1 Photo
Former Illinois resident Bernard W. Brunson of East Moriches died February 13, 2017. He was 92.
Mr. Brunson, known to many as “Barney,” was born in Lawrenceville, Illinois, on February 14, 1925, to Hubert E. and Gertrude (Osborn) Brunson. He was raised in Lukin Township but lived most of his life in Northport on Long Island before retiring to East Moriches. With his mother and older brother, Byard, he maintained his family’s farm during the Depression years after their father died when Mr. Brunson was 10 years old; the farm supplied corn and staple crops during World War II. Growing up on an Illinois farm grounded his life in the principles of hard work, honesty and integrity, survivors said.
He graduated from Bridgeport Township High School in 1943 and earned a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from the United States Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point in 1950. In sea duty he went to countries in South America. He played clarinet in the inauguration day parade for President Harry Truman.
After graduation he worked at Phoenix of London Insurance Company for 11 years. His long career as a pressure vessel and machinery inspector was at Factory Mutual Engineering Insurance Co., now F.M. Global.
His 70-year span of enduring membership as a Mason began at age 21, joining the Edward Dobbins Lodge in Illinois and in mid-life he belonged to the Alcyone Lodge No. 0695 in Northport and the Patchogue Commandery No. 65 Knights Templar in Islip. Most recently he joined Potunk Lodge No. 1071 in Westhampton.
Survivors said, he felt grounded in Christianity and love of America; his contribution was playing the clarinet; he died “happily and practically as a soldier of faith.” He was a lifelong member of the Presbyterian Church.
His love of music provided harmony and serenity in his life, survivors said. He was a member of the Kismet Shrine Band and played with the No Doubt World Famous Monday Night Band in Riverhead.
An avid reader all his life he was a Friend of the Center Moriches Free Public Library. Survivors said, he will be remembered as a gentleman for his kindness, generosity and dry sense of humor. In his autobiography, “The Traveling Man,” he wrote, “Anytime your problems get so big and heavy they weigh you down, take a moment to lighten up.”
With his wife, Mym Tuma, who survives him, he started a non-profit called Healing Art Energy, Inc. He also belonged to the Center Moriches Library Poetry and Prose Roundtable, and Poets Rising in Hampton Bays.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his brother, Bob and wife Jean, of Illinois; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his older brother, Byard, in 2001; his sister-in-law, Nina, in 2012. He was also predeceased by his first wife, Rhoda Macfarlane in 1979; and their son Scott (Bella) Brunson in 2011. He is survived by their son, Mark (Cheryl) Brunson of Utah. He was predeceased by his second wife of 28 years, Adele Nello, in 2008.
At his request, Masonic rites were held at Sinnickson’s Moriches Funeral Home in Center Moriches in February 2017, led by his good friend, Ralph Griffith.
on Oct 16, 2017