Herbert W. Brucker, 92, passed away on November 20, 2017. Herb was born March 25, 1925, in Cleveland, Ohio to John and Mildred (Dombrowski) Brucker.
Herb, like his brothers enjoyed boxing in their late teens much to the chagrin of their father, who didn’t approve. Herb gave up boxing after being knocked out twice by Lenny Mancini, professional boxer and father to World Champion Ray “Boom Boom” Mancini. Herb tried to join the Navy during WWII, but a hernia made him ineligible. Herb was determined to serve, so against his mother’s wishes, he had a hernia operation and enlisted in the U.S. Army. He served from 1944 to 1946 and enjoyed the regimentation of military life. He was promoted to Staff Sergeant and earned the Bronze Star in combat.
After the war, he met the only love of his life, Helen. They settled in Parma, Ohio and Herb worked for a trucking company, as a member of the Teamsters Union. Herb volunteered with his hometown police department. Upon moving to Palm Coast in 1979, he became a C.O.P. with the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office, supervising a substation and other volunteers. He was a life member of the Fraternal Order of Police.
Herb and Helen enjoyed riding bicycles to St Augustine and Ormond Beach, in the days when traffic was much lighter. To keep busy, Herb took a job with Economy Coffee, as a Maxwell House salesman from Jacksonville to Daytona Beach. He was a loyal drinker of that brand coffee for the rest of his life. Many residents of Palm Coast will remember Herb as the VFW Post 8696 Security Officer. He faithfully patrolled the property and was ever-present during bingo night to watch activities, hold the door open for the patrons, and offer a friendly greeting. In 2015, Herb was awarded France’s highest military award, the Legion of Honor, by the French Consulate General, for his part in liberating France during WWII.
Herb was predeceased by his wife Helen, bothers Richard and Eugene, and sister, Ruth. He is survived by a niece, Sandra Brucker, Placentia, CA.
A visitation will be held at Clymer Funeral Home and Cremations on Monday, November 27, 2017 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. A funeral service will be held at Clymer Funeral Home & Cremations on Tuesday, November 28, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. Interment will be held on Tuesday, November 28, 2017 at Jacksonville National Ceremony at 1:00 p.m. with military honors.
The family of Mr. Brucker entrusted the arrangements to Clymer Funeral Home & Cremations.
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