Gerald Carl Brundo
Born: April 16, 1943, Lackawanna, New York
Died: September 29, 2023, Omaha, Nebraska
The Family will receive friends on Tuesday, October 10th from 5pm to 7pm at the West Center Chapel. MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL: Wednesday, October 11th, 10am at St. John’s Catholic Church at Creighton Campus, 2500 California Plaza. Interment with Military Honors at Resurrection Cemetery.
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Gerald Carl Brundo was the second of two sons born to Salvatore Peter Brundo and Patricia Rose Riscile. He grew up in the Westfield, New York community, attending Westfield Academy and Central School, until 6th grade, June 1955. His family moved from New York to California three times before making it their permanent home.
He attended St. Mark’s School, 912 Coeur D Alene Ave, Venice, California. and boasted being a classmate of Kathy Lennon of the Lennon Sisters. He then attended Chaminade High School, 2500 Beverly Drive, Los Angeles, Loyola University, Los Angeles, Creighton University School of Dentistry, Omaha and later earned a M.A. from Cal State Los Angeles. He was a Fellow of the American College of Dentists, a member of Xi Psi Phi International Dental Fraternity, Omicron Kappa Upsilon, Honor Society in Dentistry, and Kappa Delta Pi, Honor Society in Education.
Once established in Los Angeles, Jerry’s mother enrolled in beauty school, and soon after, opened her own shop, while his father worked as a car mechanic. Together they worked to pay for their son’s dental school education and were successful in doing so. Dr. Gerald Brundo graduated debt free.
Jerry married Barbara Jane Mrzlak in Columbus, Platte County, Nebraska in 1968, while a student at Creighton Dental School. He was welcomed to the family; an almost 100 percent Italian joins German and Croatian heritage. After earning his DDS, he served in the United States Army at Fort Sam Houston, Texas. At completion of his duty, he joined the UCLA School of Dentistry, where he was mentored by Dr. F. James Kratochvil. His contributed service at Marymount Junior School, Los Angeles, as Chairperson, Board of Education, 1980-1984 highlighted his values for Catholic education. Each summer during his tenure at UCLA 1971-1984, Jerry brought his family back to his wife’s hometown, enjoying the Country Club Inn motel, Columbus Nebraska. Those visits were 4-5 weeks long. He could often be found cleaning the pool at 5:00 AM with only sounds of nature around him. He was very aware of cottonwood vs. air conditioning maintenance too!
In 1984, he became the Dean of Creighton Dental School, Omaha Nebraska. He began preparing for this leadership position following his graduation from the Dental School in 1969, inspired while he spent the summer following graduation with faculty in the clinic. Other than with his family, he was happiest in his white coat at Creighton Dental School. There is a publication, Creighton University, Boyne School of Dental Science, Centennial History 1905-2005, authored by Ben Lynch DDS and Terry Wilwerding DDS: Contents, Brundo, 1984-1994, pages 59 to 73.
He continued his contributions to Catholic Education being supportive of his wife as she served Christ the King Catholic School as principal, 1986-1992; as religious education coordinator, 1994-1995; his son was enrolled as a student. His daughters attended Duchesne Academy and son Creighton Prep. He has five grandchildren who followed those footsteps and then enrolled at Creighton University with one attending St. Louis University. He had an opinion on class attendance. Be there. Bereavement leave from SLU to join cousins was a good student decision.
For fun: Creighton season tickets for basketball and baseball, great seats! College World Series, good times often shared with friends. Dancing, bowling, roller skating, playing accordion, and organ, singing, cooking especially Italian dinners, baking especially Italian cookies. He will be missed.
His favorite street in Omaha: Bloomfield Drive.
Survived by wife, Dr. Barbara Brundo, daughters Nicole Brundo, Tricia [Patrick] Sharrar and son Gerald Brundo II. Grandchildren Erin Goaley, Shannon Goaley and Sal Goaley, Mia Sharrar and Chase Sharrar. Niece Kathy Brundo, Nephew Richard Brundo II. Sisters in law: Margaret Matejka of Houston, Texas, Maxine Brown, and Betty (Ron) Mann of Mission Viejo, California, Carol (Peter) Rygol of Omaha, Paulette (John) Power of Chicago, Illinois, Rosemarie Reidel of Greeley, Colorado, Terese (Leon) Barden of Redondo Beach, California, Dr. Suzanne (Dave) Melliger of Johnson Lake, Nebraska; Brothers in law, Jim Mrzlak of Homestead, Florida, Gregg (Lydia) Mrzlak of San Antonio, Texas. Nieces and Nephews: Joe Lee, Stephanie (Kevin Grover), Jackie Rutledge, Chris & Dr. Ann Lee, Jenny (Josh Martin); Brandon Brown (Meghan); Nick Mrzlak, Andrea Mrzlak, Maranda (Will Murphy, Ph.D.); Hilary Mann, Jonathan Mann, Stephen Mann, Kevin Mann, SJC, William Mann; Matt (Jenna) Rygol, Andy (Sara) Rygol, Carissa (Ky Miller), John Rygol (Gwenn Porter) Heidi Reidel, Vreni Reidel; Bridgette M. Barden, Brittany Barden; Emily and (Zach Denson), Nick G. Mrzlak; Michael Melliger. Great Nieces and Nephews: Paul and Mark Grover: Daniel, Calvin, Georgia Rutledge; Grace, Elizabeth, and Frances Lee: Charles, Teddy, Patrick, and George Martin; Brooklynn, Baylie Brown; Jay [James Nicholas] and Alexandra Mrzlak: Therese Bennett (Cody) Hatfield; Delilah, Adler, and Delaney Mann; Nathan Mann, Zach, Logan, and Tanner Rygol; Zander and Avery Rygol, Johann Rygol [JR]; Sophia and Lucas Miller; Jordyn and Myles Denson: Lilly and Maddy Melliger.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Salvatore and Patricia Brundo; brother, Richard Ross Brundo; parents-in-law, Nicholas Mrzlak and Theresa (German) Mrzlak, Joe E. Lee, Travis Melliger, David “Scotty” Brown, Suzanne Modlin and Joe Matejka.
33 Comments
My prayers for your saddened hearts at this time.
Also prayers for Gerry’ s eternal rest.
Prayerfully, Jackie Sojka
Barbara, I am so sorry. I did not know. My prayers and little sacrifices are for you and him and your family.
May he rest in peace forever. Another good warrior in heaven for us.
Barb Kirk
Deeply sorry for your loss. Dr Brundo has made such an impact on so many. He was such a great colleague and role model for me throughout the years. He will be greatly missed.
My sincerest condolences for your loss. Nicole and I worked together for 7 years and she always had amazing things to say about her family. My prayers and wishes of comfort are extended your way and I pray for your strength and healing as you remember the happy times and continue on this journey. May God Keep you always.
-Fantashia
Thank you Dean Brundo! I will always be grateful for your support and training. I appreciate all you did for me while in dental school and how you helped shape my life. You are a very special person! God bless you and your family.
Dr. Brundo was such a kind and patient professor. Such a blessing to have studied under his guidance. praying for your family and your loss.
Much peace
Matt Philson
Deepest sympathy and condolances to you for the loss of dear dean Brrundo. Our mentor was very respectful and keen to teach us dentistry during our journey at Creighton University.
So sorry for your loss. Dr. Brundo was one of the kindest and most helpful professors at Creighton. You could always tell how much he enjoyed taking his time to pass on knowledge to the next generations.
Dr. Brundo, you were class personified. Your words of encouragement will never be forgotten. Peace to you and your family.
My thoughts and prayers go out to the whole family in this time of grief and loss. I pray that good memories sustain you and that God grants peace and strength!
I was blessed to spend time with Dr Brundo during clinic over the last few years. He and I prayed for each other and we had alot of talks about life. My heart aches for the famiIy. He leaves an amazing legacy as a Dad, family man, Godly leader, Prosthodonttust Dean
My sincerest condolences to Dean Brundo’s family, friends, and the Creighton family. Dean Brundo’s passion for dental education was admirable and I was so fortunate to have his oversight in the clinic when I was a student. I often reflect on my conversations with him and the career advice and encouragement that he gave me while I served as a faculty member at Creighton. Dean Brundo’s impact will not be forgotten. May your memories of him bring you peace and comfort during this difficult time.
Dr. Brundo’s knowledge, kindness and example was such a blessing for so many of us at Creighton Dental School. What a wonderful man. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. Thank you for sharing him with so many of us.
Accept our condolences. Dean Bruno supported all our Diversity initiatives in HSMACA and taught in the cultural competency classes
May his soul RIP Amen
Accept our condolences. Dean Bruno supported all our Diversity initiatives in HSMACA and taught in the cultural competency classes
May his soul RIP Amen
Dr Brundo was truly a man of faith, integrity, and wisdom. I will cherish and miss the Wednesday masses we shared, the clinic interactions, and the meals together at CU and OKU events. An exceptional educator and student advocate!! Jerry, I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers. Once you are settled in your heavenly quarters, keep an eye on us so that we don’t stray from the example you set.
Dr. Brundo passionately loved Creighton and cared for all students. He made teaching fun and I feel very fortunate that I came to Creighton Dental School when he was our Dean.
Tricia, Nicole, Gerry, please accept my empathy at the loss of your father. Love to all!!!!
Barbara and family,
Charlene and I send our sincere condolences to you at this time. Jerry was a dear friend, top-notch administrator, and dedicated teacher. Thousands of dental students, staff and faculty benefited from Jerry’s leadership and example. May you find peace in the Lord as you cope.
Jared Smith
Barb,
Please accept my sincere condolences on Jerry’s passing. He was always good to me and did an excellent job as our Dean. After his retirement, I enjoyed seeing him on Wednesdays and he was always so gracious and cheerful when we met. I will miss his smiling face and his pleasing personality.
Dr. Brundo was one of my absolute favorite instructors when I was in dental school. I liked prosthodontics and always sought him ought whenever I could to work with him on cases. He was enthusiastic and energetic and seemingly knew everything about chairside manner as well as he knew the technical aspects of dentistry. He was certainly outgoing and friendly and I wish I’d have gotten to know him even better. I cannot imagine how much he will be missed by his family and friends-to whom I’d like to extend my sincere condolences.
Dr. Brundo was the dean of Creighton U. School of Dentistry when we arrived in 1991. He was always very kind and and attentive. My deepest condolences to the entire family, specially to (Dr) Mrs. Brundo. May his memory be for a blessing now and always .
Barbara, Nicole, Tricia and Jerry II,
I’m sorry that we are unable to be with you for the gathering in celebration of Jerry’s life. I thank you, Barbara, for bringing Jerry into our family and our lives. He has, for all these many years, been such a special and wonderful addition to our family happiness and fun. Precious memories of Jerry have been with the many of us who have not been able to share in his immediate company over the years.
Jerry shared a sentiment with me in the last conversation I was privileged to have with him. I think it is attractive and I offer his thoughts to you. As memories eventually overshadow your sorrow ‘May you find and enjoy peace in your soul’.
In deepest sympathy,
Jim Mrzlak and family
Dr.B became a valued friend from the time we first met in 1984 until the day he passed. He valued all of
us staff and always respected our opinions and appreciated our input. Because I once pointed out to him when we first met, that my name was Carol No E on it. I forever became No E to him and his beautiful family. He had a great sense of humor and a sense of caring and support for those he cared about. I was one of those lucky friends until the end. He will be missed for all his kindness and humor. Hugs and prayers to all his beautiful family. He was truly a guardian angel.
As always No E
Dean Brundo, you are such a kind, honest and giving man of faith. I can see why you were loved and respected by the faculty you led. I will always cherish your mentorship and friendship during my time at Creighton. You were genuinely interested, always encouraging and truly supportive of me as a person. I will always cherish our lunches and many conversations we had together. May God bless you and your family always.
Alvin
To the family of Dean Brundo, my deepest condolences. May loving memories sustain you as you grieve your loss. Dr. Brundo was wonderful to me – he was so gracious and respectful, and gave me much guidance when I joined Creighton as a young faculty member. I could always trust him to give thoughtful advice that came from his heart. His wonderful gentle smile and warm persona will be much missed at the SOD. May you find peace with the passage of time.
Thinking of your family during this difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Greatest condolences from the Douglas County Attorney’s office. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Barbara and Family,
My thoughts and prayers for you and family during this difficult time. I trust you are surrounded by family and friends who are good for your spirit. Jerry’s legacy will always live in your hearts.
Deepest heartfelt condolences,
Ken and Jane Gehlbach
You have written a beautiful tribute to honor such a wonderful man, Dr Brundo. He was truly exceptional, and his legacy will live on through his family and countless dental students. May you find comfort in the lovely memories you shared and the knowledge that his work touched so many. My thoughts are with you and your family as you lay him to rest. God Bless your family especially today, sending prayers and love.
Barbara ,
I was so sorry to hear of Jerry’s Passing
.I wish you peace .
Mary Nelsen
The Nisco Family’s love and prayers are with all of you. I got to know Dr. Brundo very well in my four years of Dental School at UCLA. He was a phenomenal teacher, clinician, mentor and friend to our entire class. We will always remember him fondly and hold tremendous gratitude for having known him. Our graduating class in 1984 having selected him as the keynote speaker at our graduation was reflective of the impact he had on all of us.
We lost a wonderful person way too soon we’ll miss you and your kind soul. Our deepest condolences to your lovely family. I’ll miss you my friend.
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