Final Salute

On September 5, 2025, at 5:30 am, Larry Duffy Brucker passed away peacefully in his sleep at the age of 86.

Larry was born to Mary Duffy Brucker and John Frank Brucker Sr. on February 7, 1939, in Myers Town, PA. He spent his younger years growing up in Lebanon, PA, where he met his wife, Faye Marie Buch Brucker. They were married 68 years and together provided a solid foundation for a strong and loving family.

At an early age, he joined the National Brotherhood of Scouts Honor Society. By the age of 13, he obtained the highest attainable rank in the Eagle Scouts and was awarded the Silver Eagle Scout Badge and the “Pro Deo et Patria” Red Cross Shield award. He also pursued his love of music and played in the Lebanon High School Band and performed in the Macy’s Day parade.

Larry spent 24 years in the Navy. He started his journey at boot camp at the United States Naval Training Center in Bainbridge, Maryland. His love for woodworking lead him to become a Seabee. He perfected his craft as a construction engineer and expanded his skills to become a U.S. Navy Salvage Diver. He retired in 1987 leaving behind a distinguished military career marked by dedication, courage, and honor. His service earned him the Navy Commendation Medal with “V” for Valor, the Purple Heart, and the Vietnam Service Ribbon. His enduring love for God and Country continued to shape his life and inspire others.

Larry was a woodworker at heart. After the Navy, he spent years of his life working with his hands as a carpenter and handyman. Over the years, he crafted numerous items including chests, birdhouses, curio cabinets, and children’s rocking chairs and horses that are sure to be treasured by future generations. He loved to spread his joy by giving out crosses, holiday snowmen, and dressing up as Santa for his grandchildren and great grandchildren for the holidays.

Upon retiring from the Navy, he turned to the Master Masons to help him continue with his love of community and helping others. He started his Mason Career in Pensacola, Florida at Myrtle Grove Lodge #352 of the Free and Accepted Masons. He eventually moved to Central Florida and became Worshipful Master of Sanford Lodge #62. He demitted from Sanford Lodge and became a perpetual member of Landmark Lodge #383.

Larry was a charismatic man and would tell his stories to anyone who listened. He especially loved to share his stories with his family. They would listen no matter how many times he told the same story or how much the same story changed over time. Larry is survived by his wife, Faye Marie Brucker, his children Michael David Brucker, John Christian Brucker, Bridget Anne Gipson, Stephanie Sue Brucker, his grandchildren Brianne Marie Brucker-Delveloy, Derek Michael Brucker, Brandie Leigh Perez, Kohl Shade Gipson, Kasey Elaine Parker, Jade Autumn Walker, Isabel Susan Santiago, Christian Ty Brucker, 12 great-grandchildren, his sisters Susan Duffy Loehr, Marie Duffy Gingrich, his sons and daughters-in-law Donnie Gipson, Lisa Brucker, Connie Rockwell Garison, Laura LaTourette, many nieces, nephews and cousins. He is preceded in death by his mother and father, his granddaughters Katherine Colleen Parker, Halle Jean Gipson, his brothers Richard Milhouse Brucker, John Frank Brucker Jr., and his sister Ellen Mae Brucker-Weaver.

To honor Larry, the family will be holding a Celebration of Life at the St. James House of Payer located at 2775 Celery Ave., Sanford, FL 32771 at 2 pm. Afterward the family will be continue the celebration at the local Disabled American Veterans (DAV), located at 3512 S. Orlando Dr., Sanford, FL 32773, to honor his time in the service. We deeply appreciate your thoughts, prayers, and kind wishes as we grieve during this difficult time.