Edward Martin Brunner

Edward, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, veteran, and friend, passed away peacefully at the James A. Haley Veterans Hospital in Tampa, Florida, at the age of 87.

Born on July 3, 1938, in Olean, New York, Edward was the cherished son of Edward Brunner and Helen Ruth Duffy Brunner. He attended St. Bonaventure Catholic Grade School and graduated from Allegany Central High School in 1956 before proudly serving in the United States Navy from 1956 to 1962. During his service, he was stationed in Maryland, Florida, Oklahoma, California, and aboard the USS Philippine Sea for 18 months.

In 1963, Ed married Dorothy Walsh, and together they welcomed seven children: Dianne, Teresa, Edward, Andrea, Kelly, Peggy, and Peter. A devoted provider, Ed worked in construction, bartending, and farming while raising cattle, pigs, and turkeys to support his family.

In 1974, Ed relocated to Tampa, Florida with his seven children, where he built a meaningful 35-year career working in adult living facilities throughout Tampa and St. Petersburg. His compassion and dedication to caring for others became defining parts of his life.

In 1980, Ed married Judith Bachmann, beginning a loving partnership that lasted 46 years and expanded the family to include Lisa, Debra, Rod, and Dawna. Together, Ed and Judy shared a life filled with laughter, dancing, travel, and unwavering devotion.

Even in retirement, Ed remained active in his community while living in Okeechobee, Florida, serving as an officer with the Veterans of Foreign Wars and as a Board Commissioner for the Buckhead Ridge Mosquito Control District in Glades County. After six years in Wildersville, Tennessee, Ed and Judy returned to Florida and settled in Brooksville in 2012.

Ed found joy in the simple pleasures of life. He had a passion for gardening, enjoyed flea markets and the ritual of grocery shopping, traveling all over the United States and parts of Canada, taking a trip to Jamaica, spending days at the beach, and loved boating on Lake Okeechobee. Country music was the soundtrack of his life, and he often danced with his beloved Judy, their shared laughter and love lighting up any room. Ed’s quick wit and infectious laugh endeared him to everyone he met, and his facial expressions could convey more than words ever could. He was a friend to all, and his charm and warmth left a lasting impression on everyone he encountered.

Preceded in death by his parents; siblings Paul, Richard, Patrick, and Roberta; children Edward and Teresa; stepchildren Debra and Rodney; and granddaughter Desiree. Edward’s legacy lives on in his surviving family. He is deeply missed by his devoted wife, Judy; children Dianne, Andrea, Kelly, Peggy, and Peter; stepchildren Lisa and Dawna; as well as 18 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren who all carry forward his spirit and love.

As we celebrate Ed’s life, we extend heartfelt gratitude to the staff at James A. Haley Veterans Hospital for their compassionate care, with special thanks to Father Gary Fuchs and Nurse Bettie Ann Thompson.

Ed’s journey through life was enriched by the love of family and friends, and we find comfort in knowing that he is now at peace, watching over us with his characteristic warmth and humor.