Bruce Hotz, 65, passed away on January 22, 2024, in Orlando, Florida. He was born on December 6, 1958, in Phoenix, Arizona, to George Hotz and June Kunz.
Bruce graduated from High School in Sterling Heights, MI in 1977. He then enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served as an Electronic Technician on ballistic submarines at Pearl Harbor, HI. He was also attached to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in Monterey, CA; the Fleet Deception Group in Coronado, CA, and was an instructor at the San Diego Naval Training Center before his retirement in 1999. He was awarded the Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Award, a National Defense Service Medal, an Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, two Sea Service Deployment Ribbons, two Navy “E” Ribbons, and a 4th Good Conduct Award prior to his retirement.
Bruce married Shelley Bower on June 17, 1978, and they spent the next 45 years traveling together. He was best known for his love of aviation and all things related to flying, including model airplanes, designing, and building airplanes and gliders. One of his proudest achievements was finally being able to earn his private pilot’s license after he retired from the Navy. He was a life-long member of the Experimental Aircraft Association, belonging to the Orlando Chapter #74, and the Titusville “Smilin’ Jack” Chapter #866. Bruce was also a member of the Sports Car Club of America and held a track record for his racing class at the Phoenix raceway for many years. He loved to fish when he got the chance and always had a story about the big one that got away.
Bruce is survived by his spouse, Shelley, of Orlando; his twin sister, Cathy Perrins, of Honoka’a, HI; his sister, Sheryl Dunham, of Kansas City, MO; his brother, Alan Hotz, of Branson, MO, his brother, David Hotz, of Kansas City, MO; his many nephews, nieces, great-nephews, and great-nieces. Bruce was preceded in death by his father, George Hotz.
Services will be held on Sunday, January 28, 2024, beginning with visitation at 2:30 p.m. and the memorial service starting at 3:00 p.m. Internment will be at 9:00 a.m. on Monday, January 29, 2024, at the Cape Canaveral National Cemetary.