Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Matthew Bruccoli Obituary
Surviving are his wife, Arlyn F. Bruccoli; daughters and sons-in-law, Mary Bruccoli and James Rucker of Brooklyn, N.Y., Josephine and Brian Owens of San Francisco, Calif., and Arlyn Bruccoli of Corinth, Vermont; son and daughter-in-law, Joseph and Angela Bruccoli of Columbia; and grandchildren, Astrid and Reed Caratzas, Dakota and Ashley Bruccoli, Emma and Jack Owens and Jake Langlois.
Dr. Bruccoli will be buried in Hawthorne, N.Y. A memorial service will be held at a later date at USC.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Arlyn F. and Matthew J Bruccoli Collection, Thomas Cooper Library, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208.
Please sign online guest book at www.dunbarfunerals.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Matthew Bruccoli
Dr MaryAnn Wimsatt
March 16, 2014
I miss you, Matt. You were an amazing scholar, and a great help to me in my scholarly pursuits.
Andy Crosland
September 13, 2008
My condolences to Mrs. Bruccoli and the family. I found out about Professor Bruccoli's death just now , and I keenly feel the loss. As my dissertation director, he was my key mentor--one who shaped me personally and professionally. He was always very kind to me and made a great difference in my life.
Jeff Magun, O.D.
July 25, 2008
Dr. B. was a patient of mine about 20 years ago. At first, like many people, I found him commanding(in presence), intense and impatient in the sense that the clock always was ticking for him. That being said, as I got to know him over a period of 5+ years, I found him brilliant, positive, unselfish and actually had some great talks and laughs with him. He was a truly irreplacable literary icon for America and will be greatly missed.
Ruth Rush
July 17, 2008
Being a first time mom I don't have time to read the newspaper so was not aware your father had passed, Lyn. My thoughts are with you. I still remember fondly the sleepover where we ate all of those pancakes and drooled over your Duran Duran posters. Take care. Ruthie (Fowles) Rush
How you can show support
Follow
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Amy Conard
July 14, 2008
The USC family was extremely fortunate to have someone of MJB's caliber in its midst. It always made me smile to see him taking the red convertible for a spin with his faithful dog at his side. He was a class act -- from start to finish -- all puns intended.
Mary Jo Tate
July 12, 2008
I was privileged to work with Matthew J. Bruccoli as a graduate assistant for three years while he was editing "The Great Gatsby" and "The Love of the Last Tycoon" for Cambridge University Press, and then long-distance on various projects after I returned to Mississippi.
When I arrived at USC, veteran graduate students tried to terrify me with legends of MJB before I even met him. I soon learned, however, that his grizzly bear exterior--which was necessary to get his work done--camouflaged the warm heart of a teddy bear.
He taught me most of what I know about writing, editing, book collecting, literature, scholarship, and “getting it right”; mentored me through writing my own book about Fitzgerald; helped me launch my editing business; and advised and encouraged me through occasional Saturday-morning phone conversations. I could not have asked for a better mentor or a dearer friend.
One of his highest accolades was calling someone “a serious man.” If ever there were “a serious man,” it was MJB. His legacy of work and his investment in the lives of students, colleagues, and friends will live on . . . but how much we will miss him!
Lynne (Zeigler) Hummell
July 12, 2008
My deepest sympathies to the entire Bruccoli family. Your loss is shared by many, as evidenced by the remembrances in this guestbook. May you find some peace and comfort in these wonderful memories of this great man.
My own memories go back to 1979 and my first job fresh out of the USC College of Journalism. I was hired as the secretary for Bruccoli Clark Publishers (before Layman was a partner). Naively, I took the liberty of copyediting Dr. B's and Rick's letters as I typed them. I find it miraculous now that, instead of a reprimand, I got a promotion to copyeditor within two weeks, and became production manager about six months later.
Over the next five years, I learned more about researching, writing, editing, and producing books than I ever thought possible. What an education Dr. Bruccoli provided me -- and for that he paid me too.
My most memorable project was the opportunity to work with him and James Dickey on editing a volume of Dickey's previously unpublished works that BC would publish. What a trip that was!
Dr. B. was quirky and loud and funny -- a great punster -- and one of the most intelligent people I've ever met. He intimidated me at first too, but as I got to know him, I became braver. One day I finally asked, "Do you know that your sweater is inside out?" He replied, "Of course I do!" I couldn't stop there. Why do you always wear them inside-out? He said "You're not paying attention! They aren't ALWAYS inside out, just every other day. I pull it off and it's inside out. The next day I wear it like that, but when I pull it off again, it's right side out." There was method to his seeming madness!
I am honored to have known him and some of his family, even for just a while. He will be sorely missed.
Anne Halford Burley
July 12, 2008
Dr. Bruccoli left a wonderful legacy to all who loved literature, especially Fitzgerald. I had the privilege of going to school with his daughter Mary, playing in his back yard and making fortune cookies in his kitchen. I cherish those times. Dr. Bruccoli’s passion for education permeated the air so that he influenced even this brief observer.
With my prayers for peace and comfort during this time of sadness,
Cynthia Miller
June 19, 2008
Scholarly and university press publishing have lost a great practitioner, supporter, friend, author, editor, and reviewer in Matt Bruccoli. In addition to his years of service to the University of South Carolina Press and his own publishing company, Matt edited a series of bibliographies for the University of Pittsburgh Press and was a valued publishing advisor and author. We will dearly miss his wisdom and his commitment to qreat books.
Deb Borland
June 19, 2008
You will be greatly missed, Matt. Thank you for all that you made possible and brought forth in the world of Thomas Wolfe scholarship. Great, truly great contributions.
I'll always remember how my awe at meeting you for the first time changed to even deeper appreciation and respect, all in one night--Prof. Bruccoli, the great scholar whose Fitzgerald books proved so insightful and rested on my shelves at home. Ted Mitchell invited me along with you and Arlyn and Aldo to the Grove Park Inn for dinner so many years ago. What a great night that was.
When anyone needed help, you gave it freely and gladly. Thank you.
Thank you for all you gave and all you made possible--especially in the world of Thomas Wolfe scholarship.
"If a man has a talent and cannot use it, he has failed. If he has a talent and uses only half of it, he has partly failed. If he has a talent and learns somehow to use the whole of it, he has gloriously succeeded, and won a satisfaction and a triumph few men ever know."
Thomas Wolfe, The Web and the Rock
Matt, you triumphed.
Suzy Jennings
June 18, 2008
I had the privilege to take Dr. Bruccoli's Fitzgerald Seminar in the late 70s after completing graduate school. Each time Dr. Bruccoli came out with a new book, my husband would ask him to sign it for me as a gift. I have many books now signed by Dr. Bruccoli with special comments which I treasure. Ever gracious, Dr. Bruccoli even had Scottie sign a book for me.
I have never taken a class that I enjoyed more or one where I worked harder. I will always remember him as one of the kindest and most generous of men. He was never too busy to answer any questions or offer suggestions to his students. .
I will never forget a get together he and his wife held at their home for the Fitzgerald seminar graduate students during the summer of 1978. I can still hear his voice and see the spark of enthusiam in this eyes as he lectured. I loved that class! Today I teach Gatsby using many of the same notes and research from that class. I am proud to tell my students that I had Dr. Bruccoli as my professor at USC.
Dr. Bruccoli, you were one in a million and I will miss you.
My deepest sympathies go out to the family.
Gary Kerley
June 16, 2008
I took Dr. Bruccoli's Fitzgerald seminar in the late '70s, even after hearing tales of graduate students leaving his class in tears. I thought his gruffness and irascible nature were funny, and it never bothered me because I admired him so much as a teacher. He told us at the start of the class that he would "inflict his enthusiasm on us." He did, and I never worked harder for anyone than I did in his class. I've had the good fortune to write for several of the DLB volumes and recently for the "Encyclopedia of American Literature" volume he co-edited. I had the good fortune to correspond with him and meet him whenever I would return to Columbia. I have taught "The Great Gatsby" over many years on the college and high school level, and I always use Bruccoli as the gold standard for authentic scholarship. Everything I owe in my limited success as a scholar I owe to Matt Bruccoli. He graciously inscribed his biography of Fitzgerald to me, adding that on me the book "will not be wasted." How right he was. I will miss him, and the academic world has lost a giant. Thank you, Dr. Bruccoli, for all the lives you touched. You definitely touched mine. My sympathies go out to his family.
Joy and Howard Lever
June 16, 2008
We were saddened to hear of your loss. Our thoughts are with you during this time. We have known Joseph for many years. May your memories sustain you.
Bill Schmidt
June 15, 2008
I was deeply saddened by the illness and passing of Matt Bruccoli. While I've known Arlyn and Matt since the early ‘80s, within the last several years they had become two of my closest friends here in Columbia. I think that the three of us particularly enjoyed our regular Saturday lunches together during which they would bring me up to date on their latest literary projects, family happenings and the like, and I would pass them magazines and/or magazine/newspaper articles which I had come across since our previous meeting and which I thought that they would enjoy. Some of the articles Matt would take to place in the vertical file of one or another of his collections at the USC library, some would strike a cord with Matt and/or Arlyn, and would prompt one or more fascinating stories from their past experiences, and others would relate to the passion shared by Matt and myself for fine classic automobiles and automotive history, steam-powered automobiles and steam locomotives. I will sorely miss my time with Matt and Arlyn.
Tom Redwine
June 14, 2008
My heart goes out to the family, as well as those friends and classmates who had the honor to know Dr. Bruccoli.
Ken Scott
June 13, 2008
During my time at the University of South Carolina Press, I knew Matt as an author, series editor, board member, adviser and friend. He was a strong supporter of the University Press, a major voice in its growth and, in the early years, in its survival. In my forty years in publishing I did not know a more knowledgeable, a more dedicated or a more complete bookman. I join many in the publishing community in remembering Matt Bruccoli.
Roger Lathbury
June 12, 2008
Matt's voice, thoughts, humor, and fierce independence are vivid in my mind. They were there all this week in my classes on _Tender is the Night,_ a book he once told me "teaches like a dream." As it does if you are Matthew J. Bruccoli. "Teaching," he told me, "is holy work."
If you had to talk with him, the best time to catch him was 6:15 AM. His voice answered, on the second ring, "Yes?"--as though interrupted. One always interrupted. I never knew him not to be on a project.
A more generous confrere, a more vital presence in the world of American letters would be impossible to imagine. I miss him now and will continue to do so until we meet in the hereafter. May that happen. We once joked about who would be in the celestial bar, whom we would avoid, and whom we would seek out.
R. I. P.
Belinda Atkerson
June 12, 2008
The University of South Carolina will certainly feel the loss of Dr. Bruccoli. He will be remembered fondly by staff, colleagues and his students. My heartfelt sympathy to the Bruccoli family.
Franziska Baumgaertner
June 11, 2008
Coming to USC as an exchange student on the Bamberg University, Germany / University of South Carolina Exchange Program in the fall of 1999 it has been a great honor and a privilige for me to be one of Mr. Bruccolis' students. Thank you, professor! My sympathies go out to the family and friends.
Rebecca Robinson
June 9, 2008
I am sorry to hear of Professor Bruccoli's passing. I met him once in Asheville, NC. My late husband, Gary D. Robinson, (who also passed away due to a brain tumor) enjoyed several encounters with Professor Bruccoli at the Thomas Wolfe Society meetings.
My heart goes out to the family of this wonderful, brilliant, well respected man who touched so many lives through his passions.
Sincerely,
Rebecca Robinson
Susan Simpson
June 9, 2008
In March 2007 Matthew Bruccoli agreed to come to Carteret County NC as part of Craven-Pamlico-Carteret Regional Library’s BIG READ program. He spoke at a literary luncheon to a full house of interested Fitzgerald fans and Gatsby enthusiasts. We all enjoyed his scholarship, knowledge, and humor.
Professor Bruccoli’s appearance was the high point of our reading program, and we had hoped to have him return. He will certainly be missed by all of us, and we offer our condolences to the family.
Susan W. Simpson, Librarian
Carteret County Public Library
Beaufort, NC
Jim Denton
June 9, 2008
The city of Columbia and the University of S.C. were fortunate to host such a giant mind as Dr. Bruccoli. I had the good fortune to work for him for an all-too-brief time between 1998 and 1999. And yes, the office often shook when he thundered through it, looking for his Wall Street Journal, or whatnot; but it only took me a little while to realize that underneath that gruff exterior, the man was a pussycat. His kind is in short supply, and he will be missed.
Worthy, Asheville, 06 June 2008, taken by Michelle Whitney Evans
Worthy Evans
June 8, 2008
I'm sorry to hear of the passing of Dr. Matthew J. Bruccoli. I was a copyeditor on two occasions at Bruccoli Clark Layman, but I never talked to him, and he never talked to me. His fierce personality never intimidated me. I saw a man extremely disciplined, with absolutely zero time for fools on his agenda. I would have enjoyed having him school me on the American Expatriates, notably F. Scott Fitzgerald. Probably would've been loud and he probably would've hollered at me a whole lot, but I think I would've enjoyed his lectures, discussions, conversations greatly. (I caught him on C-Span once, talking about F. Scott one morning during a 3 a.m. rerun of a discussion. I got to see the man out of the office, and as giddy as a schoolboy talking about one of the better writers in the American tradition.)
Oh yeah, I met my wife Michelle nee Whitney, and my good friend James Denton while working at BCL. Nothing but good memories of Dr. Bruccoli and others. The Dictonary of Literary Biography (DLB) is as fine a reference work as any, and how enjoyable it was to read about the authors! Working there was like returning to college. Joyous.
I am sorry, and American literature ought to be sorry, for the loss of Dr. Bruccoli.
vicki ramos
June 8, 2008
my prayers are with all of you in your time of sorrow,God bless.
bbbob goldman
June 8, 2008
most sincere condolences.
Ronald Pelosi
June 7, 2008
Over the years, whenever I posed a question to Matthew he always responded with precision and good humor. By way of reciprocating, on May 27th I mailed him a column from the Wall Street Journal which recounted Ernest Hemingway's recipe for his famed daiquiris. I hope Matthew had the opportunity have a couple of them.
L. Dunick
June 7, 2008
Although I never had the opportunity to meet Prof. Bruccoli, his scholarship will forever have an impact on my own. I always hoped that someday I might have the privilege of meeting him, and regret that I never will. But his editions line my shelves; his work will live on for many, many years to come. My deepest condolences to his family and friends-- our discipline will not see the likes of Prof. Bruccoli for many years to come.
Tom Adams
June 7, 2008
My deepest sympathy to all of the Bruccoli family. As we can tell from the condolences left here, Prof. Bruccoli had an enormous impact on many, many people. As for me, a 40 year old computer engineer in 1987 who had become interested in Fitzgerald along with Hemingway and the Paris Expat period, Prof. Broccoli responded to several letters I wrote him with questions about books, videos, etc. I had no idea of his status at the time; I assumed he was just some professor who had written a good biography of Fitzgerald. He was generous with his time. Now as I look at my bookcase of book after book after book with his name on the spine and think about the last 20 years, I realized how fortunate I was to have even this contact with him. I went to Columbia last year to see the collections in the university library. The library staff told me I had missed meeting him by five minutes. I didn't even think to try to arrange a meeting beforehand as there was not reason to. I know he had bigger things to do. My loss, that's for sure. I do hope he is talking with FSF right now, suggesting some new endings or a project together. I don't think we will see someone with this position in scholarship again.
Joyce Pair
June 7, 2008
Dr. Bruccoli was an amazing scholar, a man whose devotion to the work of James Dickey aided my efforts with James Dickey Newsletter for two decades. His international reputation as a Fitzgerald scholar drew me, along with many, many others, to him; his assistance with my Fitzgerald dissertation was inestimable. My sympathy goes to his family; they will truly miss Matt Bruccoli, as will we all.
Alex & Joyce Jones
June 7, 2008
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort. May you also find comfort from God's Word when it says at Acts 24:15: "and I have hope toward God, which hope these [men] themselves also entertain, that there is going to be a resurrection of both the righteous and the unrighteous.
Sincere regards,
James Legg
June 7, 2008
There has been little mention of Dr. Bruccoli’s stature as a leading Great War scholar, collector and publisher. I was aware of his work for years before we finally met last summer, when he spared the time to have a look at my collection of Western Front trench maps. It emerged that this was one of the few classes of World War I “paper” that he actually knew little about, and he seemed to have a great time looking at something new. I mentioned that I visited the Western Front as often as it was remotely affordable (or not), and I was very surprised when he told me that he had never been able to force himself to visit there. “Too much blood sir, too much blood!” he pronounced with considerable emotion. This leading scholar of the Western Front, one who traveled to Europe on a regular basis, felt so much compassion, even grief, over that distant slaughter 90 years ago that he was unable to confront the actual scene. Several months later he wrote to announce (tersely, as always) that he would finally be visiting the Front, or at least the Somme battlefield, with his next Paris class, and he needed logistical advice. Those classes on the Somme will never meet – we can be certain those would have been some epic lectures indeed.
David Nolan
June 6, 2008
I am grateful for Dr. Bruccoli's long years as a member of the advisory board to the Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Journal of Florida Literature, and for the delight he gave me with his many literary discoveries. My heart goes out to the family.
Sincerely,
Margarita Morales
June 6, 2008
Arlyn: Please accept my deepest sympathy.
My prayers are with you and all your family.
Fodly,
Margarita Morales
Melissa Hinton
June 6, 2008
I can't put into words what a shock this is. What a loss. He was larger-than-life, and definitely unforgettable. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Jodi Dodds
June 6, 2008
I am a physician now, and when I was in college I took Professor Bruccoli's "Fitzgerald and Hemingway" course to break the monotony of continuous science courses. I developed not only what has turned out to be an interest in Fitzgerald, but became a collector of rare books. Because of Professor Bruccoli, I continue to make time to write short stories for leisure, and find myself in rare bookshops when I visit London. It makes me sad to know he won't be in his office the next time I visit Columbia, and that he won't reply the next time I send him a letter. I have no doubt that many lives, mine included, are much better for having known him.
Fred Hetzel
June 6, 2008
Matt was good enough to come to Pittsburgh for my father's funeral in 2003. They were both men who loved good writing, quality books and most of all, talking to one another about them. I like to think they've resumed their conversations recently and are having a very good time together.
Robert Miller
June 6, 2008
I go back a ways with Matt, having studied with him at Ohio State in the late sixties. He helped me get my first article published, commissioned me for a book in one of his series, and was a fine mentor, friend, and teacher. My career was measurably enhanced by his good judgment and encouragement. He was a contrarian in the best sense of the term and a joy to be with.
Jan Peter van Rosevelt
June 6, 2008
I am saddened to learn of Dr. Bruccoli's passing. He taught me much about scholarship in the seminars I took from him in graduate school; when I later worked for him at BCL, I continued to learn the importance of "Getting it right." MJB could be a difficult taskmaster at times, but I also found him to be immensely helpful and generous with advice and support. I admired him greatly. My deepest condolences go to his family and all of those who worked with him at BCL and elsewhere.
John F. McCabe
June 6, 2008
The world has lost a brilliant man with the passing of Dr. Bruccoli.
We can all only hope that we can live up to the high standards he held for each of us.
My deepest condolences to his family.
I am proud to be counted as one of Dr. Bruccoli's friends and admirers.
John and Maureen Lee
June 6, 2008
We are deeply saddened by the news of Matt's death. His memory and accomplishments will live on. Our thoughts and prayers are with Arlin and family.
Angi Metze (Pleasant)
June 6, 2008
I never thought of Dr. B as being a mortal...one who would be gone. I had the grand opportunity to work for him for the better part of four years at BCL. I will always be grateful for my life having been touched by Dr. Matthew J. Bruccoli. I loved him dearly, respected him thoroughly and will remember him always. My most heartfelt condolences for Mrs. Bruccoli, Joseph and their family. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Daniel Henson
June 6, 2008
I had the great privilege of being one of Dr Bruccoli's graduate assistants. "I honored him, and he endured me." He taught me my first lessons in publishing and editing. My condolences to his family and friends.
Tracy Simmons Bitonti
June 5, 2008
I entered the doctoral program at USC in 1992 specifically to study with Dr. Bruccoli, and it was one of the best life decisions I have ever made. I was his student for five years and an editor at BCL for another nine-plus years, and he was an unfailingly generous (if occasionally LOUD) mentor. His enthusiasm for his work just radiated from him, and I loved and admired him beyond measure. My heartfelt condolences to Mrs. Bruccoli, his family, and my friends and former colleagues at BCL. I will continue to strive to make my work meet his standards of excellence.
George Anderson
June 5, 2008
My deepest condolences to the Bruccoli family. Many odd thoughts have passed through my mind on this sad day. Dr. Bruccoli's death seems strange because he's always seemed so alive, so indomitable. I've thought of the ending of "Winter Dreams," in which a man suddenly begins to come to grips with his emotions years after the fact–because I know I am going to to be muddling though my feelings years from now. And the thought that gave me the most comfort and made me smile is perhaps the oddest of all: I've had in my mind Philip Pullman's Dark Materials trilogy, in which Pullman imagines a hell where you must have a story—the tale of a life that was worth the living—in order to pass through the underworld and be released. At first I was just thinking of Dr. Bruccoli and how he certainly had such a story to tell, but then I realized that the fable was in my mind because Dr. Bruccoli gave others stories to tell. He made the lives of those who knew him richer and that is his blessing and legacy.
Pamela Norton
June 5, 2008
I had the privilege of working at BCL with Dr. Bruccoli for over 13 years. I found him to be a kind and decent man who always appreciated my work. After I left BCL I came to see some friends there, and Dr. Bruccoli told me "nice of you to come visit us." That comment made my day! I can't imagine visiting that place without Dr. Bruccoli. My deepest sympathies to Dr. Bruccoli's family, friends, and colleagues--he will be sorely missed.
Pam Barrett Hodnett
June 5, 2008
My deepest sympathy to Dr. Bruccoli's family, and all of us who knew him. I, like so many, worked with him a long time ago. My time was in the 70's as a work-study student in the English Department at USC. He made me laugh, he made me cry, he frustrated me, and I frustrated him. My name appears, too, I think in the acknowledgements of "As Ever...Scott Fitz." I have thought so often of Jennifer Atkinson, and Steve and Amy who also haunted those halls then. When I reintroducted myself some time ago at a McKissick reception for Dr. Bruccoli, he said, "Ah, you were among the slave labor." I wrote a paper for a writing class that Dr. Claude Neuffer taught, entitled "My Most Unforgettable Character", and it is about Matthew J. Bruccoli. It was hand-written as they accepted that way back then, and I made an A+. What I remember most about that paper and about the man was that he wore his sweaters and sweater vests inside out. I never got up the nerve to ask him if he knew it, or if he meant to. I remember his "Bug me" notation on letters or memo's that he needed to respond to. I never knew if we were supposed to remind him or not. I remember an errand to buy tobacco for him. I went a long way, and I bought the wrong kind. I don't much think I pleased him much of the time. He was truly larger than life and a shock to the system. He was MJB.
Justin Mellette
June 5, 2008
Taking a class with Dr Bruccoli this past year was one of the most challenging and rewarding literary experiences of my life. His passion and extensive knowledge will surely be missed. I hope now that he is enjoying his time with Fitzgerald in the great Ritz bar in the sky.
jim Stiver
June 5, 2008
Like Davis Baird, most of what I know about Matt Bruccoli emerged from my association with the South Carolina Honors College. Only our most serious and fearless students would even consider his course offerings. But those lucky few who signed up were rewarded with a classroom experience without parallel, and they were eager to tell all about it in almost reverent tones. What they learned went far beyond knowledge. Bruccoli's passions for literature and scholarship pierced their hearts and changed their attitudes about the life of the mind. With Matt's passing, USC has lost a professor who is truly irreplaceable.
Jennifer Atkinson
June 5, 2008
My condolences go to Arlyn and family. There is a gaping hole and no small darkness in the universe with the passing of Matthew Bruccoli. He was a brilliant light in American literature, a passionate teacher, a careful scholar, a devoted family man, a man of with and humor, and sometime temper, and an imposing personality.
I had the privilege to work with Professor Bruccoli (I never called him Matt) as his assistant at the Center for Editions of American Authors frp, 1968-1974. He taught me a great deal about American literature and careful research, supported my work on Eugene O'Neill, and guided my doctoral program and dissertation on a Scott Fitzgerald unpublished short story.
I had the pleasure of working with him on the Fitzgerald/Hemingway Annual for several years, among the many stars in his literary career.
He included me as his assistant in the publication of As Ever, Scott Fitz-- a volume of Fitzgerald's letters.
What publications I have achieved are all due to the Professor's support and aid in publication. I have thought of him many, many times during the past 40 years; he was a major figure and influence in my life.
Again, my love. prayers, and best wishes go out to his family.
Elizabeth Sumner Jones
June 5, 2008
During my three years of work at BCL, I learned to love and to respect "Dr. B." He inspired me to continue work beyond my master's degree. He was a scholar, a gentleman, and certainly a lively figure! The world has lost a unique man, and we will be the poorer for his passing.
Mike Rogers
June 5, 2008
I had the pleasure of calling Matt my friend for 15 years. He was unique; and there never will be anyone like him again. The all-time lovable curmudgeon. I've got a thousand great memories and learned a lot from our many meetings. I miss him already.
Jeff Neuman
June 5, 2008
I am saddened to hear of Dr. Bruccoli's passing - I was fortunate to get to know the Bruccoli family through his daughter Josie and in graduate school many years ago. It's quite impossible to quantify the impact Dr. Bruccoli has had as a scholar and as a person. Definitely a "boat against the current." I send my warmest condolences to the family.
James Sellers
June 5, 2008
I've only had the pleasure of working for Dr. Bruccoli a few years. He always made me feel appreciated for just doing my job. He was such a character and I will never forget him.
It was a honor Sir.
Jim Moore
June 5, 2008
I had the pleasure and honor of meeting Dr. Bruccoli on line and in telephone calls as he helped me through the early research stages of a biography of my grandfather, Charles Brackett, screenwriter, producer, and a Fitzgerald acquaintance. Professor Bruccoli's enthusiasm for the subject, his encouragement for the project, and his eagerness to help a total stranger will continue to guide me. Thank you, Professor, for your inspiration and your kindness.
Darren Harris-Fain
June 5, 2008
Working for Dr. Bruccoli was my ideal post-doctoral seminar, and he was extremely generous with junior scholars. He was a passionate man with exacting standards, and an inspiration. My condolences to his family and friends.
Jennifer Brackett
June 5, 2008
Dr. Bruccoli's life's work is humbling, and his encouragement in the classroom has inspired many to continue such literary endeavors. He will live on in the students that loved him. He was a wonderful man who certainly changed my life, and he will be missed. His family is in my thoughts and prayers.
Rebecca Blakeney Munnerlyn
June 5, 2008
I had the great honor to work on design and production for several of Dr. Bruccoli’s volumes published by USC Press in the 90's. An office visit from him was always memorable…he was gruff, decisive and very kind. When I missed him, he always left a note---in his trademark fashion---written in bold pencil strokes on a yellow legal pad. The pages left on my chair were sometimes an instruction for his project, sometimes a compliment on my work…I kept every one. Working with him on the catalogue for the F. Scott Fitzgerald Centenary Exhibition was a highlight of my career. Dr. Bruccoli’s passing is a very sad loss for the literary and publishing communities. My deepest condolences to his family.
Meredith Torre
June 5, 2008
Bruccoli had a sharp wit and I still remember a lecture he gave in which a member of the audience stated, "Sir, you said Hemingway was a liar." and Bruccoli interrupted, quick as a flash, and said, "I SAID he told a pack of lies..." I also remember another student from Japan that said she came to USC specifically to study with Bruccoli as I myself came to USC because I was in awe of him. He was a giant, and his stature only increased for me through the ensuing years.
Davis Baird
June 5, 2008
Matt Bruccoli was a pillar of the South Carolina Honors College community. The Honors College will be a much poorer place for his loss. He did so much for the College and the students here whom he engaged. I have a vivid memory of his glee in having brought 12 book collectors back from London. I will miss him. While we had crossed paths in the Humanities elevator for years, I only began to get to know him when I came over to the Honors College, and I was looking forward to learning from him and working with him in many future years. Too early too fast too damn bad.
F. Brett Cox
June 5, 2008
Professor Bruccoli was one of the most memorable figures I encountered in academia. His Fitzgerald seminar remains one of the most challenging and informative classes I've ever had. To call his contributions to the study of American literature significant is an understatement. My deepest sympathies to his family.
Solutions for Living at Home Still Homes
June 5, 2008
From the Staff at Solutions for Living at Home our thoughts and prayers go out to the Bruccoli family.
Teri Tynes
June 5, 2008
So sad, the news of Dr. Bruccoli's passing. I got to know him while working for nearly a year as one of his editors at Bruccoli, Clark & Layman. I know I became a better writer, editor and critic because of his guidance. He also trained me to speak succinctly and fast. Now that I live in New York I think of him often, as I hear his accent and inflection in the voices of the city.
Thorne Compton
June 5, 2008
Matt was a remarkable example to all of us who have been teachers, scholars or students. He was absolutely committed to his work--but always cognizant that his work was ultimately not about printed texts--it was about the lives that created, sustained and were touched by those texts...His passion was infectious and inspiring.
Ken Hergenrather
June 5, 2008
To the Bruccoli family:
I was saddened to learn of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time.
Thom Harman
June 5, 2008
I met Dr. Bruccoli when I got a job at BCL. Then when I got a position elsewhere, I still had opportunities to work with him on some of his publications, and he was ever the scholar. But what really got me was his kindness and warmth outside of work, like when we shared a plane heading north a few years back: I was heading to NY to see the in-laws, he and his wife were heading north for vacation. He was a unique gentleman and book-lover who'll be missed around here. I suppose today's news caught me off-guard.
Jim Hipp
June 5, 2008
I am truly saddened by the news of MJB's death. He was, and still is, a great influence on the course of my life. From being his Graduate Assistant for two years to his employee for eight, I learned much from him and will never forget him. My sympathies to all the Bruccoli family. His influence on the world of letters and the University of South Carolina will continue long after we have all been forgotten. Farewell, Matt.
Frederick Nolan
June 5, 2008
Dr Bruccoli always went the extra mile and never made any exceptions -- he did it for everyone. His responses to fresh ideas were always enthusiastic -- in my case, whether it was a short article on Hemingway's Paris, or a long biographical study of Lorenz Hart. The literary landscape will be vastly poorer without him.
Kathy Flanagan
June 5, 2008
I would like to extend my deepest condolences to Dr. Bruccoli's family, friends, and colleagues. I have worked for Dr. Bruccoli for twenty-five years at his publishing company. He was the best employer I ever had and I am forever grateful for the opportunites he gave me. He will be greatly missed by all of us. He was a tremendous and remarkable man with a personality larger than life.
Beverly W Gibbons
June 5, 2008
When I began my USC graduate studies in 1974, I met Dr. Bruccoli. When The Romantic Egoists was published, I asked him to sign my copy, and he did with a warm and welcoming smile. Yes, Dr. B has reunited with F. Scott Fitzgerald, one of America's literary treasures, and so was Dr. Bruccoli. I send my sympathy to his family.
Amber Coker
June 5, 2008
Dr. Bruccoli was my mentor. He took chances on me that have granted me opportunities I never would have had otherwise. His heart was as big as his personality, although he never wanted anyone to know.
The literary world will never be the same. He will be missed. I know I will never forget him! My love and prayers to his family.
Patricia Flanagan
June 5, 2008
One of my favorite stories is that on Saturday mornings Dr. Bruccoli would go for a ride in his red convertible with his dog in the passenger seat and go to the Burger King drive-thru to pick up a treat for his dog. He was a one of a kind man with a love for family and literature and will be sadly missed here at BCL.
Robert Avant
June 5, 2008
Dr Bruccoli * A man of integrity,
What a legend,, For our State.
Susan Brewer
June 5, 2008
I still use some of the material you wrote to teach Gatsby. Thank you for taking care of Fitzgerald, and I know you will enjoy your time with him finally.
You will be missed in the academic community and the USC family.
Charles Brower
June 5, 2008
The time I spent working for Dr. Bruccoli was in itself a graduate education in American literature, writing, and editing. He was a larger-than-life figure and the most accomplished man I've ever known. My deepest condolences to Mrs. Bruccoli and the Bruccoli family; and to my friends at BCL, too, who I know will miss him terribly.
Graham Newman
June 5, 2008
A fine professor and an irreplaceable member of the USC family. He will be missed.
We'll miss you, Dr. Bruccoli
Rebecca Mayo
June 5, 2008
Dr. Bruccoli was certainly a one-of-a-kind personality. He will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him. My condolences and best wishes go out to his family in this time of their loss.
Hamilton Osborne, Jr.
June 5, 2008
I was saddened to learn that our neighbor, Professor Bruccoli, whom I occasionally encountered on walks through the neighborhood, is no longer with us. His accomplishments were notable, and we are fortunate that he chose Columbia as his home and USC as the venue for his teaching career.
1SG (Ret.) David O. Powers
June 5, 2008
Thank you Professor Bruccoli. I was a Staff Sergeant and a "mature student" stationed at Fort Jackson when I enrolled in The Works of F. Scott Fitzgerald. Nearly 66 now and retired. I think I'll just go sit on the front porch and read The Great Gatsby.
Showing 1 - 78 of 78 results
Make a Donation
in Matthew Bruccoli's name
Memorial Events
for Matthew Bruccoli
People and places connected with Matthew
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
How to support Matthew's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Matthew Bruccoli's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
