Alston J. Brewster, affectionately known as “Bruce,” died on Sept. 18. A resident of Damascus, Md., Bruce was born on Dec. 16, 1944, on St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, to David Hamilton Brewster and Gladys Consuelo Malone who have preceded him in death.
An accomplished musician and entertainer from a very young age, Bruce spent his formative years traveling throughout the United States, the Caribbean and several foreign continents performing with notable musicians. He was a star member of Pedrito Altieri Steel Band for many years and recorded a hit original piece known as “Brewster Plays His Flute.”
In addition to his musical performances, Bruce was also a steelpan “maestro.” He made and tuned steel drums into musical instruments. He was also the musical director for Sts. Peter and Paul High School’s “Angels of Steel” steel orchestra. The communities of St. Thomas and St. Croix, Virgin Islands may remember him as a former national committeeman, avid car salesman and general manager for Bayard Motors.
Bruce was the beloved husband of Thelma Santiago Brewster; loving father of Alston J. Brewster Jr., Teryl Brewster, Sheraine Brewster-Spivey, Chimoy Richards, Eion (and Isaris) Callwood and Horace Callwood; grandfather of Vanessa, Jeremiah, Godner, Ashley, Mekhi, Jordan, T’Moy, Nimoy, Ariel, Aylani, Sabien and Kaley; great-grandfather of Nassiah, Nazir and Stori; and the brother of David A. Brewster, Sherrill A. Brewster-Angol (and Joseph P. Angol), Shellie E. Sampson, Gunevere A. Granum, Glendale A. Granum, Shermaine A. Henry and the late Randolph Brewster. Bruce is also survived by many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends and the Brewster family on St. Croix.
Tributes will be presented at 9 a.m. followed by a memorial service at 10:30 a.m., Friday, Oct. 12, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church Chapel.
