The Rev. Dr. Bruce Nickerson, 84, of Bedford, died April 10, 2023.

He was born in Boston on June 8, 1938 and was the son of the late Bernard E. and Edith E. (Drew) Nickerson.

He received his associate degree in mechanical engineering and his Bachelor of Science and master's degree in English and doctorate in folklore.

Rev. Nickerson has worked variously as a machinist, engineer, manager of technical writing and as an industry consultant, and faculty at Northeastern University.

He was ordained as a Deacon in the Episcopal Church in 1990 and served congregation in Woonsocket, RI, Somerville, Wilmington, Cambridge and Chelmsford. He also had been involved with prison ministry in Cambridge and Concord and street ministry in Cambridge for many years.

His work has been published in several academic journals. His "Is There a Folk in the Factory" article, published in the Journal of American Folklore, is considered a seminal article in the field of industrial folklore. His articles also appear in a number of standard texts on American Folklore. He coauthored the study "new and Emerging Occupations" for Contract Research Corporation.

He was the husband of the late Joanna (Doob) Nickerson, father of Rebecca Johnson (Ernie) of Wallkill, NY, Robert (Karrie) of Suffolk, VA, Jonathan of Cambridge, Elizabeth Ellison (Kendall) of Phoenix and the late Timothy. Brother of Lorna Olson of Washington, IA, grandfather of Nicole, Terina, Jennifer and Ethan, great grandfather of Vincenzo and Cataleya. He is also survived by his first wife Barbara, who remains a beloved member of his family.

A Memorial Eucharist will be held at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 100 Pine Hill Rd., Bedford, on Saturday, May 6 at 10:30 a.m., followed by interment in the Memorial Garden.

Memorial contributions can be made to St. Paul's Church, 100 Pine Hill Road, Bedford MA 10730 or  www.stpaulsbedford.org/donate.