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Joseph Brugger Obituary
Joseph A. Brugger, 87, of Bethlehem, died on Monday, September 26, 2011 at Holy Family Manor. He was born in Bethlehem, the son of the late John and Mary (Johnson) Brugger.Joe was preceded in death by his wife, Josephine (Kutish) Brugger in 1993.He was a graduate of Liberty High School. Joe served his country in the U.S. Army during World War II in the European theatre. He worked 25 years at the Bethlehem Steel Research Lab. Joe was a parishioner of St. Annes Catholic Church, Bethlehem where he was a dedicated altar server and volunteer. He also sang with the Mens choir at Holy Ghost Catholic Church. He was a member of St. Bernards R.C. Beneficial Society and formerly served as the clubs treasurer and financial secretary.Known by the Moravian College community as the Holiday Man, Joes pride in his home on Elizabeth Avenue was reflected by his colorful and creative landscaping along with his crafted decorations. Survivors: He will be lovingly be remembered by his children, Donald Brugger and his wife, Deborah of Colfax, NC Claire and her husband, Daniel Walls of Atlanta, GA, Barbara and her husband John Carrington of Bethlehem and Joseph Brugger and his wife, Toni of Downingtown, PA, Joan and her husband Leonard Zonetti of Pottstown, PA; as well as 13 grandchildren; and one great granddaughter. He is also survived by his longtime companion, Joanne Feigl. Joe was preceded in death by his brothers, Vincent, John and Bernard Brugger; and his sisters, Sr. Margaret Rose, Sr. Rose Annette, Agnes Willey, Rita Vidas and Dorothy Ripper. Services: A Visitation will be held on Friday, September 30, 2011 from 7 to 9 p.m. at Connell Funeral Home, 245 E. Broad St., Bethlehem and again on Saturday from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. in the funeral home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Annes Catholic Church, 450 Washington Ave., Bethlehem PA 18017 10 a.m. on Saturday, October 1, 2011. Burial will follow at Holy Saviour Cemetery.Condolences may be made online at www.connellfuneral.com
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Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Brugger
Donald Elliott
October 1, 2011
So sorry to hear of the loss of Joe. My earliest recollections of Joe was growing up and seeing him in the alley behind our house working for Uncle Walter. Singing with him on the choir at Holy Ghost were such good memories. Our annual retreats at Malvern staying up until after midnight talking about our families and our faith will always be be a treasured memory. Joe has always been a great support for me during my studying for the Diaconate and and my ordination. It was a delight for me to bring him communion at Holy Family Manor. Joe will be deeply missed but never forgotten.
Fran Kutish-Talarigo
September 30, 2011
To the entire Brugger Family....Please accept our condolences in Uncle Joe's Passing....May he have eternal peace....May the hole in your heart be filled with many wonderful memories...I only wished I had found out sooner so I could have attended the services....Please know we are thinking of you and wishing you well..All our love, Fran(Kutish) & Marty Talarigo
Andy & Sue Chirico
September 29, 2011
Sorry to hear of your Dad's passing but what a wonderful life he had. It seems like he influenced many people and leaves a great legacy. I am sure he will be missed. May God comfort you and your family during this time.
Connae & Fred Houk
September 29, 2011
Hi Toni and Joe,
We're so sorry to hear about your dad's passing.
Connae & Fred
George Anthony
September 29, 2011
Barb and Claire,
I was sorry to read about your dad in the paper. You're in my thoughts and prayers. Barb, I'll miss seeing you at Holy Family.
George Anthony
Annamarie Zeky
September 28, 2011
Dear Barb,
I am so sorry to hear about your dad. Just from seeing his picture, I can imagine him just as nice as you. Just know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless.
Cindy & Charlie Walsh
September 28, 2011
Barb, John, and family,
What a wonderful picture. Your father was blessed with a loving family, and a full and happy life. I'm sure this was taken during one of the many family gatherings you have shared. Those are memories you will always hold dear.
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Betty Brandemarte
September 28, 2011
Brugger clan: You're a great bunch of people and knowing your Dad as I have been privileged to do for so many years, I know where you get it. The Riff Raff reunion wasn't the same this year without him. We will toast his longevity, constant smile and good humor for years to come. Our deepest sympathies to all of you. Al & Betty Brandemarte (Annapolis, MD)
Lorraine Snyder
September 28, 2011
Donald, Claire, Barb, Joey, Joan: The picture of your dad shows him as he really was. He was such a good neighbor to my mom for many, many years. She knew she could just knock on the wall, and he would be there for her. We all have many memories of the kind of neighbors that were so special while we were growing up. I will be thinking of you this week.
Jim Matchette
September 28, 2011
To the Brugger family,
While I never met Mr. Brugger my wife and I certainly enjoyed viewing his many holiday decorations. Living only a couple blocks away gave us plenty of opportunities to drive by and see what he was putting up. We noticed when he stopped and have wondered what became of him. Our thoughts are with your family in this time of sorrow. But you can rejoice in the plaesure he gave countless residents of Bethlehem over the many years he decorated for the holidays.
Jim & Pat Matchette (Tom's brother)
Debbie Hoffman
September 28, 2011
Barb and family. So very sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Milt & Debbie Brown
September 28, 2011
Dear Don & Debbie. Milt and I are so sorry to hear about the passing of your father. We will keep all of you in our prayers. He is now in heaven with your mom.
Milt and Debbie Brown
David Brugger
September 28, 2011
Dear Cousins/friends: So sorry to see that your dad and my last uncle of his generation has passed. I'm glad that I was able to visit with him in August. He still had his long familiar smile and that was good to see. I will not be able to be with you because of being on business travel but know that I will be thinking of you and keeping you in my prayers. In sympathy, your cousin, David and wife, Joanne.
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