Longtime Oyster Bay Resident, WWII Veteran Dies At 92

OYSTER BAY, NY — John Robert Bruckner, a longtime Oyster Bay resident and World War II veteran, died Thursday at the age of 92. He passed away, unexpectedly, in Sarasota, Florida, according to his obituary.

A graduate of Westbury High School, Bruckner established Bruckner Carpentry and had a successful career as a general contractor on Nassau County's North Shore. While still in high school, Bruckner built homes in Levittown — and years later, restored Theodore Roosevelt's home in Sagamore Hill.

From all his accomplishments, Bruckner was most proud of being a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather, according to his obituary.

"John had tireless energy and was always eager to help others," his obituary read. "He had a quiet confidence and a warm heart. He also had a great sense of humor.

"John cherished spending time with his family, while celebrating the accomplishments of his loved ones, watching the Mets, playing cards, and vacationing in Vermont. He enjoyed adventures and visited Israel and Greece in recent years. In his spare time, John also restored Model T Fords, which he often drove in Oyster Bay parades."

Bruckner was preceded in death by his parents, Max and Rebecca Bruckner; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Joseph and Caterina Elia; and his granddaughter, Jacqueline Richter.

He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Lucy; his children, John, Jr. (Patricia), Catherine (Dr. James) Inzerillo, Lorraine (Dr. Richard) Richter, Patricia (Joseph DiRosa), and Robert (Stacy Borden); and his 11 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren, whom he adored.

Visitation will be Thursday, Dec. 16, from 7 to 9 p.m., at the Francis P. Devine Funeral Home — located at 293 South St. in Oyster Bay. Funeral services will take place at Trinity Lutheran Church — located at 74 Forrest Ave. in Glen Cove — on Saturday, Dec. 18 at 9 a.m. Burial services will follow at the Cemetery of the Holy Rood in Westbury.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bruckner's memory to the Trinity Lutheran Church.