Bruce Baff, a long-time marketing and advertising executive and travel writer for Jewish publications, passed away on June 11, 2025, at the age of 86. Bruce was the beloved husband of Natalie Goulston Baff, to whom he was married for 53 years, a loving father to his daughter Arlene Yoskowitz and his son, Adam Baff and his wife, Maia, and the adored grandfather of grandchildren Sivan, Eden, Golan, Eli and Owen.

Bruce was a warm, friendly, and kind person who was interested in everything related to the world, other people and the human condition. He was intensely curious about others, their points of view and perspectives, and he cared deeply not only about his family, but also about his friends, his work associates and the many people he encountered and spent time with during his long and productive life. Bruce was sensitive and emotional–people and events touched him in profound ways, and he was not shy to feel things deeply and express his emotions to others.

Bruce did everything with an intensity that belied his calm exterior.  He threw himself into all of his activities, work and extracurricular, with enthusiasm and abandon. Beyond that, Bruce found the humor in all things, big and small. He joked about everything, casual and serious matters, and he found the kernel of humor even at the most serious moments. Even later in life, when he had many physical challenges, he still retained his unique ability to joke about things, poke fun and find the pun, the innuendo, the double entendre in any situation. Bruce brought light where there was darkness. He radiated a love of life and an appreciation for the many experiences he enjoyed throughout his life.

Bruce was born to Abraham and Mae Baff on March 27, 1939. His father, Abraham, was an inventor who had over 60 patents, including the precursor to the ball point pen. Abraham’s inventions and items were in every Woolworths store in the northeast. Abraham died when Bruce was only six years old, leaving Mae to raise Bruce to adulthood. Bruce spoke often and movingly about his father who made a deep impression on him even though he was just a young child when his father passed away. Bruce became intensely protective of Mae and devoted himself to her, taking care of her and spending time with her, in her later years.

Bruce grew up in Kearny, New Jersey and attended Kearny High School, where he excelled as a student, acted in many student productions and received many awards for his leadership and scholarship. Bruce honed his acting and producing skills at summer camps where he enjoyed sports, acting, radio announcing and all manner of artistic expression.

Bruce then went on to Syracuse University where he began his career as a newscaster. He also created Syra-Quiz, an original and very popular quiz show which was broadcast over WAER Radio. Bruce was the Quiz Master for the show every week and the Chief Announcer for WAER. Both Bruce and Ted Koppel were Senior Managers of the WAER Radio Station. Bruce interviewed many newsworthy visitors. When Harry Truman visited Syracuse, Bruce asked him a question which made the front page of the local newspaper. Bruce also developed and delivered many interesting presentations on the radio station, including a presentation on the history of Syracuse University on one of its landmark anniversaries. Bruce graduated Magna Cum Laude from Syracuse University and received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Speech with a major in Radio-Television. He was also Valedictorian of his college at Syracuse University.

After college graduation, Bruce worked for the Mike Wallace Show, then joined the National Guard. When he returned from his tour of duty, he joined NBC Productions working with many celebrities on quiz shows. During the twelve day AFTRA (American Federation of Television and Radio Actors) strike, NBC put Bruce on air for all the drive-time newscasts and commercials.

Bruce moved on to become Vice President of Advertising and Marketing for the Joseph Jacobs company which spearheaded advertising for Jewish publications throughout the United States and Canada. Bruce had a broad spectrum of talents– he wrote much of the advertising material and many original programs for the company. Bruce was in charge of the company’s efforts that successfully obtained millions of dollars in Holocaust restitution payments for Holocaust survivors.

Bruce continued his marketing activities independently after retiring from Joseph Jacobs. He was also a travel writer who created “Jewish Travelogue” where his articles were published in many Jewish newspapers and magazines throughout the United States and Canada. Bruce had a sonorous, beautiful voice, and he did voice-overs for many years, even after he retired. Bruce was also a poet who often wrote about things that moved him in his daily life. (See his poem Connection, published 1/12/2023.)

Bruce brought much joy to his family and friends, and he will be sorely missed. His legacy lives on in his children and grandchildren who had the privilege and joy of spending time with him. Contributions in Bruce’s memory can be made to The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, The American Friends of Magen David Adom and Congregation Shomrei Emunah in Montclair, New Jersey.