Bruce G. Greenwood

Bruce Greenwood (1951–2026)

Bruce Greenwood (75) was born in Dumont, New Jersey, in 1951 to Julia Greenwood (Polomski) and George Greenwood.

Bruce had a lifelong passion for electrical work, cars, and anything he could build or repair with his hands. His first new car was a 1969 Firebird, which he raced at Raceway Park and Island Dragway, bringing home numerous trophies. His childhood resembled scenes from American Graffiti, delivering Sunday newspapers on his bicycle before graduating to a 1955 Chevy station wagon.

He began his career working at electric motor shops in Union City and Hackensack before attending Shell Gas Station School and opening his own service station on Route 4 in Fort Lee. After moving to Ramsey, he opened the Ramsey Amoco and Repair Shop at the corner of Main Street and North Spruce, where he became a familiar face in the community. He was a member of the NJ Gasoline Retailers Assocation and the NJ Association of Corvair Enthusiasts, Inc. (NJACE)

Following in his father's footsteps, Bruce joined the Ramsey Fire Department as a volunteer firefighter in 1983. Four years later, he became a volunteer EMT with the Ramsey Ambulance Corps and also joined the Ramsey Office of Emergency Management. Whether he was pumping gas, repairing cars, or responding to an emergency call, Bruce was always ready to help. Over the years, he served in countless leadership roles, including Deputy Emergency Management Coordinator, Fire Officer, Engineer, and Head Trustee, while wearing many other unofficial hats as someone the community could always depend on.

Bruce also served as Fire Inspector for the Borough of Ho-Ho-Kus and drove the Ramsey Senior Citizen Bus. In 2012, he sold the gas station and began a new career as an electrician with the New Jersey Department of Transportation, where he found great satisfaction maintaining the state's transportation infrastructure.

Bruce met Kathleen Cahill in 1986 while they were attending an EMT class at the Bergen County EMS Training Center. They married in 1991 and welcomed their son, Marc, in 1999. Marc proudly followed in his father's footsteps, serving as a volunteer EMT before becoming a Police Officer.

After retiring from the New Jersey Department of Transportation in 2024, Bruce devoted more time to the hobbies and people he loved. He enjoyed working on cars, repairing lawn mowers, and continuing his volunteer service with the Ramsey Ambulance Corps as a Driver and Head Trustee. In late 2025, Bruce was diagnosed with glioblastoma. Even while undergoing intensive treatment, he remained dedicated to the Ramsey Ambulance Corps, refusing to let his illness keep him from serving others.

Bruce will be remembered for his generosity, mechanical talent, unwavering commitment to public service, and willingness to help anyone in need. His legacy lives on through the family he loved, the organizations he faithfully served, and the countless lives he touched.

Bruce is survived by his beloved wife, Kathleen Cahill; his brother, Glenn Greenwood and his wife Maria; his sons, Marc Greenwood and Charles Greenwood and his wife, Dana; his four grandchildren; and his faithful furry companion, Penny.

Visitation will be held on Monday, July 6, 2026 from 4-8 PM at Van Emburgh-Sneider-Pernice Funeral Home, 109 Darlington Ave, Ramsey, NJ. A funeral service will be conducted on Tuesday, July 7, 2026 at 10:30 AM at the funeral home. Cremation will be private. 

In lieu of flowers, tax-deductible donations in Bruce's memory may be made to the Ramsey Ambulance Corps, 41 South Island Avenue, Ramsey, NJ 07446.

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