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We Honor and Remember:
EN3 Benjamin Alan Brunner
Hometown: Southampton, NJ. Died: February 6, 2019. Age: 19. Unit: USS Pearl Harbor (LSD 52). Benjamin Alan Brunner was born in Willingboro NJ on May 5, 1999 (Cinco De Mayo). Was raised in Maricao, Puerto Rico for 13yrs until coming back to Southampton NJ. He is survived by his Amazing brother Jonathan David Brunner & Mother, Lisa Marie Brunner. His Father, David Alan Brunner preceded him in death in 2014. He was in a 2 year relationship with the girl of his dreams, Kyla Pearl Gwaltney. (She literally taught him how to smile) Grandmother - Patricia LEE Churchman of VA, Jo-Ann Westcott of PR. Uncle - Tony Di Agostino of NJ, Cousins - Bryan Jose Brunner of CA and David Robert Brunner of PR. He was "Adopted in Love" by the entire Delaney family for which he has many more Aunts, Uncles, Nephews & Nieces. Along with the Eberly family of Southampton and Bopp Family of Medford. He was a member of the graduating class of Seneca High School class of 2017. He served 4 years in JROTC Air Force under Major Hoggs and Sgt Brooks. He enjoyed automotive class the most! Ben was currently serving in the US Navy as an EN3 , Fireman Brunner checked in aboard the LSD 52 USS PEARL HARBOR on August 1st 2018 in San Diego CA. Ben automatically advanced to Engineman Third Class in Engineman A-school in for his superb work ethic. In a little over 6 months EN3 Brunner quickly qualified Cold Iron Watch, Repair Parts Petty Officer, Electronic Shift Operations Management Systems Operator and Advanced Damage Control. He also earned and EXPERT in 9mm, National defense medal and GWOT. (Global War on Terrorism). Ben was an active participant in the USS PEARL HARBOR's community relations projects with Door of Hope Women's Shelter in San Diego CA. Fair Winds and Following Seas ...Snipe of the Pit. Ben's favorite times were living life to the absolute fullest, spent in the Pine Barrens of NJ with his friends riding dirt bikes, mudding, fixing trucks and cars, paint balling and spending time with Kyla. Tragically he died in a single vehicle accident on the highway in CA when his bike skidded out on Feb 6, 2019 at 11:27 pm. He passed doing something he loved, may we all be as privileged. Interment at B.G. William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Arneytown, NJ. In lieu of other expressions of sympathy memorial contributions may be made to the Benjamin Alan Brunner Memorial Fund C/O TD Bank, 1636 Rt. 38, Lumberton, NJ 08048. |
Character Strength Story:
ZEST- Ben's zest for life was always evident as he was in constant motion. There was always something new he was trying to master or accomplish. I was most impressed with his downhill skateboarding skills in the mountains of Puerto Rico. I would often follow him in the car to "clock" how quickly he could fly down those mountain curves. When we reached the bottom his first question would be, "how fast did I go Mom?" He would practice and practice to gain speed and form.
LOVE OF LEARNING - Ben always had a love of learning new things and would work at it until he mastered the skill. Anything with wheels caught and kept his attention. It could be anything from Heelys, Big Wheels, bicycles, skateboards, downhill skateboards, motorcycles and of course trucks. He could take anything apart, repair it, and put it back together better than before. He was always happiest with grease or paint under his fingernails.
HUMOR - Ben had a wonderful sense of humor and April 1st was one of his favorite days of the year. I never knew what to expect from him that day. One year he taped my car keys to the ceiling and when I couldn't find them he simply replied, "Look up, Mom" with a big smile on his face. Or he would tape the sprayer nozzle open on the kitchen sink so first thing in the morning you would get a shower in the kitchen. You knew to be on your toes each April first!
--Submitted by Lisa, Surviving Mother
ZEST- Ben's zest for life was always evident as he was in constant motion. There was always something new he was trying to master or accomplish. I was most impressed with his downhill skateboarding skills in the mountains of Puerto Rico. I would often follow him in the car to "clock" how quickly he could fly down those mountain curves. When we reached the bottom his first question would be, "how fast did I go Mom?" He would practice and practice to gain speed and form.
LOVE OF LEARNING - Ben always had a love of learning new things and would work at it until he mastered the skill. Anything with wheels caught and kept his attention. It could be anything from Heelys, Big Wheels, bicycles, skateboards, downhill skateboards, motorcycles and of course trucks. He could take anything apart, repair it, and put it back together better than before. He was always happiest with grease or paint under his fingernails.
HUMOR - Ben had a wonderful sense of humor and April 1st was one of his favorite days of the year. I never knew what to expect from him that day. One year he taped my car keys to the ceiling and when I couldn't find them he simply replied, "Look up, Mom" with a big smile on his face. Or he would tape the sprayer nozzle open on the kitchen sink so first thing in the morning you would get a shower in the kitchen. You knew to be on your toes each April first!
--Submitted by Lisa, Surviving Mother
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New Jersey Run for the Fallen 2023 ~ Click on photos below to enlarge...
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New Jersey Run for the Fallen 2022
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