pursuit of excellence and quiet strength have left us with beautiful memories and a legacy to live up to. In addition to his loving wife, Bonnie, he is survived by two daughters, Denise Delp, of DuBois, and Karen Steele and her husband, Kirth, of Emmaus; four grandchildren, Erin McLaughlin, Brandon Dollar and his wife, Melissa (Canaway), Cory McLaughlin, and Wayne Bruce Delp. Bruce was preceded in death by his brother, Ronald M. Applegate. Services: will be held Saturday, Oct. 13, at 12 noon in the George C. Bensing Funeral Home, Inc., 2165 Community Drive, Route 946, Village of Moorestown-Bath, Pa. 18014. Friends and relatives are invited to call Saturday morning from 10 a.m.. to 12 noon in the funeral home. Interment will follow in Hope Cemetery, Hecktown. In lieu of flowers, donations may be offered in memory of Bruce to the Nazareth Area Blue Eagle Education Foundation, Nazareth Area School District, c/o Nicole Lesky Bloise, Executive Director, One Education Plaza, Nazareth, PA 18064.