Howard William Bruner, Sr. (Butch), age 90, passed away peacefully on April 26, 2026 in Cape May, NJ.  Born on April 17, 1936 to Howard and Marie Bruner (nee Johnson) of Gibbstown, NJ.

Butch had a deep love and respect for family which meant everything to him.

He is survived by his beloved wife (his special angel) Catherine (nee Reinek). They were married for over 69 years. He is also survived by his children Kathy Woodside and son-in-law Scott; Howard W. Bruner, Jr and his daughter-in-law Dorothy (nee Regensburg), Chad M. Bruner and his daughter-in-law Michelle (nee Di Matties); grandchildren Scott Ryan and Marianne Woodside, Michael and Kelly Woodside, Kelly and Vinnie Carpenito,  Katie and Ari Heyman,  David and Megan Bruner, Taylor (Bruner) and Michael Thompson, Cole Bruner and Erin Watson, and his great grandchildren Patrick, Rose, Sean, Matthew, Jake, Caroline, Lily, Nathan, Xander, and Samuel.

Proud Veteran who served his country in the US Army Infantry for 6 years (1956 to 1962) before being honorably discharged as a Sargeant.  He was a lifelong member of VFW Post 679 which he helped build from the ground up on Wilmer Street in Glassboro, NJ and served as Chairman of various committees with this and many other community service organizations.

Butch had a long career as a lineman, installation specialist and supervisor for NJ Bell, AT&T and Lucent Technologies until he retired in 1989.  He was also a dedicated public servant and served the residents of the Borough of Glassboro as a Councilman from 1970 to 1995, where he was Council President for many years.  Continuing his call to public service he served as Vice-Chairman of the Gloucester County Improvement Authority during the implementation of the sited landfill in South Harrison, NJ and was Member, Secretary, and Chairman of the Gloucester County Utilities Authority from 1992 until his recent passing.

His legacy of hard work and dedication will live on in our hearts and inspire family and friends to continue his legacy. He will be deeply missed by family and friends. 

A Memorial Service has been set for Saturday, May 30, 2026 at St. Bridget’s Church in Glassboro, NJ with visitation at 10am and Mass of Christian Burial at 11am with a Veteran’s Honors Interment at the Gloucester County Veterans Cemetery in Monroe Township, NJ immediately following. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in the memory of Howard W. Bruner, Sr. to Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Cape Regional Home Health Care managed by Bayada (Hospice), Gloucester County Veterans Affairs Office.