Thomas Brunger Obituary

Thomas Brunger, of Pittsburgh PA, beloved husband, father, grandfather, artist, and teacher, passed away peacefully on Saturday October 18, 2025 at the age of 85. A graduate of Buffalo State University and Rhode Island School of Design, Tom was a gifted artist and dedicated educator. Thomas inspired generations of students to see the world through a creative lens. His passion for art and teaching left an indelible mark on the community and on the countless lives he touched. Known for his gentle humor, patience, and unshakable belief in the power of creativity, he helped others find beauty in both their work and their lives.
He shared his life with his beloved wife of 59 years, and together they raised a daughter and a son who brought them great joy. He was deeply proud of his five granddaughters, who were a constant source of happiness, pride and endless delight. He is survived by his loving wife, Toni; his daughter Lynnette; his son David and daughter-in-law Becky; and five cherished granddaughters, Hannah (Bill), Alexandra (Bryan), Madison, Emma (Jack), and Sophie.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Eric and Una Brunger and was brother to the late Eric Geoffrey Brunger (Carol). Survived by sister Carole Lawrence (late Robert Lawrence). Beloved uncle to nieces and nephews, Jack, Kate, Robb, Alison, Eric, Danielle, Joshua, Lauren and many cousins.
A gifted musician, he sang with the Pittsburgh Concert Chorale and was an active member of SPEBSQSA (Society for the Preservation and Encouragement of Barber Shop Quartet Singing in America), performing as the baritone in a cherished barbershop quartet. A longtime member of his church choir and decades long attendee of The Pittsburgh Symphony, he loved entertaining and sharing his music with others. His music, much like his art and teaching, brought people together and filled their lives with harmony and joy. Brilliant and poetic, he was deeply passionate about art, history, politics, and people. He wove the moments and emotions of everyday life into his artwork with authenticity and heart. Each Christmas, he created an original watercolor and accompanying poem to share with family and friends. It was an annual gift that reflected his creativity, warmth, and love for connection.
Thomas's legacy lives on through his art, his students, and the family he so dearly loved. A celebration of his life will be held honoring his life's work and legacy (Date and Time TBD). In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital www.stjude.org/donate/, RISD (Rhode Island School of Design) www.risd.edu/giving/ways-giving, Buffalo State University https://alumni.buffalostate.edu/givenow, The Pittsburgh Symphony https://www.pittsburghsymphony.org/pso_home/web/give-landing/ways-to-give, or PBS WQED https://donate.wqed.org/wqed/tribute