08/20/2026
In Memoriam of Bruce Yenny
The Syracuse Builders Exchange is deeply saddened to report the passing of Bruce Yenny, 82, a former Builders Exchange board member and the father of current Syracuse Builders Exchange President Karen Bellows.
Bruce was the owner of longtime Builders Exchange member B. F. Yenny Construction Company, Inc. He was a valued member of the Syracuse construction community, and his contributions and connection to the Builders Exchange will be remembered fondly.
Bruce began as a Syracuse paperboy when he was nine years old and he did not stop working until retirement in 2005. He was a member of the Class of 1961 at Syracuse Central Technical High School and attended Alfred University. Bruce was a true self-made entrepreneur whose intellect and work ethic built a successful career in the commercial construction industry, eventually as the owner of B.F. Yenny Construction Co, Inc. Many employees became like family as local buildings were built or renovated under the guidance of Bruce’s capable and fair management during his career.
People and relationships were important to him. He had a remarkable ability to connect with and be a friend to everyone he met throughout his life. If you knew Bruce, you have stories!
Bruce was deeply committed to giving back to his community. He was a past member of Bellevue Heights UMC since he was a teen where he met his wife, Kay, and later Marcellus United Methodist Church. He served on the Board of Trustees for both. Bruce felt fulfilled during his time advising Marcellus UMC Youth Fellowship, many of whose friendships continue to adulthood today. He dedicated countless hours to helping others and was always looking for ways to make a difference in the lives of those around him. Bruce was a past Board Member at Hope for the Bereaved .
This would be incomplete without mentioning Bruce’s love of teddy bears, since he physically was like a large bear, intimidating at times with a big heart. Bruce began collecting bears in the 1970s and eventually amassed so many that they were donated to local charities or sent to people Bruce thought needed to know others cared for and were thinking of them. For many years fire departments, police stations, HOPE, and friends who needed it most have received donations or a bear selected with a personal note of love and comfort from the collection of Bruce F. Yenny.
Bruce is predeceased by his parents, L. Robert “Bob” Yenny and Jane Wood Yenny.
He is survived by and will be deeply missed by his best friend and wife of 62 years, Kay (Corey) Yenny, children, Robert (Christy) and their sons, Ryan and Rowan Yenny and Karen Yenny Bellows and her sons, Joel and Garrett Bruce Bellows (fiancé Elizabeth Hynds Scharoun) and siblings, Mark (Joan) Yenny, Gail (Richard) Shields, Robin (Gene) Brown and many beloved cousins, nieces and nephews.
Please join us to celebrate Bruce during funeral services held on Friday, August 21, 2026 at 11am at the Edward J. Ryan and Son Funeral Home, 3180 Bellevue Ave. Syracuse, NY 13219. Calling hours will be from 9 to 11am prior to the service at the funeral home. Burial will follow in Maple Grove, Cemetery, Jordan, NY.
In lieu of flowers time or monetary donations in Bruce’s memory may be made to the charity of your choice.
