Bruce VanAken Plath, 79, of Fulton passed away Sunday, September 6, 2026. He was born May 5, 1947 in Schenectady to Walter and Katherine VanAken Plath. Bruce was a graduate of Niskayuna High School, Class of ’65. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Business from New England College in New Hampshire. Bruce was employed at Prudential Insurance for 10 years and then began a successful career in real estate.

       Bruce shared a love of playing and watching sports with his family. He was an avid fan of Syracuse University football and soccer, he especially loved watching his children and grandsons participate in sports. Bruce had a true passion for the game of Golf and had been a league member of both Tamarac Golf Club and Stone Creek Golf Club. He was a member of the Fulton Y.M.C.A. and had been a FIFA certified High School Soccer Referee.

       Above all else, Bruce’s greatest love was his family. He cherished every moment spent with them, especially the precious time spent with his grandsons. He also enjoyed his weekly Friday night dinners at the Foursome Diner, a tradition he looked forward to each week.

       Bruce attended Holy Trinity Church with his wife, Chris. He will be remembered for his love of family, his passion for sports and golf, and the many friendships and memories he created throughout his life. Most of all, he will be deeply missed by those who were fortunate enough to know and love him.

       He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Christine Plath; his son, David Plath of Baldwinsville; his daughters, Deanna (Tim) Kirk of Baldwinsville and Elizabeth (Terry) Stoddard of Fulton; his sisters, Gail (Sam Senich) Plath of South Carolina and Diane (Peter) Bowen of North Carolina; three grandsons, Ethan, Elijah and Alex.

       A memorial service will be held at 4 p.m., Thursday, September 17, 2026 at Brown Funeral Home, 21 Flood Drive in Fulton. There are no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Bruce’s memory may be made to the Food Bank of Central New York, 7066 Interstate Island Road, Syracuse, NY 13209 or online at https://give.foodbankcny.org/site/Donation2. Condolences for the Plath family may be shared at www.brownfuneralhomefulton.com.