Bruce Aitken Sossaman

Bruce Aitken Sossaman passed away, peacefully, on Sunday September 16, 2018, at the age of 88 years. He was born on June 13, 1930, in New Orleans, Louisiana to the late Sylvanus Sossaman and Grace Aitken Booth. He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Frances Torre Sossaman of more than 60 years. Survivors include his children, Bruce P. Sossaman (wife, Lizette) and Craig S. Sossaman (wife, Shali); four grandchildren, Allain Sossaman, Torre Sossaman, Emily Sossaman and Grace Sossaman.
Bruce was a professional communicator whose career has been almost exclusively in the public sector. After studying journalism and communications at Loyola University in New Orleans, he entered in the U.S. Air Force. He was dispatched to Tokyo, Japan, where, as an information specialist he wrote psychological warfare materials for broadcast over the Military’s Far East Network.
He later served in South Korea during the final phases of combat until returning state-side for duty with the Strategic Air Command.
After leaving the military service he was named the public affairs director of the Army Corps of Engineers’ New Orleans District. He was cited for his outstanding actions following the disastrous Hurricane Betsy flooding of costal Louisiana, and the 1973 Mississippi River flood. He was also commended for his production of a documentary film on Mississippi River course changes which won international awards.
Prior to retiring, he was awarded the Department of the Army Decoration for Meritorious Civilian Service.
In retirement he joined the Teen Life Counts, Jewish Family Services of Greater New Orleans program as a volunteer instructor. The program entails going into New Orleans regional area high schools, presenting 2 to 4 day programs on suicide awareness and prevention. He was active in the program for some 17 years.
He will be greatly missed by all of those who knew him.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend the visitation at Greenwood Funeral Home, 5200 Canal Blvd., New Orleans on 29th day of September, 2018, starting at 10:00 AM, followed by a Funeral Service at 11:00 AM. Burial will follow in Greenwood Cemetery Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Teen Life Counts, Jewish Family Services of Greater New Orleans.

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