IN MEMORIAM: Labor attorney Bruce Feldacker

Prominent Labor attorney Bruce Feldacker passed away on Feb. 15, 2024, at the age of 83. He is survived by his loving wife of more than 60 years, Barbara Feldacker.

Bruce was a loving father and father-in-law of Robert (Valerie)Garver; Debbie (Rob) Granick; and Caryl Feldacker (Dan Grossman). He was a champion and cheerleader for his seven grandchildren, Jacob, Amy, Talia, Rachael, Eowyn, Matai and Natan. He was a loving brother to his sister, Linda (Barry) Pass, and proud uncle to his nephews, Greg (Yukari) Pass and Kevin (Libby) Pass. He was a dear friend, colleague, and mentor for many. Bruce was a champion of the underdog who sought justice for his clients and community – an activist to his core. He was a constant cheerleader for his family and friends – near and far – relishing a hearty laugh, a good-natured political debate, a lively party, and a delicious bowl of ice cream.

Bruce was born on June 26, 1940 to Morris and Mildred Feldacker. Born into a large, loud and loving family, he crafted his communication skills and showed his thirst for learning from an early age. He completed his B.A. at Washington University, his J.D. at University of Chicago School of Law and his L.L.M at Georgetown University Law Center.

Bruce served several years in the Army’s Judge Advocate General’s Corps (JAG) before starting a career in Labor and employment law in St. Louis in 1969. From 1996 to 2017, he also served as a mediator in over 600 cases including a broad range of employment and civil law issues.

Bruce taught diverse courses on employment law, collective bargaining, and mediation at St. Louis University Law School, George Meany Center for Labor Studies, Indiana University and Cornell University. Bruce authored five editions of “Labor Guide to Labor Law,” a widely-used reference for Labor studies. An avid Labor art collector and docent at the St. Louis Art Museum, The Bruce & Barbara Feldacker Labor Art Collection resides permanently at the Saint Louis Mercantile Library.

Funeral services were held Feb. 18 at Congregation Shaare Emeth, 11645 Ladue Road, with interment at New Mount Sinai Cemetery, 8430 Gravois Road, St. Louis. Contributions in his memory may be made to the Saint Louis Mercantile Library Association, EIN: 43-0694564 or the charity of your choice.