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Peter Bruger Obituary
Peter Joseph, 38, of Dumont, died Sunday, November 3, 2013.
He is survived by his adoring parents Pat and Carl Bruger, and loving siblings: sister, Cassandra and her husband Jeffry Cudlin, sister, Lynne and her husband Brian Rutigliano, brother, Christian "Kit" and his wife Keisha. He was the beloved nephew to Leslie Canaday and revered hero Uncle Pete to Miles and Harry Cudlin, and Helena and Anabel Chaves. Pete was predeceased by his paternal grandparents Anna Marie "Miki" and Herbert Peter Bruger, with whom he shared a special bond. He will be greatly missed by a host of other family and dear friends including his best canine pals Odin and Thor.
Pete was a 1993 graduate from Dumont High School where he was a proud captain of the wrestling team and County Champion. He later went on to earn his AA in Criminal Justice from Valley Forge Military College (1996). Pete proudly served as an Army Ranger Combat Medic with Special Forces top clearance and high-altitude jumping skills in the 82nd Airborne Division of the US Army before his 2002 honorable discharge. He was a member of Disabled American Veterans. His time in the armed forces helped to develop his interest in medicine. He returned to school to earn his BS/MS from Seton Hall University and went on to be an Orthopedic Physician's Assistant. Pete was an ardent fisherman and active member of the Hudson River Fisherman's Association (HRFA). Pete had a great love for angling for salmon, sharks, and tuna, and was a passionate sports fan and movie buff. All who knew him saw his incredible strength, energy and zest for life and his loss leaves a tremendous void for loved ones.
A funeral service will be held Saturday, November 9th, 11 AM at Calvary United Methodist Church, Dumont, NJ. The family will receive relatives and friends Friday, November 8th, 1–3 and 6–9 PM at Frech Funeral Home, 161 Washington Ave., Dumont, NJ.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to either CUMAC, PO Box 2721 Paterson, NJ 07509; www.cumacecho.org or HRFA Youth Angler Fund, PO Box 421 Cresskill, NJ 07626;
www.hrfanj.org.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Peter Bruger
Jim Cupples
March 8, 2021
I was lucky enough to be close to Pete's weight in wrestling and we were partners for a month long wrestling camp.
He was intense yet nice. I was a year older than him, and he still kicked my butt at practice every day - and that's why the year following that camp I improved tremendously as a wrestler.
My brother was two years older than me, and he wrestled with Pete too. Of course, Pete got the better of him - he was that good of a wrestler.
Anyway, we never forgot him and in my mind, Pete Bruger is the athlete and person that you want to be like. He worked hard, was fun to be around, and was about as a good a person as you're going to find. Cheers, Pete, and I'll see you on the mat.
Juan Marti
June 14, 2016
Brother-So many days have gone by since you moved on to your next journey; I often think of you. You were a great guy who had so much to offer; your time with us touched so many. You had a larger than life personality. I am proud to have had you as a friend. Continue to RIP my friend.
Amanda Heath
November 25, 2013
Pete was the kind of person who when you were around you made you want to be a better person. No matter the situation he was laughing, joking around and always offering a hand. His passion for life was contagious as was his smile. You will remain in my heart always and forever... </3
Mary Martelloni
November 24, 2013
I had the pleasure of working with Pete he was the most amazing guy, his heart was as big as his biceps, such a tragic loss. He was my friend, and someone I could count on not matter what I loved him like a brother Pete your heart was so special,, may you continue to touch peoples lives as you did mine. You will truly be missed on earth
Samuel Sim
November 16, 2013
Peter Bruger was one of the most inspirational people I have ever met. Pete was a man who dedicated his entire life to helping others. Whether it was rescuing brothers on the battlefield, treating injured campers, or hanging out with kids, he was always there to save the day. He loss leaves a large impact, as he touched everyone who knew him. I looked up to Peter because he was one of the coolest soldiers ever. His status in the military makes men like me look in awe and aspire to be just as cool. I revered his strength, courage, kindness, and commitment to helping people. I will never forget how he took care of me at summer camp of 2008. He told me that I was a tough camper for fishing with a broken collar bone. The man who I looked up to thought I was tough. That is a memory that I will carry with me for the rest of my life. Carl and Rev. Pat, I will always pray for you folks and your family. The Bruger family has made a profound positive influence in my entire life, and I will always hold you all dearly in my heart. God Bless you all, and I am truly sorry for you loss.
November 15, 2013
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your son.My toughts and prayers are with you and your family during this very sad time.
Deepest Sympathy
Gabrielle Sudano Class of 1992 LHS
November 13, 2013
Dear Pat, Carl and family,
My sincere condolences are with you at this tragic time. I will always remember how proud you were of your son Pete and his many accomplishments.
Sue Coleman, former colleague LHS
November 13, 2013
Sorry to hear about Peter.
Jim Burner
VFMC FOOTBALL
Steve Won
November 12, 2013
To lose a son and husband is hard. To lose someone of great honor and character is unspeakable. Even though I only briefly knew Pete, I was blessed to know the burger family. All of them are great people and if it is any comfort, god takes the best of us first. May he rest in peace and may the solace and love of his memory comfort them through these trying times. RIP PETE... you left before your time
Mark Spiegel
November 11, 2013
Dear Carl & Pat,
I am so sorry to hear about the tragic loss of your son Peter. As a parent, the death of one's child is difficult to comprehend. He seemed to have much of the same vitality of his father of 30+ years ago. Carl, I don't know if you remember me, but you were my freshman football coach and track & field coach at Leonia High School (1972-76). My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Mark Spiegel
Andrew Ebneter
November 11, 2013
I knew Pete since we were 8 or 9 years old through wrestling camps and tournaments. He was always recognized as a top guy in his weight class. Mr. Bruger and family, please accept my condolences - RIP Pete.
November 10, 2013
My sympathy to the family. Peter was one of the really great wrestlers from Bergen County. It is so tragic to lose him so young. Carl, I really feel for you as a father. I can not imagine what you are going through. My son, Dean is just 36. May God give you strength to deal with this. Your friend, Stan Woods
Brandon Andujar
November 10, 2013
Pete, you and I bonded not only as a fellow Army vets but as good friends. You will be missed everyday brother. My prayers go out to the Bruger family. The world is a bit darker since we lost your light. May you rest in peace
Rich Luzzi
November 9, 2013
Thoughts and prayers to the Bruger family. I grew wrestling with Pete. Amazing competitor and all around great guy. Thank you for giving up your freedom to protect ours.
Heather Fitzsimmons
November 9, 2013
My thoughts and prayers are with you, Pat and Carl. May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
In Christ's abiding love,
Markus Grueneis
November 9, 2013
I wrestled at Emerson the year behind Pete. He is one of the few people not on my team that I still remember. He had a real focus and intensity that made an impression on me. I also remember talking with Pete and his after a match in Dumont, they were all class congratulating the guys on our team who won, or just wrestled tough. I did not know what happened to Pete after highschool, but after reading this it is clear he continued to lead an impressive life. Thanks for what you did with your time here Pete, RIP.
Katherine Footracer
November 9, 2013
My sympathies are with youat this difficult time. Pete was a classmate of mine at Seton Hall and a great guy.
Clare and Bob Eberts
November 9, 2013
Our prayers are with you and your family Pat and Carl,at this most difficult time. May Peter rest in peace.
Linda D
November 9, 2013
I am so sorry for your loss. Pete was such a wonderful person. So loving and full of life. May god rest his soul...
November 8, 2013
Deepest sympathy from everyone in the Seton Hall family. Peter had a warm, generous and kind heart. We will miss him.
November 8, 2013
I'm like 15 in Mr Bruger's class, so Pete was 5 or 6 , and he's hysterically laughing telling us the story of how the kid was taping or tying his pet lizard to the family dog. To this day I never forgot how joyful and proud he was of his colorful son.
Lisa Avignone-Tester
November 8, 2013
My deepest condolences go to the Bruger Family. From a LHS 83. And also a former neighbor.
Lisa Avignone Tester
Pete Busam
November 8, 2013
Coach - my families thoughts and prayers go out to you. May you celebrate his life and all the great things he did.
Tomiko Perez
November 7, 2013
My condolences are with your family! May Pete RIP!
Tomiko Puertas
LHS class of 1994
John Pickel
November 7, 2013
My sincerest sympathy to the entire family.
John Pickel
LHS Class of 1973
November 7, 2013
The Dalton Family offers their prayers and sadness for your pain.
November 7, 2013
Thanks for everything coach bruger
Cynthia Wenger
November 7, 2013
Thoughts of you and your family in this time...
LHS Class of 1990
Melissa Peterson
November 7, 2013
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time.
Our deepest sympathies.
Sincerely,
Melissa I Peterson
L.H.S. Class of 1987
Timothy Susskind
November 7, 2013
My deepest condolences to all.
All are in my prayers.
Respectfully
Timothy T. Susskind
L.H.S. Class of 83
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