Thomas Brunton

Thomas I. Brunton passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 23, at Sacred Heart Hospice in Dunmore following a brief illness. He was preceded in death by his wife of 51 years, Mary Clarke Brunton. Mr. Brunton was a graduate of Avoca High School and began his career with Bell Telephone of Pennsylvania. He later joined AT&T Communications and AT&T International as a marketing manager, where he contributed to several early telecommunications innovations, including the first mobile telephone systems, the introduction of outdoor 24-hour telephone booths in Northeastern Pennsylvania, and the development of the first 800 and 900 telephone services, among many other special communications projects.

Mr. Brunton served his country with distinction in the Pennsylvania Army National Guard for 39 years as a member of the 109th Infantry, 28th Division. He began as an enlisted soldier during the Korean War, rising to the rank of Sergeant First Class, including overseas service during the occupation of Germany. He later served as Commander of the 3rd Infantry Brigade and the 55th Brigade of the 28th Division following its reorganization. He was Director of Logistics in response to Hurricane Agnes in 1972, Tropical Storm Eloise in 1975, and the Johnstown disaster in 1977. He became Military Safety Officer for Pennsylvania with the 28th Division Combat Support Command and was awarded the Pennsylvania Distinguished Service Medal. Mr. Brunton rose to the rank of Colonel and was promoted to Brigadier General upon retirement.

Mr. Brunton was known for his deep devotion to the Catholic faith and could often be found attending daily Mass at many churches throughout the area. He was renowned for his vast knowledge, his storytelling, sense of humor, kindness and generosity.  He was beloved by his family, neighbors and friends and will be greatly missed.

He is survived by his son, Thomas Brunton of Dunmore; his daughter, Catherine Crowell (Sean), Trevose, PA; three grandchildren, Tim Holstrom (Kevin), Collingswood, NJ, Kelly Holstrom, Studio City, CA, and Christina Holstrom, Philadelphia; his sister, Mary Blaskiewicz of Avoca, and numerous nieces and nephews.

The Brunton family would like to thank the nursing and speech therapy staff at Regional Hospital, Scranton, for their kindness and dedicated care, and the Sacred Heart Hospice, Dunmore, for the comfort and compassion they provided.

The funeral will be on Friday, May 1, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 9:30 am at St. Mary’s Church, 322 Chestnut St., Dunmore. Interment to follow at Our Mother of Sorrows Cemetery, Carbondale.

Friends may call on Thursday from 5-7 pm at the Carlucci-Golden-DeSantis Funeral Home Inc., 318 E. Drinker St., Dunmore.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph's Center, 2010 Adams Ave., Scranton. 

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