Obituary of R. Bruce Tatge

Robert “Bruce” Tatge, of Clifton Park, beloved husband of 68 years to the late Jane O. Tatge, passed away at home on Tuesday, April 19, 2022, with his family by his side. Bruce was born in Chicago, IL in 1928, the son of Edmund and Anna Meyer Tatge. He moved to Teaneck, NJ in 1940, graduating from Teaneck H.S. in 1946. He then studied electrical engineering at Lehigh University, graduating cum laude in 1949, with membership in the engineering society Tau Beta Pi. He then began studies for an M.S. in electrical engineering at M.I.T., graduating in 1951. He worked in the Acoustical Laboratory at M.I.T. from 1949 to 1954. In 1954 he accepted a position at the General Engineering Laboratory of General Electric in Schenectady. He transferred to the Gas Turbine Division in 1970 as Supervisor and then Manager of Acoustics. In 1975 he became manager of the Inlet and Exhaust Systems unit, with responsibility for inlet filter compartments, anti-icing systems, evaporative coolers, inlet and exhaust plenums, and ducting for the entire product line, while retaining responsibility for noise control. He retired from GE in 1988, after which he consulted for suppliers of enclosures and silencers to the gas turbine industry until 1993. During his working career he was active in writing both national and international noise standards, and was a director and vice-president of the Institute of Noise Control Engineering. He held five patents and was a Registered Professional Engineer in the State of New York. Bruce was an active member of the Gas Turbine retirees Friday Lunch Group. In 1953 he and Jane Osgood of Newton, MA were married at Trinity Church in Boston. After moving to Schenectady they had three children: Anne Tatge Green (husband Peter) of West Hartford, CT, David Bruce Tatge (wife Janette) of Herndon, VA and Robert Osgood Tatge (wife Rachael) of Cumberland, ME. He is survived by a brother-in-law, John C. Osgood of S. Hadley, MA, a sister-in-law, Mary Alice Osgood of S. Hadley, MA, his three children, seven grandchildren (Jeremy, Lauren, Jaclyn, Philip, William, Lindsey and Alison) and two great grandchildren (Cameron and James). Bruce’s civic activities have included being the Secretary of the Schenectady County Environmental Council, Assistant Scoutmaster of Troop 20 of East Glenville, member of the Town of Glenville Technical Advisory Committee, volunteer at the Schenectady Museum, Chairman of the Steering Committee of Union College Academy for Lifelong Learning (UCALL), and vestryman, Senior Warden and choir member at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Schenectady. He and Jane enjoyed traveling and learning with Elder Hostel, including more than a dozen overseas trips as well as domestic travel. Bruce was a true Renaissance man who was well versed in music, science and nature, world cultures, and world history. He had a lifelong interest in gardening which continued at Coburg Village. The train layout that he built was an engineering marvel and brought much joy to his children and grandchildren. The family wishes to thank Bruce and Jane’s caregivers; Nadia, Candie, Marissa, Nikki, Jordan, Liam, Destiny, and Melissa. Their loving care is greatly appreciated. A Eucharist of the Resurrection will be celebrated on Saturday, April 30, 2022 at 10 a.m. at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church. The family will greet family and friends following the service. A private burial will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Music Fund of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 1229 Baker Avenue, Schenectady, NY 12309 or The Appalachian Mountain Club, 10 City Square, Boston, MA 02129