Lawrence "Larry" V. Brunger's Obituary
Lawrence “Larry” V. Brunger passed away February 20, 2025. He was born in Oswego, NY, on Nov. 19, 1955, to Charles E. and Mildred (Vincent) Brunger. He graduated from C.W. Baker High School in Baldwinsville, NY, in 1973 and earned his associate’s degree from SUNY Farmingdale in 1975.
After a year at SUNY Oswego, he left to work in the restaurant business. He eventually joined the Army and was stationed at Fort Dix, where he learned the cooking trade, becoming a chef.
After his Army discharge, he returned to the Syracuse area. He was a chef at restaurants including the Western Ranch and Jack’s Reef (now The Reef), but he spent the bulk of his career at Ironwood Golf Course (now The Wood). Many guests, especially his father, came to Ironwood for Larry’s liver and onions, usually offered on the third Friday of the month. (He was not fond of them. Ew.) Larry retired in 2016 to care for his father.
Larry was a fixture at a number of bars and restaurants, most notably JP’s Tavern and the American Legion. He made friends wherever he was, he was adored by his family, and he could always be counted on to lend a hand if he was able, especially if it was in the kitchen.
Larry is predeceased by his parents. Survivors include his sisters, Nancy (Beth) Knauss and Amy Brunger Lago; brothers-in-law, Steve Knauss and Scott Kallstrom; nephew, Daniel Knauss and niece, Amanda Couch; aunt, Linda Bianchi; and numerous cousins, both in the CNY area and scattered throughout the country.
Larry’s family is grateful to the staff at the Upstate University Hospital Trauma Center, especially the nurses who were diligent and kind throughout his final days.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the American Legion, 8529 Smokey Hollow Rd., Baldwinsville, NY 13027; or the Greater Baldwinsville Ambulance Corps P.O. Box 744 Baldwinsville, NY 13027.
A celebration of life in Larry's memory will take place on Saturday, May 3, from 1-4PM at the American Legion, 8529 Smokey Hollow Rd., Baldwinsville, NY 13027.
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