WORCESTER - Francis “Frank” W. Bruhn, 55, of Worcester passed away unexpectedly.
He was born in Denver, CO and graduated from West Boylston High School. He went on to receive a degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. Frank worked most recently as a self-employed entrepreneur and web developer for his company, Custom Website Design and Development.
Frank will be remembered for many things.
He will be remembered for his love of backgammon, billiards, and countless other games which he shared at every opportunity with his friends and family.
He will be remembered as an exceptional athlete. From his days as a notable high-school basketball player to the passion for tennis he displayed in later years with the Worcester Racquetball Club, those who played with him will never forget the fierce spirit of competition he brought to the court.
He will be remembered for his generosity. Whether it was those physically near to him, like the friends he made frequenting Elm Park and his local coffee shop, or the children living in poverty in far-away countries whom Frank supported through regular donations, Frank made giving back a daily practice. He touched countless lives with his open heart and forgiving soul.
But most of all he will be remembered for his love of family, especially his love of children. Frank had a tender capacity to engage with his son, his grandchildren, and his numerous nieces and nephews. His family will never forget his loving smile, his warm laugh, and the special way he went about connecting with each of them. Frank took enormous pride in his son, his son’s wife, and their three children. They were the highlight of his life.
He leaves behind his son, Jesse and his wife, Christine Bruhn of Newton and their children, Ella, Molly and Holden; his parents, Carl and Margaret (Tanona) Bruhn; nine siblings, Mary and her husband, Robert Ambrose of West Boylston, Catherine and her husband, Robert Clark of Quincy, Carl and his wife, Ann Bruhn of Indiana, Steven Bruhn of West Boylston, Paula Bruhn and her partner, John Genelli of West Boylston, Elizabeth and her husband, Mark Baldi of West Boylston, Theresa and her husband, William Rock of Pelham; Jo Ann and her husband, Larry Smith of Shutesbury and Carla Rubin of Uxbridge; the mother of his son, Valerie Schmidt of Falmouth and many nieces and nephews. A brother Michael Bruhn predeceased him.
In keeping with Frank's wishes, there will not be a wake or funeral, but rather a celebration of his life. His family invites you to join them on Sunday January 25, between the hours of 12-4 to share stories and memories at the American Legion, 159 Hartwell Street, West Boylston, MA 01583.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Community Healthlink, Inc., 72 Jaques Avenue, Worcester, MA 01610.