David Philip Bruton

David Philip Bruton, of Philadelphia died at Cathedral Village Retirement Community on July 25, 2025 of complications of pneumonia. The son of Paul Bruton and Margaret Perry Bruton, he was born in Washington, D.C. and grew up in Wayne, PA. Dave graduated from George School in Bucks County in 1953, Princeton University in 1957 and Harvard Law School in 1960. Following graduation he joined the law firm, Drinker, Biddle and Reath and practiced there for 41 years. While there, he primarily worked on litigation and appellate cases. He became Head of the Litigation Department and Chair of the firm. He also served as an arbitrator for the American Arbitration Association and as a mediator for the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.

Before moving to Cathedral Village, Dave lived in West Mount Airy with his beloved wife of 66 years, Peggy (nee Brumfield), two children, Keith (Elaine Eplett) and Kathryn (Tom Haupert) and an assortment of dogs, cats and stray animals. He is also sorely missed by grandchildren, Connor and Aubrey Haupert and by Lacey, a small white dog. He is survived by a sister, Jane Batista and predeceased by another sister, Laura Coelen.

Friends and relatives are invited to a gathering on October 11 at 10:00 at the Unitarian Society of Germantown to share memories and enjoy lunch.

If you wish, donations may be made in David's memory to the World Central Kitchen.