Leo J. Brugger Jr.

Leo J. Brugger, Jr., age 82, of Naples, Florida and Erie, passed away on Wednesday, July 14, 2021 at his residence surrounded by his family. He was born in Erie on June 16, 1939 a son of the late Leo J. Brugger, Sr. and Kathryn L. (Reiser) Brugger. He was a graduate of Cathedral Prep, Class of ’57, University of Notre Dame, Class of ’61 and Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science, Class of ‘62. Leo was the oldest member of the 4th generation of funeral directors at Brugger Funeral Homes. His career spanned from 1962 until his retirement in 2006 where he comforted countless Erie families during their greatest time of need. He had been a member of St. Andrew Church, St. Peter Cathedral and most recently at St. Jude the Apostle Church. He served on many local boards including St. Mary’s Home from 1997 to 2005 and the board at Marquette Savings Bank from 1993 to 2019. He was a member of the Erie Yacht Club, the Erie Club and Lake Shore Country Club. Leo is survived by his wife of 58 years, Teresa A. (Minadeo) Brugger; his three children, Bonnie B. Hourican, husband Sean of Boston, Brian L. Brugger, wife Jenni of Denver and L.J. Brugger, wife Kathy of Erie; seven grandchildren, Megan, Haley and Lauren Hourican, Daniel and Rachel Brugger and Ethan and Will Brugger; his siblings, Jane Diefendorf, husband James of Naples, FL, Mary Quinn, husband Thomas of Naples, FL, John Brugger, wife Gretchen of Erie and Timothy Brugger, wife Laurie of Fairview. Many nieces, nephews and cousins also survive as well as many dear friends. Leo was a true gentleman: kind, humble and generous. As many of his family and friends could attest, he was quite the Erie historian, always able to recall names, places and events. Leo will be greatly missed. Friends are invited to call on Monday from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Brugger Funeral Homes & Crematory, 1595 West 38th Street. A funeral mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday at St. Patrick Church, 130 East 4th Street. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Blanche Hartman Fund, c/o the Erie Community Foundation, 459 West 6th Street, Erie, PA 16507 or the charity of one’s choice.