Obituary of Walter Chester Brunner

Warrensburg: Wally Chester Brunner,81, of Prospect St., passed away Thursday morning, March 20th, 2008, at his home following a long illness with his family at his side. Born September 14, 1926 in the Bronx, he was the son of the late Walter and Marie (Swaninski) Brunner. At the age of 17, Wally put together his own six piece big band and played at various resorts in the Catskills, performing big band era, Latin, and Hawaiian sounds. At age 21, he worked with Spotlight Attractions Booking Agency that lead to him establishing his own agency known as Flash Attractions, with the pleasure of booking many big name artists and specializing in Hawaiian and Caribbean events. Wally moved to the North Country in 1955 and continued performing in Montreal, and many local dude ranches, and night clubs, a drumming career that spanned over 60 years. He married Dawn Patscheider in 1974 and the couple enjoyed being communicants of St. Cecilia’s RC Church in Warrensburg. His memberships included serving as past commander and chaplain of the Sons of the American Legion, Lake George Post 374. He was also a member of the Musician’s Union Local’s 129, Glens Falls, 506, Saratoga, and New York City. His favorite pastimes included spending time with his family, reading, listening to classical music, wildlife, model trains and anything Hawaiian. Survivors include his beloved wife of 34 years, Dawn M. Brunner of Warrensburg; his two daughters: Rhonda Duell and her husband, Dexter of Warrensburg; Roberta Jones of Wynantskill; four grandchildren: Aaron Duell of Plainfield, IL; Jessica Duell and her companion, Josh Jameson of Marina, CA; Heather Stiles and her husband, Josh of Rome; Erica Jones of Boston, MA; four great-grandchildren: Brandon and Abigail Duell; Makenna and Brayden Stiles; sister-in-law: Faith Drouin of Montreal; nephew; Marc Drouin and his wife, Akiko and their daughter Brooke of Toronto. Friends may call on Wally’s family from 5-8 pm, Monday at the Alexander-Baker Funeral Home, 3809 Main St., Warrensburg. Members of the Sons of the American Legion Post will conduct a brief service during the visitation at 7 pm. Sister Linda Hogan of St. Cecilia’s RC Church will conduct the wake service at 8 pm, Monday at the funeral home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be conducted at 2 pm, Tuesday, at St. Cecilia’s RC Church in Warrensburg, with Father Paul Cox officiating. Spring burial will take place at St. Cecelia’s Cemetery in Warrensburg. Expressions of sympathy may take the form of donations to: The American Heart Association or St. Cecilia’s RC Church Memorial Fund. Please visit www.alexanderfuneralhomes.com for online guest book, condolences and directions.