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James Brunza of Great River, NY passed away after succumbing to Covid-19 at the age of 82 on Wednesday May 6, 2020. Jim had been courageously battling various medical issues for many years. He is survived by his loving wife Donna, who cared for him with incredible compassion and devotion; and his two sons Scott (Linda) and Mark (Erica). Jim adored his four grandchildren: Zoe, Lana, Jack, and Sydney. He was a devoted educator and coach at West Islip High School, and a veteran of the United States Army. He had a strong passion for fitness, football, and family. Jim received All-American Honors as a football player at Wilkes University. He will be laid to rest at Calverton National Cemetery on May 11. A funeral mass and memorial will be held at a later date.
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Mario Accardo WIHS Class of 71 lit a candle
Monday, May 18, 2020
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My condolences to the family.
Ca Cro posted a condolence
Saturday, May 16, 2020
Mr. Brunza, I sure hope you had a wonderful life. From reading the obit, it sounds like you did. My deepest sympathy and condolences to Mrs. Brunza and children and grandchildren. I can say, without hesitation, I had such crush on Mr. B. I adored him. Right now I can see his stern face, trying to be tough, and then a hint of a smile or a quick laugh, till he recovered and went back to his "stern act". He was a gentleman, a great teacher, unforgettable, kind, funny..one of the most influencial teachers in my life. I think I was in his first class at Udall JHS, 7th grade. I was 13 ( and he might have been fresh out of college, about 25 yrs old?) and had him in 7th and 8th grade. Then again, in HS, and homeroom. He was the best, and have always had him in my thoughts at times throughout my life. So glad to know he had a wonderful wife, two sons and grandchildren. Wish we had kept in touch. The last time I saw him was at Capt. Bill's in Bayshore. I had a baby shower there and he was eating dinner with a pretty woman , which I assume was Mrs. B. We had a brief chat and that was the last time I saw him. I'm glad to still see his wise guy, teasing smile in my head. I thought he was the coolest teacher ever, in his "desert boots". I am saddened and hope I've expressed my thoughts to you as to what a great man you all were lucky to have. I hope to someday visit his gravesite at Calverton. With heartfelt sympathy, Carolyn (Travell) Cross, Class of 1968
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Judy Patchen Zona posted a condolence
Saturday, May 16, 2020
He was a wonderful teacher and such a nice man. I am truly sorry for your loss.
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Coryn Chlystun lit a candle
Friday, May 15, 2020
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Bernard Brunza posted a condolence
Friday, May 15, 2020
Scott, and family
I am very sorry to hear about the passing of your father. Although I have never met him, from reading the obit, he obviously was a very fine father, grandfather and person.It's funny, his background sounded very much like our father Bernard, an educator, and sports fanatic. I know you have been in contact with my brother Brian on occasion , and you both have done extensive geneological studies on our families.I only wish I had taken the time to visit your father and you family. I guess it't not to late , if you ever find your self in upstate NY, Saratoga Springs, Lake George area, for any reason please don't hesitate to look me up. My email is brunza4@aol.com. Once again, condolences to you and your family
Berney Brunza
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Joan (Bott) Willis posted a condolence
Wednesday, May 13, 2020
I have many, many fond memories of Mr Brunza. He was my teacher in 7th, 8th, 10th, 11th & 12th grade.
A fine, honest & upstanding man.. It was my greatest wish to see him again & tell him how much his friendship had meant to me & how I admired him as a man & a teacher.
At this moment my heart is broken that I did not get a chance to tell him that before he passed. But I will go to Calverton when all this virus is over and stand before him & tell him that he was one of the finest men I have ever known & how very much he impacted my life. How much he was admired & was loved. I am comforted to know that I believe that my father greeted him when he got to heaven & that he is now with my Dad at the right hand of God.
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Dawn Akins posted a condolence
Tuesday, May 12, 2020
I am very sorry for your loss. Mr. Brunza is one of the teachers that made an impression on me. I remember him well, may he Rest In Peace.
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Marion Fedorenchik Candino posted a condolence
Tuesday, May 12, 2020
Well Mr. Brunza making it to 82 years is amazing and you left behind many wonderful memories for a lot of WI alumni. God Bless you enjoy Heaven. The youngest Fedorenchik.
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Gregory J Smith posted a condolence
Tuesday, May 12, 2020
Mrs. Brunza and family,
I remember Mr. Brunza's business class like it was yesterday. I can still remember the classroom and the students that sat around me. He was a great teacher and an even better man. While in high school I baby sat for the oldest boy (I think it was Scott) on occasion. Mr. Brunza would pick me up in his Camaro. I thought it was the coolest car in the world. I always ate a huge amount of ice cream while on the job, but have to admit that I was always disappointed that the chocolate chips were actually carob. Mr. Brunza was health conscientious before it was popular. In the 1990s I would run into Mr. Brunza while he was working out at Hecksher State Park. He always took the time to stop his run and talk. He was a real inspiration and in incredible shape for a man in his 30's, never mind that he was in his 60's. He was a true gentleman. He will be missed by many.
God bless.
Greg Smith
West Islip '83
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Vida Hettenbach posted a condolence
Monday, May 11, 2020
Donna, please accept my deepest sympathy to you and your family for this devastating loss of Jim. I was truly saddened to hear the news.
That's a beautiful picture of Jim, for it seems to capture the essence of who he truly was.
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Nancy Perrone posted a symbolic gesture
Sunday, May 10, 2020
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RIP Mr. Brunza. Best English Teacher EVER. Firm, fair, friendly. I feel like it was yesterday sitting in his class and I graduated 40 years ago. He was one of the best!
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Joanne Noonan posted a condolence
Sunday, May 10, 2020
My deepest sympathy to you and your family Donna. May you all treasure your wonderful memories and know you are all in my thoughts and prayers. ~Joanne Noonan
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Michael Lomangino posted a condolence
Sunday, May 10, 2020
Please accept my condolences and deepest sympathy at this difficult time.
Mike L
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JoAnn Arnold lit a candle
Sunday, May 10, 2020
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Rest in Peace
JoAnn and Thomas Arnold
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Barbara Graziano posted a condolence
Sunday, May 10, 2020
A lovely tribute to a lovely man. My sincere condolences.
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Lisa Michaels posted a condolence
Saturday, May 9, 2020
Mr. Brunza was my WIHS teacher. I graduated in 1972 and recalled him immediately because he had a great presence and was a good teacher. May he rest in peace and my condolences and comfort to his family.
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Chris Moshinskie posted a condolence
Saturday, May 9, 2020
My all time favorite teacher...loved to argue football with him in Sports Journalism back in 75-76...great guy.
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The family of James Bernard Brunza uploaded a photo
Friday, May 8, 2020
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