Bruce L. Maki

GUILDERLAND - Bruce Lawrence Maki, 78, of Guilderland, passed away on Wednesday, March 25, 2026. Bruce was born November 6, 1947 in Albany, the son of the late Edward W. Maki and Helen C. O'Rourke Maki. He graduated from St. Margaret Mary's, Guilderland High School, and Hudson Valley Community College. He served in the U.S. Army National Guard and was employed for a time by the Schaefer Brewery, and then for many years as a stationary engineer at the Harriman Campus at Albany. Bruce was a talented multi-sport athlete, but a standout baseball player who played in the 1968 NJCAA World Series in Grand Junction, Co, Albany Twilight League, and was scouted by the Royals and Reds. He later served as assistant football and head baseball coach at Niskayuna High School (1994 baseball sectional champs). He also coached his son's teams at the Pine Bush Little League. Bruce's devotion to sports more recently included supporting his kids competitive swimming throughout the east coast, and his grandkids at various fields, courts, and cheer mats. He had a strong love of thoroughbreds and spent many days at the Saratoga Race track, where signage designates "Bruce's Corner". He attended several Kentucky Derbys and held an annual derby party at his home. In retirement, he worked at Plaza 15 Storage, and served as a bartender at Pine Haven Country Club and the Guilderland Elks, where he was a member.

Bruce is survived by his beloved wife Nancy Witkowski Maki; his children Kristin Graham (Jeff) of Voorheesville, and Bruce E. Maki of Amherst; his siblings Donald Maki (Gloria) of Guilderland, Jimmy Maki (Vicki) of Ravena, and Helene Hendrickson of Ballston Spa; his grandchildren twins Alexander and Avery and Tyler Graham; and by many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was predeceased by his siblings Edward Maki, Jane Tyrrell, Jack Maki, Rosemary Mesick, Donna van den Houten, Victor Maki, and Mike Maki.

Relatives and friends are invited to calling hours in the Hans Funeral Home, 1088 Western Ave., Albany, Monday, March 30th, from 3-7 p.m. and to a Mass of Christian Burial on Tuesday, March 31st at 10:30 a.m. in St. Madeleine Sophie Church, 3500 Carman Rd, Schenectady. Interment will be in Our Lady of Angels Cemetery, Colonie. To leave a message of condolence for the family, please visit www.HansFuneralHome.com.