Dana M. Brueckner, Sr.

Dana M. Brueckner, Sr., 87, of Kerhonkson, passed away on September 23, 2024 at home after a lengthy illness. He was born March 8, 1937 and was the son of the late Albert and Ella Howard Brueckner. He resided in West Hurley for most of his life, attended grade school there, and graduated Kingston High School in 1955. 

Dana joined the Navy at the old Post Office on Broadway in Kingston August 30, 1955 and served until August 29, 1961. He became a Machinist Mate Third Class, rank MM2. He served on the repair ship, the USS Vulcan AR-5, and traveled to Port of Havana, British West Indies, and Puerto Rico. He then served on the USS Salamonie AO-26 and crossed the 180th Meridian in the South Pole on August 16, 1958, where he was initiated into the ‘Solemn Mysteries of the Ancient Order of the Deep.’ He then traveled with the “SAL” to Barcelona, Spain; Cannes, France; and Naples and Sicily, Italy.

After the Navy, Dana worked in construction on high rises and bridges, acoustical ceilings and raised flooring, both as foreman and lead-man. He also worked for Pratt Whitney Aircraft in CT and for the carpenter’s union in NY, FL, SC, NC, and GA.

 In addition to his parents, Dana was predeceased by four brothers, Albert Jr., Francis, John, and Ned, and one sister, Dolores. 

 Surviving Dana is his beloved companion and best friend, Dorothy S. Ruff. Also surviving are his three sons, Dana Brueckner, Jr. of TX, Jeffrey (Tina) Brueckner of West Hurley, and Paul Brueckner (Lisa Dosiak) of Accord; three grandsons, Dana Brueckner III, Cody Brueckner (Cassie Perez) of Hurley, and Lucas Brueckner of West Hurley; a great-grandson Eli Brueckner of Hurley; and several nieces and nephews.

Private funeral arrangements with full military honors are under the direction of Keyser Funeral & Cremation Service in Kingston and he will be laid to rest in Wiltwyck Cemetery.