Brian Donald Brucker

1951–2015

Born in Rochester, New York, on June 30, 1951, Brian Donald Brucker was the second born son of the late Arthur and Isabel Smith Brucker. He grew up in a small home tucked conveniently between Lake Ontario and the nearby ponds, where Brian took advantage of his surroundings, swimming, boating, water skiing, and, especially in the wintertime, skating and playing ice hockey. Brian’s older brother Douglas, nine years his senior, went to college and married early, leaving Brian literally to experience the life of an “only child.” Art and Isabel were really supportive parents and encouraged Brian in everything he did. Besides his job at Itek, Art was a meticulous, do-it-yourself handyman at home who taught Brian so many building-type skills (like carpentry, electrical work, and roofing!) that they became an additional skill set that contributed to the well-rounded, wonderful person that Brian became in his adult life. Brian even learned emergency first aid from his father, who also served as volunteer fire chief for part of his life. Both parents instilled in Brian an interest in cooking and a solid moral code, both so evidenced throughout his life.

Brian excelled in school and also participated in sports. During high school summers, Brian was employed at Kodak, a huge employer in the Rochester area, and word has it that he even did some underwear modeling for a catalog! He and his friends formed a rock ‘n’ roll band for several years until he went to college.

Brian graduated from Greece High School, Class of 1969, and was accepted to Cornell University in Ithaca, New York, where he originally began scientific studies to become a veterinarian. Brian decided after the first year that he wanted to do something else, and he went into the Cornell Hotel School, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in hotel hospitality with an emphasis in food and beverage. Especially here, Brian excelled in everything he did and was honored to be a teaching assistant for the wine course senior year. Throughout the school year and during the summers, Brian stayed at school and bartended at the Statler hotel, definitely honing his skills.

Brian met his future wife, Jana Hrbek, his junior year, 1972, on a blind date arranged by friends, and the rest, as they say, is history. Brian and Jana married on July 21, 1974, and began their life together in Rochester, New York, where Brian served as Food and Beverage Manager at the Americana Hotel. Brian later moved to a food distributor company, Flickingers, where he became a route salesman and developed a larger repertoire of skills. The young Bruckers bought their first house on the east side of Rochester. Their first child, Jason, was born in 1978 in that city.

Interested in advancement, Brian then accepted a job as Vice Manager in New Orleans with Kansas Packing Company, headquartered in New York City, but with branches throughout the country. Brian remained employed by Kansas Packing for 12 years and became the “cleanup/fixup man” who could turn any branch around financially. Second son Jonathan was born in 1981 in Slidell, Louisiana. Shortly thereafter, Brian was transferred to take over existing managerial positions every four years in Houston, Oakland, California (including Long Beach and Vancouver), eventually moving to Fort Lauderdale to open a new branch. A third son, Alexander, was born in 1987 in Berkeley. As hard as the workaholic Brian worked for the company, he was equally as involved in family life and provided his three sons with the kinds of wonderful experiences that he had growing up with his parents. He made certain that his boys would grow up to be independent, confident young men.

Brian and KPC parted ways in 1993, at which time the Bruckers decided to move to Colorado Springs, where Brian began an ill-fated partnership in home loan distribution. By 2000, Brian had moved on to become a national VP for Jennie-O Turkey, then on to the Chicago area in 2003 for a VP/acting President of Sales and Marketing for Triad Foods Group, including Creekstone Angus Beef. Brian became the ultimate expert in meat and grocery formulation and distribution. The family was able to maintain their wonderful lifestyle  north of Chicago when Brian began as VP of Marketing for Niman Ranch, one of the early sustainable pork, beef, and lamb companies, out of Colorado. Brian was managing both marketing and distribution when he suddenly passed away on November 23, 2015.

Brian valued his personal life with family. In his spare time on weekends, he enjoyed outdoor yard duties and, most of all, cooking and watching cooking shows. He relaxed and was a master of amazing meals. He always looked forward to family gatherings and cooking for a larger crowd.

He is survived by his wife, Jana; sons Jason Brucker of Littleton, Colorado, and Jonathan and Alex Brucker, both of Jacksonville, Florida; and two grandchildren. Brother Douglas Brucker and his two children, all of Rochester, are all still currently living.

Send to someone

Share this obituary with others

https://everloved.com/life-of/brian-brucker/obituary/

Copy