A Buffalo native, Mr. Brunner grew up in Snyder, N.Y. He earned a bachelor's degree in engineering from the University of Buffalo in 1951.
He served in the Air Force as a sergeant during the Korean War. Shortly after leaving the service, Mr. Brunner started and owned D.C. Brunner Co. in Cheektowaga, N.Y. which became one of the area's largest millwork companies. His company did finishing work for most of the area's banks, the former AM&A's department stores, then-Rich Football Stadium (Buffalo Bills) and Buffalo City Court.
In 1976, Mr. Brunner took over WW Dobkin Co., a ceramic tile distributor now known as Dobkin Tile, which is known through much of New York State. In 1990, he founded Brunner Enterprises, a distributor of aluminum extrusions and moldings, which expanded to serve companies across the United States.
Mr. Brunner also enjoyed photography, skiing and piloting planes. He designed and built his own homes. At age 70, he designed and built a full-sized covered bridge on his Colden property that has since been included in a national book on covered bridges.
A 55 year member of the Lockport Lodge, Free & Accepted Masons, he was a longtime member of the Quiet Birdmen, a pilot's group. He also was a member of the Erie County Sheriff's Aviation Reserve unit.
He is survived by his wife of 42 years, the former Joanne Zydel; sons: Thomas, Daniel and Paul; a brother, John; and a sister, Ellen Robison.
He served in the Air Force as a sergeant during the Korean War. Shortly after leaving the service, Mr. Brunner started and owned D.C. Brunner Co. in Cheektowaga, N.Y. which became one of the area's largest millwork companies. His company did finishing work for most of the area's banks, the former AM&A's department stores, then-Rich Football Stadium (Buffalo Bills) and Buffalo City Court.
In 1976, Mr. Brunner took over WW Dobkin Co., a ceramic tile distributor now known as Dobkin Tile, which is known through much of New York State. In 1990, he founded Brunner Enterprises, a distributor of aluminum extrusions and moldings, which expanded to serve companies across the United States.
Mr. Brunner also enjoyed photography, skiing and piloting planes. He designed and built his own homes. At age 70, he designed and built a full-sized covered bridge on his Colden property that has since been included in a national book on covered bridges.
A 55 year member of the Lockport Lodge, Free & Accepted Masons, he was a longtime member of the Quiet Birdmen, a pilot's group. He also was a member of the Erie County Sheriff's Aviation Reserve unit.
He is survived by his wife of 42 years, the former Joanne Zydel; sons: Thomas, Daniel and Paul; a brother, John; and a sister, Ellen Robison.
A Buffalo native, Mr. Brunner grew up in Snyder, N.Y. He earned a bachelor's degree in engineering from the University of Buffalo in 1951.
He served in the Air Force as a sergeant during the Korean War. Shortly after leaving the service, Mr. Brunner started and owned D.C. Brunner Co. in Cheektowaga, N.Y. which became one of the area's largest millwork companies. His company did finishing work for most of the area's banks, the former AM&A's department stores, then-Rich Football Stadium (Buffalo Bills) and Buffalo City Court.
In 1976, Mr. Brunner took over WW Dobkin Co., a ceramic tile distributor now known as Dobkin Tile, which is known through much of New York State. In 1990, he founded Brunner Enterprises, a distributor of aluminum extrusions and moldings, which expanded to serve companies across the United States.
Mr. Brunner also enjoyed photography, skiing and piloting planes. He designed and built his own homes. At age 70, he designed and built a full-sized covered bridge on his Colden property that has since been included in a national book on covered bridges.
A 55 year member of the Lockport Lodge, Free & Accepted Masons, he was a longtime member of the Quiet Birdmen, a pilot's group. He also was a member of the Erie County Sheriff's Aviation Reserve unit.
He is survived by his wife of 42 years, the former Joanne Zydel; sons: Thomas, Daniel and Paul; a brother, John; and a sister, Ellen Robison.
He served in the Air Force as a sergeant during the Korean War. Shortly after leaving the service, Mr. Brunner started and owned D.C. Brunner Co. in Cheektowaga, N.Y. which became one of the area's largest millwork companies. His company did finishing work for most of the area's banks, the former AM&A's department stores, then-Rich Football Stadium (Buffalo Bills) and Buffalo City Court.
In 1976, Mr. Brunner took over WW Dobkin Co., a ceramic tile distributor now known as Dobkin Tile, which is known through much of New York State. In 1990, he founded Brunner Enterprises, a distributor of aluminum extrusions and moldings, which expanded to serve companies across the United States.
Mr. Brunner also enjoyed photography, skiing and piloting planes. He designed and built his own homes. At age 70, he designed and built a full-sized covered bridge on his Colden property that has since been included in a national book on covered bridges.
A 55 year member of the Lockport Lodge, Free & Accepted Masons, he was a longtime member of the Quiet Birdmen, a pilot's group. He also was a member of the Erie County Sheriff's Aviation Reserve unit.
He is survived by his wife of 42 years, the former Joanne Zydel; sons: Thomas, Daniel and Paul; a brother, John; and a sister, Ellen Robison.
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