Norman A. Brunner ’84

Norman A. Brunner, Barre, VT, died November 24, 2024, of lung cancer.

Born in Beirut, Lebanon, Tony felt blessed to have had a culturally diverse childhood living in places like Morocco, Bagdad, and Thailand. He moved to the U.S. with his parents and settled in Wheaton, MD, where he attended Catholic school. 

Tony and his parents relocated to Vermont for Tony to attend college at Saint Michael’s, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in fine arts. During his time at Saint Michael’s, he was a passionate rugby player until he sustained a severe knee injury. While playing sports ended that day for him, he shared his lifelong passion for sport with his children, grandchildren, and so many others.

He loved working with children and coached a variety of sports for many years. He was proud of his children and grandchildren and enjoyed watching them play sports while celebrating all their accomplishments. He also was Cub Master for the local Cub Scout Pack. Tony was so proud when his sons obtained Life Scouts and one obtained Eagle Scout.

Tony was a jack of all trades working as a construction worker, architectural designer, coastal designer, cable tech, paraeducator for Barre City school system, and Washington County Mental Health Services. During his time at WCMHS Tony worked as an intervention counselor until his illness forced him to retire after a dedicated 17 years in 2022. In addition, he was active in the Knights of Columbus as a fourth degree Knight.

Tony’s love extended to so many. He was always there to lend a hand or an ear. He was also the first one to “talk someone’s ear off,” as he would say, sharing his knowledge, experience, and advice. He valued his wife, children and grandchildren most in his life.

Tony is survived by his wife of 39 years, Sheila, three sons, a daughter, two “bonus children” –( that is, a “bonus son and daughter” of the heart whom the Brunners took into their home in younger years), and extended family.