Bruckner, Donald George

Deacon Donald G. Bruckner, LTC (Ret) USAF. Donald and his twin brother Ronald, were born June 12, 1933 to Lawrence and Mildred Bruckner in New York City. After attaining a degree in Electrical Engineering at Manhattan College. He entered the USAF where he became a pilot and later taught flying.

In July 1959 he married Elizabeth Buchheit and they were blessed with five children: Donald George Jr. married to Suzanne Wood, children Margaret, Joseph and Katherine; Stephen Michael (only lived one day); Geri Elizabeth married to Edwin J Kuster, children Shannon, Edwin, and Stephen; Thomas Joseph married Kathleen Aub; and Karen Maria.

Donald enjoyed learning and obtained multiple master's degrees and a PhD. After retiring from the USAF he worked at various companies specializing in the area of security.

In September 1972, Don was ordained a permanent deacon in the Archdiocese of Santa Fe. He was assigned to Aquinas Newman Center and subsequently to St. Joseph on the Rio Grande. He and his wife were very active in the marriage ministry. Later they became involved in the ministry of consolation.

Don was an Eagle Scout. He was involved with scouting for many years with both the Archdiocese & St. Joseph Parish.

Don was also an APD Chaplain and a chaplain at the airport. He was a great story teller and thoroughly enjoyed his ministry.

Don is survived by his wife, Elizabeth; their children, spouses and grandchildren; his twin brother, Father Ronald Bruckner; his younger brother Lawrence and his children James, Adam and Susan; and his youngest brother's child Donna.

He was predeceased by his youngest brother Michael.

The Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, February 11th at 10:30 AM at Saint Joseph on the Rio Grande, 5901 St. Joseph Drive NW, Albuquerque, NM 87120.

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the staff, nurses, and aides of La Vida Llena's Health Care. Their excellent care over the past two and half years has been nothing short of remarkable. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to either Casa Angelica or the Full Life Foundation at La Vida Llena.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Albuquerque Journal from Feb. 10 to Feb. 14, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Donald Bruckner

11 Entries

Marion Schneider

January 19, 2025

I remember din bruckner as regular gym strongman at the Kirtland Gyms.He was aolso an outstandng engineer at Kirtland AFB.
Marion Schneider

Decon Luis Casaus

February 7, 2020

Hello Elizabeth, it is always nice to visit with you in church, especially on the day or my Brother Deacon's anniversary Mass, I appreciate you asking for Emily and keeping us in your prayers, I also keep Deacon Donald and your family in my prayers.

Sue Noon

February 11, 2016

You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Your husband, father and brother was a great man! He was there for big moments in my world-the engagement of my parents, as my godfather at my baptism and officiating at my wedding. He will be missed, but his presence will always be felt in my heart. Hugs and kisses to all of you.

Kathy Bouffard

February 11, 2016

Dear Elizabeth and Family,

I became your baby sitter back in 1963 when I was in 7th grade! I remember one of the very first times I sat for you you had just left the house and a few minutes later there was a knock at the door. When I checked it was Mr. Bruckner. When I opened the door to let him in all the kids, especially Donnie, were yelling Hi Uncle Ron!! How could kids that young be pulling a prank on me! I had no idea Mr. Bruckner had a twin. A twin he was!

Over all the years of baby sitting Mr. Bruckner always walked me home when you lived around the corner from us and then when you moved he would pick me up and deliver me safely home each and every time. He was truly a gentleman, caring and kind. My heart hurts that he is no longer with us but I do know he is in heaven with my dad.

I had just learned of Mr. Bruckner's passing last night from my mother. Upon learning of the funeral today it was just too late to attend. I wish I could have been there as he was there when my dad passed.

You all are extremely loving memories in my life.

May God's Blessings be with you all at this sad time.

Love,

Kathy Bouffard

David Salazar

February 10, 2016

I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Bruckner when he came to a massage clinic, and for some time had me as his chosen therapist. He would always tell me stories of his time in the air force. One story that he would tell me practically on every visit. I still remember it and it still makes me laugh. It may be awkward that I was merely a massage therapist to him, but still, he must have made an impact on me if hearing of his passing has brought tears to my eyes. I will miss him dearly. Rest in peace Donald Bruckner. Rest in peace.

Harry Sinsheimer

February 10, 2016

I always enjoyed working with Don at the Airborne Laser Program Office.God Bless you Don.

Don Hendricks

February 10, 2016

My condolences to you, Elizabeth--your family--and Father Ron.
All three of us had some "fun times" skiing on Sandia Crest. Don was a wonderful supervisor when you first came to KAFB. And was instrumental in encouraging me to continue in obtaining my degrees--which I did. It was nice to have you all as neighbors, when we lived on Eden Ct. Our prayers and thoughts are with you all. My youngest son, Mark, called me from PHX this morning, to let me know about Don's death, since his Mom, Luana, had called him from ABQ--so he could call me with the news. Will be thinking about you all Thu, 11 Feb--and Don's Funeral Mass.

fjohn reinke (mc1968)

February 10, 2016

The Manhattan College alumni community shares the grief, and is now praying for our fellow alumni and the family at this time. The Alumni Office has been informed. As well as the Jasper Jottings community that I personally can reach. We are all a little poorer now. "No man is an island, entire of itself ... any mans death diminishes me". We are sorry for your loss.

Luis and Emily Casaus

February 10, 2016

Dear Elizabeth, as we have often told you that Emily and I have kept my brother deacon, you and your family in our prayers during the trying times this past two years. I always admired Don for his leadership and contributions that he made to the deaconate, as well as to society in general. We will be present to assist in celebrating his life at His Mass on Thursday.

Mary Billmaier Flores

February 10, 2016

My sincere condolences to the Bruckner family.

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