At the funeral for former Westbrook Mayor Bruce L. Chuluda, friends and family recall his impact on the city.

At his funeral last week, former Westbrook Mayor Bruce L. Chuluda was remembered for his service to Westbrook and his commitment to family.

The funeral, held March 20 at the Westbrook-Warren Congregational Church, was highlighted by emotional speeches by city officials and longtime friends, and heartfelt poems by family.

Chuluda died suddenly at home on Sunday, March 15, at the age of 66. He served three terms as Westbrook’s mayor, and prior to that was involved in numerous community organizations and was a city councilor.

The Rev. Ed DeLong, who led the service, was also a friend of Chuluda’s.

“We are fortunate today that a number of family, friends and colleagues have offered to participate in the service,” he said.

Phil Spiller Jr., the son of the late Westbrook Mayor Phil Spiller, who died 10 years ago this month, presented a reading during the service, but also spoke about his relationship with Chuluda. Spiller also graduated from Westbrook High School just ahead of Chuluda’s daughter, Lisa.

“She and I have shared the bond of being the children of the only two Republican mayors since I was born in 1973,” he said. “I would like to extend my deepest condolences to the entire Chuluda family. Today he would not only want us to mourn his loss, but also to celebrate life itself.”

Mayor Colleen Hilton, reflecting on her time working with Chuluda on the opposite side of the political spectrum, shared a quote from President Dwight Eisenhower.

“Extremes to the right and to the left of any political dispute are always wrong,” she said. “I think Bruce knew this, and sought middle ground so that, as a community, we could thrive and prosper.”

Also adding remarks to the service was City Administrator Jerre Bryant, who worked for Chuluda during his six years as mayor. Bryant recalled the time when Chuluda, who had challenged past initiatives brought forward by the administration, beat Don Esty for mayor in 2003 and became his new boss.

“I was prepared for an interesting and potentially challenging transition,” he said. “Any concerns I might’ve had were unwarranted. Bruce was an outstanding person to work with and for.”

Bryant also recalled the time, roughly six months into Chuluda’s first term, when Chuluda admitted to Bryant that he didn’t vote to hire him as city administrator.

“I was shocked, and apparently my facial expression didn’t hide my surprise,” he said to laughter. “Bruce immediately followed up with, ‘I was wrong.’”

“My life has been greatly enriched by having known, worked with, and spent time with Bruce Chuluda,” he added.

Also speaking was longtime friend Krista Martin, who worked with Chuluda in helping with Westbrook Together Day, the popular community event. Martin talked about Chuluda’s big presence and booming laugh.

Local radio show host Ray Richardson, also a family friend, recalled working with Chuluda on his campaigns for local office. He said they would frequent Casa Novella to discuss all things Westbrook.

“We always talked about how you define a person. I think the way you do that is ask if they made a difference,” he said. “I think everyone in this room and everyone in this community would agree that with the time God gave Bruce, he made things better.”

Alison McClure, who was in a relationship with Chuluda for four years prior to his death, recounted her days with him, sharing stories about how they met and their annual trips to bluegrass festivals.

Chuluda’s wife, Victoria, died in 2007. She was a longtime librarian in Westbrook schools.

Richardson called Bruce, Victoria and their daughter Lisa the “Three Musketeers,” who would always stand up for each other, and noted the closeness of the family.

Lisa Chuluda and her daughter, Madison, took the podium last.

Bruce Chuluda