Ronald Everett Brunk's Obituary
Ronald Everett Brunk, 79, passed away November 19, 2017 following a stroke. He is survived by his five children Tom, Victor, Rita, Rick and Ron, and his seven wonderful grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. He was the quintessential patriarch, building a successful family business in 1971 that still supports two generations of the Brunk family. His guidance and leadership, delivered with equal parts compassion and toughness, have helped shape both the family and the countless friends he made.
Born January 6, 1938 in Cincinnati, OH, to Leroy and Alma Brunk, he was the youngest of 6 children. At a church picnic in Cincinnati in 1956 he also met the love of his life, Joyce, who was attending the picnic from a church in Indiana. The two would marry in 1958 and ultimately relocate to Florida, bringing several siblings along with them and opening the southern branch of the Brunk empire.
He proudly served in the US Navy aboard the USS Intrepid, where he traveled the world and learned the tenacity and hard-working nature that would shape his life. He would also learn the skills that would allow him to move to Florida, build an air conditioning and heating company and employ innumerable family members over the past 45 years.
He was a one-of-a-kind blend of craftsman, artist, and servant, willing to use is infinite skills to help anyone in need. The homes of every member of the family have at least one item installed, built, crafted, painted or otherwise created directly from Ron’s hands.
Those same hands worked magic in the garden, an activity he relished even as his health ebbed in his later years. His heroic battles against insects and small critters to defend his vegetable gardens are stories for the ages. His love for all things beautiful led to an appreciation of flowers, and his ability to coax blooms from stubborn plants was awe-inspiring.
The hands that built, painted, planted and pruned also spent years being used in his love of sports. Whether gesturing passionately as he coached his sons in baseball, or pointing them at the TV as he coached the Lightning from his recliner, he was a devoted fan of the Rays, Magic, Lightning, Bucs and Gators.
Following the untimely death of his wife Joyce and the passing of his brother Herbert, he moved in with Jean Brunk, Herbert’s wife. The two developed a wonderful companionship based on 60+ years of shared history in the Brunk family. The relationship they developed was a special one, and Jean provided amazing care for Ronald over the past 15 years for which the family is truly appreciative.
He joins his wife Joyce, brothers Richard and Herbert, and sisters Mary and Margaret in the loving embrace of the Lord. We will miss him immensely, but we’re warmed by the thought of his reunion with so many family and friends who preceded him.
Service will be held at Memorial Park Funeral Home
5750 49th Street North
St. Petersburg, FL 33709
December 2, 2017 at 11:00 am
In lieu of flowers, donations are encouraged to Suncoast Hospice who provided amazing care for both Ronald and his wife Joyce.
What’s your fondest memory of Ronald?
What’s a lesson you learned from Ronald?
Share a story where Ronald's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Ronald you’ll never forget.
How did Ronald make you smile?