Bruce William Northridge

Bruce William Northridge, the second oldest of six children, born on March 22, 1954, in Newark, New Jersey, passed away peacefully at 71 years of age, on March 16th, 2026, in Gulfport, MS.

Bruce earned his bachelor’s degree and commission from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1976 and a master’s degree of applied science from the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California, in 1989.

Initially serving as an executive officer on the USNS Bowditch, he then rose in rank to Naval lieutenant while serving as an undersea warfare research officer with the Fleet Numerical Oceanography Center in Monterey. He worked at Stennis Space Center from 1977 to 2010, aside from two stints in Monterey in the 1980s and an assignment at the Pentagon in 1997. He was recognized as one of the country’s leading authorities on the computer modeling of sonar and oceanography.

Bruce’s life was truly defined by strong faith, deep family roots, a passion for music, sports, and theater, and a dedicated commitment to community service which was instilled in him and his siblings by their parents William (Bill) and Marie Northridge.

A very devoted husband and father, Bruce’s love of his life and wife of 41 years, Joanne, always made him smile whenever she came into his view. He cultivated a beautiful family with her, her children, and their beloved son Robert Bruce Northridge.

Bruce’s passion for music ran deep within him. Whether it be karaoke, singing with family and friends, or on stage, his favorite was St. Rose de Lima Catholic Church’s music ministry. He loved singing with the gospel choir and the men’s ensemble. Music, for Bruce, was both prayer and community, and he treasured the unity it created.

His love for sports began while growing up in Florham Park, NJ. He not only played competitive sports (softball, basketball, soccer, pickleball, and cycling), but he also coached (Darren and Robbie in their younger years as well as many others), refereed, umpired, and even organized teams to compete across the Gulf Coast. After retiring, he discovered a love of cycling and joined the Bay Rollers Cycling Club.

His long involvement with the Bay St. Louis Little Theatre had him playing many roles. He served as emcee, worked backstage, performed in productions (e.g., Twelve Angry Men, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, A Few Good Men), helped plan the grand re-opening of the theater, served as the narrator for the theater’s live Nativity and served as a contest judge for years after winning their annual “Stella Yelling” contest.

To Bruce community and connection was very important, but knowing people, especially their name, was even more important. He mentored many, both young and old, and often (even in his last days) made sure that everyone in the room knew each other’s name. To expound on his community efforts would be too lengthy, but he worked closely, and often tirelessly with the following organizations: SOAR (St. Rose Outreach and Recovery), the local Democratic Party office, NAACP, Recycling Center, MS 2020, Citizens Climate Lobby, and so much more.

He was predeceased by his parents Bill and Marie and brother Jim. He is survived by the following: his wife Joanne, his five children/stepchildren and their spouses- Robert Bruce Northridge, Desiree and Kelly Harris, Tina and Butch Papania, Kari and Craig Cobb, Darren and Sandy Herrington; his siblings and their spouses- Keith and Debbie Northridge, Kevin and Vicki Northridge, Mike Northridge and Sara Barakat, Cindy and Danny Mendoza, and sister-in-law Sharon (Jim); numerous nieces, nephews, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, cousins, and other family and friends.

A Celebration of Life service is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 2, at St. Rose de Lima Catholic Church, 301 S. Necaise Avenue, Bay St Louis. After the service friends and family are invited to celebrate Bruce's life and share wonderful memories of him. The location will be announced at the service.

In accordance with his wishes, donations in Bruce’s memory may be made to St. Rose de Lima church using the following link: https://www.strosedelimabsl.org/give.

Edmond Fahey Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Bruce William Northridge.