Bruce "Bucky" Latulipe

Torrington — Bruce “Bucky” Elmore Latulipe passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 30, 2025, at his home in Torrington, the city where he was born and lived his entire life.

Born on December 28, 1936, Bucky was the son of the late Edgar “Jiffy” Latulipe and Viola Leonard Latulipe. From an early age, it was clear that his life would center around automobiles. Family lore has it that as a child, he disassembled—and successfully reassembled—a carburetor right in the family kitchen. Bucky learned the trade from his father, working side by side with him from a young age at Jiffy Latulipe’s Garage. In those early years, he worked on the popular cars of the day, developing a particular expertise with Hudsons. As Hudsons became less common, he transitioned to air- cooled Volkswagens, including a short stint at VanZyll Motors, where he met co-workers who became lifelong friends. He often said that the years spent working alongside his dad were “the best years of his life.” Bucky later worked at Kay’s Hardware in Watertown before leaving to care for his father during his illness. He went on to spend ten years as a machinist at The Torrington Company, where he retired.

For more than 50 years, Bucky was a proud lifetime member of the Torrington Elks Lodge. He was also a lifelong member of the Litchfield Hills Antique Automobile Club, where he volunteered his time at the annual August car show. His passion for antique automobiles extended not only to Hudsons and Volkswagens, but also to Chryslers and Vespa motor scooters. He loved attending car shows and swap meets, including Carlisle, Macungie, and Hershey, PA, every Fall, where he gained many friends across the country.

He enjoyed spending time with his friends and family, especially at functions around picnics and potluck events, where he could really take the time to talk with people and catch up. He lit up when sharing his vast knowledge of Torrington history, family history, and all things mechanical with others.

Bucky leaves behind his two daughters, Renee Gregory Malo and her husband Mike, of Watertown; and Cara Weigold and her husband Richard, of West Cornwall; as well as four beloved grandchildren—Logan Gregory (Catie), Henna Gregory, Mason Weigold, and Alden Weigold. He is also survived by his brother, Edgar and wife Joan; his cousin Carol Mucha and husband Rudi; his cousin Gene Trivaudey and wife Mary Lou of East Litchfield; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his two sisters, Eleanor Barbaret and Barbara Latulipe. The family would also like to thank and make special mention of his dear friends: Chuck Ackerman, Hans Bodegraven, Fred Fiore, George Grohs, John Milanese, Chuck Pisconski, Brandon Post, and George Sesko. The family also wishes to thank the team at Hartford Healthcare at Home/Hospice for all their support and guidance.

Friends may call on Thursday, December 11, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Gleeson-Ryan Funeral Home, 258 Prospect St., Torrington. A memorial service will be held at 12:00 p.m. Burial will be private at a later date. If the weather cooperates, the family warmly invites visitors to arrive in their Volkswagen or classic car; nothing would have made Bucky happier than being surrounded by the vehicles he loved.

At the request of the family, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the First United Methodist Church, 21 Fern Drive, Torrington, to the Book of Remembrance in memory of Bruce Latulipe. Online donations can be made at https://secure.myvanco.com/L-Z7BX/campaign/C-13PY6.

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