Family members are remembering 56-year-old Harry Odele Bruce as a father, teacher, minister, coach and author whose sons say he built his life around helping other people.Bruces sons, Kylon and Lorenzo Boothes, said their dad sp ent over a decade teaching at Roosevelt Middle School.Family identifies 56-year-old Milwaukee teacher as victim of fatal assault Family identifies 56-year-old Milwaukee teacher as victim of fatal assaultThe life he lived is not about him at all, Kylon said. He always worked to help everybody else, and it made himself happy. The brothers said that philosophy extended far beyond Bruces classroom. They recalled him giving students rides home, taking kids to football practice and spending his own money when students needed something.Bruce was also heavily involved in his faith. His sons said he would get up at 4 a.m. to pray, taught Sunday school and served through his church.At home, they remember a father who cooked, cracked jokes and constantly encouraged them. Growing up with my dad was amazing, Lorenzo said. He took on a responsibility that he didnt have to, and I will always be grateful for that.The brothers said Bruce was not their biological father, but he raised them as his own. They remember trips together, basketball games, conversations about faith and Bruces famous spaghetti recipe.Kylon said strangers would sometimes even tell the two they looked and acted alike.Bruce was an author, too. His sons said he wrote poetry and had published a book called Its About Time, using poems inspired by different parts of life to help people through challenges.Milwaukee Public Schools said Bruce was a beloved special education teacher who dedicated more than a decade to Roosevelt Middle School. In addition to teaching, the district said he served as a football coach, tutor and mentor.Roosevelt Principal Tiffany Fisher called Bruce a pillar of the Roosevelt community and said he made a lasting impact on students and families. The districts Crisis Response Team was at Roosevelt to support students and staff following his death.Bruce was killed following an assault near 12th and Walnut in Milwaukees Triangle North neighborhood. Police said the assault happened shortly after 5:30 p.m. Thursday.Bruce's sons say he was going to the bus stop to go help someone move.A 22-year-old man was taken into custody. Milwaukee police said the circumstances leading up to the assault remain under investigation. Police said the case will be referred to the Milwaukee County District Attorneys Office for possible charges.For Bruces sons, they hope the focus does not remain solely on how their father died.Instead, Lorenzo said he hopes people carry forward one of the lessons his dad lived by.I would say that takeaway would be to help people, Lorenzo said. You dont have to give everything that you have, but a little goes a long way.Its about time to watch on your time. Stream local news and weather 24/7 by searching for TMJ4 on your device.Available for download on Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, and more.Report a typo or error // Submit a news tip ...read more read less