Bruce P. Emra

Bruce Philbrick Emra of Greer, South Carolina, (previously of Glen Rock, Ramsey, and Mahwah, New Jersey), died on August 26, 2026, at age 81. Loving husband of Barbara (Bobbi) Emra of Greer, South Carolina; father of Julie Emra (Jake Engels) of Ypsilanti, Michigan; stepfather of Meghan Carli (Dan) of Chicago, Illinois, Jamie Corbet (Chris Sperruzzio) of Mahwah, New Jersey, and Devon Corbet (K.C. Dutcher) of Santa Fe, New Mexico, and grandfather of seven grandchildren (Kavi, Naveen, James, Liam, Caleb, Theo, Owen). Bruce was predeceased by his brother, John Robin Emra. He is also survived by his dear nieces, Susan Butka (Paul) and Lynn Emra and his nephew, John R. Emra (Susannah) as well as his sister-in-law, Alice Emra. Born and raised in Glen Rock, New Jersey, Bruce kept close ties to his high school class (Glen Rock, Class of 1963), where he found lifelong friendship and deep comfort. He started his college career at Middlebury College in Vermont, because of his love for Lake Champlain and his family’s memorable experiences at Owl’s Head Harbor. But being so far away from home, especially from his mother, Sally, did not suit him. He returned to his mother’s home in Glen Rock as he attended New York University, and graduated from NYU with both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Immediately after graduating, he began his legendary career at Northern Highlands Regional High School, where he taught English for 52 years, the longest teaching career at the school to date. Bruce, commonly known as “Mr. Emra,” was a staple of the northern New Jersey community, encountering students, colleagues, friends, and neighbors everywhere he went. He taught his students’ children and even some grandchildren in his remarkable career. He connected students with arts and culture by organizing yearly trips to New York City to see both on- and off-Broadway performances, as well as bringing in celebrities to the school such as Don McClean, Harry Chapin, Jean Shepherd, and Robert Klein. During his time at Highlands, he took a sabbatical to follow the New York Yankees with a press pass, and Reggie Jackson even donated a pair of his pinstripe pants to Bruce. His writing has been published in the New York Times, and he published three collections of literature with accompanying teacher guides: Sports in Literature and Coming of Age (Volumes 1 and 2) in which he included student writing alongside published writing. In May 2025, Bruce Emra was inducted into the Northern Highlands Hall of Fame. It is not uncommon to hear from former students that he took the time to listen, take an interest, and really see them, often inspiring them in their chosen paths. While he loved playing tennis, listening to folk music, and seeing shows in New York City, there was no greater love to Mr. Emra than teaching. He will be so deeply missed by all who knew him. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Performing Arts School at the bergenPAC (https://www.bergenpac.org/support-bergenpac/donate), an organization that supports the arts for children and in schools across New Jersey, or to the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum (https://www.lcmm.org/donate/). A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 10, 2026, at 10:30 a.m., at the Unitarian Society of Ridgewood, 113 Cottage Place, Ridgewood, New Jersey 07450. Online condolences may be made at www.thewoodmortuary.com.

Bruce P. Emra

July 5, 1945 - August 26, 2026