Samuel “Bruce” Dangerfield

Samuel Bruce Dangerfield, known to most simply as Bruce, passed away peacefully on June 16, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. Born on November 13, 1942, in Charleston, South Carolina, Bruce lived a life dedicated to service, education, and his community.

He was the son of Samuel Horace Dangerfield and Florence Eugenia Lysaght and shared a loving marriage with his wife, Loretta, until her passing five years ago. Together they built a family and a life filled with love, service, and adventure.

Bruce proudly served in the United States Army before beginning a career devoted to helping others. Throughout his life he worked as an ambulance driver, a USDA Fruit Inspector, an employee at Piper Aircraft, and a school bus driver for the Indian River County School District.

He was perhaps best known for his 16 years with the Vero Beach Police Department as an Animal Control Officer, where his compassion, knowledge, and dedication earned him the distinction of Florida Animal Control Officer of the Year in 2009.

Bruce’s passion for wildlife extended far beyond his career. For more than 50 years, he served as Director of the Vero Beach High School Chain Gang and became a trusted resource throughout Indian River County, assisting law enforcement with venomous snake calls and nuisance wildlife. He devoted countless hours to educating residents about Florida’s native wildlife, teaching that every species plays an important role in the ecosystem. For more than 20 years, he also presented herpetology programs for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Becoming an Outdoors Woman classes.

Away from work, Bruce loved playing softball throughout Florida well into his 60s and often spoke proudly of those years. Later in life, he fulfilled a lifelong dream by purchasing his horse, Rattler. Along with his faithful dog, Rudy, they spent countless days together enjoying the simple life. Bruce continued sharing his love of animals by educating others on the humane treatment of homeless and injured animals and inspiring respect for all wildlife.

Bruce was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Loretta Dangerfield, and his beloved son, David Dangerfield.

He is survived by his loving companion, Ilka Marika Daniel, whose love, companionship, and unwavering support brought him great happiness in his later years; his children, Torri Crummel, Brad Scher, Lauralee Lawrence; his grandchildren, Chris (Amber) Dangerfield, Bryce, Alyssa, Blake, and Jake; and his cherished great-granddaughter, Aurora, who was born just five months before his passing.

Bruce will be remembered not only for his extraordinary knowledge of wildlife but also for his generosity, his willingness to help anyone in need, and his passion for teaching others. Whether responding to a snake call, volunteering on a Friday night under the stadium lights, or sharing his love of Florida’s wildlife with a curious child, Bruce left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him. His legacy lives on through the countless people he educated, the community he faithfully served for more than five decades, and the family and friends who loved him dearly.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Hounds and Heroes ( https://www.awesomegreyhoundadoptions.org/ )  in honor of Bruce and in loving memory of his son, David. Donations may be made through Awesome Greyhound Adoptions (Hounds and Heroes) via Zelle at 561-737-1941 or by email at AwesomeGreyhoundAdoptions@gmail.com. Online condolences may be shared through Lowther Funeral Home.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Bruce’s life on Saturday, July 18, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Polish American Social Club of Vero Beach, 7500 US-1, Vero Beach, FL 32967

Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.