Eric G. Brunger

BRUNGER – Eric G. "Geoff"

August 21, 1948 – May 26, 2025

 Of Tonawanda Twp., NY. Beloved husband of 54 years to Carol L. (Senne) Brunger; devoted father of Alison (Jeff) Hardgrove and Eric Andrew Brunger; loving grandfather of Nolan, Tyler, Nathan, Dylan and Nelson; dear brother of Thomas (Toni) Brunger and Carole (late Robert) Lawrence; also survived by many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Eric and Una Brunger.

Born in Syracuse, NY, Geoff spent a happy childhood in Buffalo as the child of a college history professor and elementary school teacher. He attended Kenmore Junior and then Kenmore West High School, where he met his high school sweetheart and soulmate, Carol, and graduated in 1966. 

Geoff attended Alfred University where he enjoyed academic, athletic and social pursuits with equal gusto. He was a member of Delta Sigma Phi fraternity, where he established bonds that lasted throughout his life. He also played football for the Saxons, and ran track for all four years, excelling in hurdles. Geoff graduated from Alfred Cum Laude with a history degree, and went on to earn two Masters Degrees from SUNY Albany and Canisius University, respectively. 

Geoff worked as a history and global studies teacher in the Ken-Ton Public Schools for 39 years before his retirement in 2010. During his long career as an educator (and a nattily dressed one, at that), he also served as a Curriculum Learning Specialist and was New York State Social Studies Supervisor of the Year. Aside from teaching, perhaps some of his biggest impact was through his career as “Coach Brunger,” coaching Basketball, Track and Field and Cross Country at the high school and collegiate level for over 50 years. Over his decades of coaching, he coached several teams to Section VI Championships, Niagara Frontier League Championships, as well as coaching dozens of sectional champions, state qualifiers and medalists. He was awarded Kenmore East HS Coach of the Year twice, and honored by Who’s Who of American Coaches. In 2018, he was inducted into Kenmore East High School Athletic Hall of Fame. Accolades aside, he may be most fondly remembered for his favorite now-iconic line: “It’s a beautiful day for Track and Field!”

Geoff’s varied hobbies and interests included reading, sports, running and exercise, music, model soldiers, golf, and later in life, travel. Throughout his adult life he truly loved working at The Runner’s Roost; both part-time during summers while he was teaching, and more frequently after his retirement. His love of running was infectious, and he gleaned endless joy from fitting someone with the perfect pair of sneakers and growing the running community. He was a lifelong learner and prolific reader, particularly of historical non-fiction, and treasured his monthly dinner meetings with his Gentleman’s Book Club of fellow teachers. Despite his keen intellect, Geoff was never above a silly comedy, dry British humor, witty comic strip, goofy expression or groan-worthy Dad joke. He delighted endlessly in his five grandsons and was a lifelong lover of dogs.

All who knew and loved Geoff are invited to attend a Celebration of Life ceremony to be held at Kenmore United Methodist Church 32 Landers Rd. Kenmore on Saturday, June 21st, 10:00 AM. A coffee and cookies reception will immediately follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family and Ken-Ton community would welcome contributions to the newly-established Geoff Brunger Memorial Scholarship. If you wish to donate, please contact gbrungerscholarshipfund@gmail.com for details.

Condolences may be made at www.GinnaneFuneralHome.com

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