John D. Bruninga

John Dallam Bruninga died April 6 in Tavares, Fla., after a brief illness. He was 66.
The long-time resident of Nashville, TN., moved to central Florida in 2014 with his wife, Josefina Olivia, shortly after his retirement from Steinhouse Supply where he worked for many years. John was a graduate of Hillsboro High School (Go Burros!) and became a part of Nashville's rock music scene in the late 1970s, playing guitar for the band Silver Tongue. John grew up inspired and enthralled by the great rock and roll of the 1960s and 70s, but the Beatles---especially John Lennon---were his favorite artists. He still has an extensive record collection that he has kept in pristine shape.
A committed advocate for wildlife and the environment, John, who was born in Miami, spent much of his retirement enjoying the birds and natural beauty of his home state of Florida. He obtained a certificate in Florida's master naturalist program and was certified to do water quality testing. He planted a beautiful yard with wonderful flowers and other vegetation native to Florida and helped educate his neighbors on the importance of conserving water and creating habitat for native birds and other animals. He was also a member of the Lake County Conservation Council and volunteered for the local food pantry. Although John valued his time at home with Olivia or out in nature, he was a veritable people person who could charm anyone with his smile, his humor, his rich voice and his ability to connect.
In addition to his wife of nearly 25 years, John is survived by his son John Jr. (Melissa) and grandson, Jay; stepdaughter Marcela Fournier (Jose) and step-grandson Jordan Fournier. He also leaves behind his sister Susie and her son Dominique Mitchell, cousin Kathy Galvin (Jim), nieces Jamie Galvin, Jenna Galvin Nelson and Cassidy Bruninga, as well as other family members, including Katrina Haley and Carol Beswick. His parents, Beverly and Hank, and brother Steve preceded him in death.
John's ashes will be placed near the gravesite of his maternal grandparents, Alice and Charlie Ward, in the city of Lake Wales, Fla., cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to one of his favorite charities, such as the National Wildlife Federation, The Nature Conservancy or the National Audubon Society or an organization of your choosing.