Joseph A. Brugger

Joseph A. Brugger, 87, of Bethlehem, died on Monday, September 26, 2011 at Holy Family Manor.

He was born in Bethlehem, the son of the late John and Mary Johnson Brugger.

Joe was preceded in death by his wife, Josephine Kutish Brugger in 1993.

He was a graduate of Liberty High School. Joe served his country in the U.S. Army during World War II in the European theatre. He worked twenty-five years at the Bethlehem Steel Research Lab.

Joe was a parishioner of St. Anne's Catholic Church, Bethlehem where he was a dedicated altar server and volunteer. He also sang with the Men's choir at Holy Ghost Catholic Church.

He was a member of St. Bernard's R.C. Beneficial Society and formerly served as the club's treasurer and financial secretary.

Known by the Moravian College community as the "Holiday Man," Joe's pride in his home on Elizabeth Avenue was reflected by his colorful and creative landscaping along with his crafted decorations.

He will be lovingly be remembered by his children, Donald Brugger and his wife, Deborah of Colfax, NC Claire and her husband, Daniel Walls of Atlanta, GA; Barbara and her husband John Carrington of Bethlehem and Joseph Brugger and his wife, Toni of Downingtown, PA; Joan and her husband Leonard Zonetti of Pottstown, PA; as well as 13 grandchildren and one great granddaughter. He is also survived by his long time companion, Joanne Feigl.

Joe was preceded in death by his brothers, Vincent, John and Bernard Brugger; and his sisters, Sr. Margaret Rose, Sr. Rose Annette, Agnes Willey, Rita Vidas and Dorothy Ripper.

A visitation will be held on Friday, September 30, 2011 from 7-9 PM at Connell Funeral Home, 245 E. Broad St. Bethlehem and again on Saturday from 8:30-9:30 AM in the funeral home.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Anne's Catholic Church, 450 Washington Ave. Bethlehem PA 18017 10 AM on Saturday, October 1, 2011.

Burial will follow at Holy Saviour Cemetery.