John Richard Brunner

John R. Brunner, 87 of Clearwater Beach FL, passed away on Thursday November 14, 2024. He was born on Sept. 6, 1937, to John E. and Dorothy (Kriebel) Brunner in East Greensville, PA. He fought cancer all four quarters and pushed the battle into overtime.

After graduating from Upper Perkiomen High School, he continued his education at the University of Maryland and East Stroudsburg University playing both baseball and football, graduating with a degree in education. John was the first recipient of East Stroudsburg's Outstanding Football Player award in 1959 and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1987.

After college, John's love of teaching spilled onto the football field at Middletown High School, coaching there from 1960 - 1967. He continued coaching at the collegiate level at Villanova University, Temple University and Princeton University for a total of 13 years, before joining the NFL. In 1980 John joined the Detroit Lions as a running back coach, and continued his coaching career with the Green Bay Packers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Minnesota Vikings. He finished his career in the NFL as a scout with the San Francisco 49ers and reached the pinnacle of his profession when the 49ers defeated the San Diego Chargers, winning Super Bowl XXIX. During his 26-year career in the NFL, John was well respected and stayed close to the many friends that he had made throughout the years.

Off the field, John enjoyed hitting the links, traveling and just going out for an early morning jog. His zest for life was amazing, even when he wasn't feeling his best. He enjoyed going out with friends for dinner, Sunday morning breakfast and of course, watching football. John made friendships easily with his contagious smile and outgoing personality. In recent years, John spent time at the VFW in Clearwater where he met a new family of friends.

On Dec 7th, 1990, John married Pat Van Bellinger. He was very proud of his 7 children's achievements and blessed with their beautiful families. He also embraced Pat's two children and their families. He loved attending all the family events and was honored to be part of everyone's life.

It is a wonder John was a teacher all his life, whether on the field as a teammate, a mentor and coach, or in his own personal life with family and friends. John was always calm, ready to listen and provide a helping hand. He may not be on this Earth any longer, but his legacy will live on, in all of us that knew him.

John is survived by his wife, Pat, his seven children, Scott (Helene), Jack (Diane), Penny (Tom) Welsh, Jan (George) Pittas, Jeff (Trish), Todd (Nancy), Mark (fiancé Christine); two stepchildren Amy (Rob) Salesky, Erik (Erika) Berendsen; twenty-one grandchildren; and fourteen great grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother Neil (Becky) and sister, Nancy Mundy. He was preceded in death by his parents, John & Dorothy Brunner and brother-in-law, Richard Mundy.

John's family would like to thank Florida Cancer Specialist, Pinnacle Home Health Care and the 4th floor nursing staff at Morton Plant Hospital for their thoughtfulness and gentle care.

In Lieu of flowers please donate to the Bob and Joanne McIntyre Center at Pinellas Education Foundation or the Chi Chi Rodriquez Youth Foundation.

There will be a family gathering in Pennsylvania and a celebration of life in Florida at a later date.