Dr. Bruce Joseph Chester's Obituary
Dr. Bruce Joseph Chester, a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, passed away on August 31, 2025, at the age of 69.
Born August 15, 1956, in Havre de Grace, MD, to Dr. William “Denny” and Mary “Joanne” (nee - Helman) Chester.
Bruce was raised in Kingsville, MD. He spent his early years playing with his siblings in perpetual motion – playing soccer, Golf, and downhill Skiing. He graduated from Perry Hall High School in 1974, and from Shepherd College with a Bachelor of Arts in Physical Education soon thereafter. Bruce found his calling in California, graduating from Life Chiropractic College - West in 1992 with a Doctor of Chiropractic.
In addition to his private practice – Chester Chiropractic and Alliance Family Chiropractic, Bruce was a faculty member at Life West for 33 fun-filled years. Bruce taught in the Health Center and Technique departments, serving as Chair of Technique from 2006 to 2014 and Dean of Clinical Competency from 2014 to 2024. His last role was serving as the Director of the Technology Training Center. Bruce loved helping his thousands of patients to improve their lives and find joy in their bodies. He retired from private practice on August 30, 2025.
Bruce served as the team Chiropractor for the Oakland Athletics from 2014 through 2024, he referred to this as his celebrity job. He treated many of the sports legends like Hall of Famer Ricky Henderson and former general manager Billy Beane.
Additionally, after playing with and being the team Chiropractor for the Hayward Giffins Rugby Team, Bruce and his colleague, Dr. Brian Kelly, established the Life West Men’s Rugby team in 2013 followed by the women’s team in 2015. Bruce was incredibly proud and instrumental in the teams success including an undefeated inaugural season that culminated in winning the Northern California, Pacific North West and Western Conference Championship titles, and second place at the 2014 USA Rugby National Championship.
Bruce’s sharp wit, sportsmanship, and unwavering commitment to friends ensured he was loved by all.
Outside of his professional life, Bruce was known for his love of golf, photography of nature, his spectacular skill at the grill, an incredible variety of Hawaiian shirts, and his deep appreciation for Maryland crabs. He cherished time spent with family and friends, and he approached life with humor, passion, and heart.
When Bruce married Mabelis, he didn’t just get the love of his life, he also got an extended family. Bruce treasured being the lone Irishman included in the Melgar family gatherings. He embraced his in-laws with love, humor, and endless bar-be-ques – winning them over,
one perfectly cooked steak at a time. The blended family enjoyed holidays together, with Bruce bringing Maryland traditions to Mabelis’ west coast family.
Bruce’s passion for photography led to a joyful hobby with Mabelis of chasing rainbows and sunsets, particularly on vacations in Hawaii. On April Fools’ Day 2025, Bruce realized his life-long dream of photographing Kilauea volcano erupting. His passion went with him wherever his professional and personal endeavors led. On a volunteer trip to India, sponsored by Life West, Bruce made some of his most compelling photographs.
Bruce would often comment that his greatest point of pride was his daughter, Karly. Bruce would tell anyone who would listen, that while his daughter was smarter than he, she got her wit from him! His love for his daughter was matched only by pride in her accomplishments – from childhood sandcastles on beach vacations to her graduation from a top tier engineering program. When Karly married Adrian, and then became a mother, Bruce reveled in his new roles as father-in-law and grandpa. The ultimate teddy bear for Liam, Emmersyn, and Piper, Bruce found even greater depths of love for his grandchildren – and never missed a chance to instill a love of golf and soccer, one putt-putt course and soccer field at a time. As a father-in-law, Bruce sought out the cheesiest t-shirts for Adrian to wear, “Abby Normal” from Young Frankenstein being the most recent addition to a vast collection.
Bruce and Mabelis were looking forward to spending their retirement at their home in Pinehurst, North Carolina where Bruce had sentimental and valued memories of golf trips with his Father. Bruce and his best friend, of more than 65 years, Dr. James “Jimmy” Kleman, often talked about the life they were preparing for in their retirement as neighbors in Pinehurst. Bruce looked forward to being closer to his daughter Karly on the East Coast and getting to play Santa for his beloved grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his loving family which include his wife, Mabelis Melgar-Chester; daughter, Karly (Adrian) Chester Etzel; three grandchildren, William “Liam”, Emersyn, and Piper; his brother Brian (Veronica) Chester, and sister Audrey “Aubby” Chester McCann; his nephew Christopher (Sarah) and their children Jacob and Grace; and his beloved fur baby, his dog, Kona. Bruce had a gift of making all his friends feel loved – and they were, each and every one of them! He adored hosting his friends, family, and the occasional stranger from the street for a party/dinner – always bringing folks from different circles together. He will be missed by all.
Dr. Bruce Chester’s passion for service was reflected in his long-time support of Toys for Tots in Alameda County, where he touched the lives of many families. To continue his
legacy of giving, the family asks that contributions be made to Toys for Tots Alameda County or any non-profit organization in his honor. Make a donation for Toys for Tots Alameda here: https://shorturl.at/0O5eJ
Please, share photos and videos of your memories with Bruce by following this link: http://bit.ly/46i3NB3
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