Update includes memorial service information.
BLOOMFIELD, NJ (updated Thursday Oct. 12, 11:32 a.m.) – Bruce Arlett, the longtime Bloomfield High School athletic events public address announcer who was affectionately known as “The Voice of the Bengals,” died Oct. 7 after battling a long illness. He was 57.
Arlett’s passion for Bengals sports was reflected in his job as a P.A. announcer at Foley Field for football games and at other BHS sporting events. Many Bloomfield High School fans were treated to his enthusiastic announcing.
Indeed, Arlett will sorely be missed by the Bloomfield community.
“The entire Bengal athletic family is struggling to deal with the loss of such a great man,” BHS Athletic Director Steve Jenkins wrote in an email to The Independent Press. “He will remain in our hearts forever.”
Beside BHS teams, Arlett also was a fan of the New York Giants, New York Yankees and New York Rangers.
BHS head football coach Mike Carter cherished Artlett for his support and passion for the Bengals football program and shared some fond memories.
“Bloomfield has lost a great friend in Bruce Arlett,” Carter said. “Bruce and his family have been some of our greatest supporters. The Bengals thank the Arletts for that.
“As a coach, one of my fondest memories came when Bruce was first battling his disease and recovering. He would come down to the field and sit on picnic tables by the skate park to watch practice. His son, Duncan, was our punter, and James Hull was our kicker – two excellent kickers. We gave the boys a practice plan each day.In that plan was normal drills, as well as Duncan and James sitting down and talking Yankees, Mets, Giants, Jets, Rutgers, whatever, with Mr. Arlett. He told our coaches later how much he appreciated that time.”
Arlett coached Midtown Little League T-Ball and Minors for many years. He also coached both boys and girls basketball at Berkeley School. While his children were in the William Foley Football League, he coached football. He also was given the opportunity to announce the games for the William Foley League. While he wasn’t announcing, he worked the concession stand for the William Foley games and for some of the high school games as well. He was the treasurer of the William Foley Football League for two years and served as president for three years. He was then given the opportunity to announce the BHS football games at Foley Field and was the “Voice of the Bengals” for more than 10 years.
In addition, Arlett was president of the Fifth Quarter Club for two years. During basketball, volleyball, and wrestling seasons, he worked the clock and did announcing.
In 2015, at the town’s annual Independence Day celebration, the Bloomfield Recreation Department presented Arlett with the Outstanding Citizen Award for his dedication and commitment to the youth of Bloomfield.
Michael Sceurman, Bloomfield Recreation Department Director, recalled Arlett’s love of Bloomfield and compassion for others.
“Bruce was a man of tremendous faith and a had deep love for his family, friends and Bloomfield, the township he called home,” Sceurman wrote in an email to The Independent Press. “When you saw him around town and he would give you a big smile, a handshake and a ‘what’s up, brother?’ When he asked about how you and your family were doing, he made you feel that your response was important to him. He was a kind and sincere person.That is why everyone loved being in his company.”
A memorial service will be held Saturday, Oct. 28, at 4 p.m. at Foley Field. In case of inclement weather it will take place at Bloomfield High School.
About the Author
