William F. (Bill) Brusher
William F. (Bill) Brusher passed away on April 21st, 2017. Beloved husband of Teresa A. Brusher, with whom he exchanged vows in January 1948 (and who pre-deceased him on December 24th, 2009). Loving father of William J., John F., Lawrence A. (deceased), and Gerald A. Brusher. Gracious and welcoming Father-in-Law to Susan, Mary Jane, Jean, and Elizabeth. Revered and loved Grandfather to Emma, Anna, Kelly, Elyse, Alex and Step-Grandfather to Lauren Jane (Hodges). Dedicated brother to Virginia (Crinnion), Geraldine (Poels) (deceased), and Edward.
Long-time resident of Oakland and a parishioner of St. Jarlath’s Parish. Graduated with a degree in Mechanical Engineering from U. C. Berkeley (Class of ‘41). Began his career as a junior engineer in the Corporate Engineering Department at the Standard Oil Company of California,. Left to accept a commission in the U.S. Navy late in ‘43. Trained as an Aviation Ordnance Officer. Served in the South Pacific and Hawaiian shore-based units until July of ‘45 when he went aboard the Essex (CV9) off the coast of Japan. Completed a mothballing assignment on the ship in Seattle and returned to the SOCAL Corporate Engineering Department in mid ‘46. Retired from Chevron as Corporate Chief Engineer in mid ‘85.
Major participant in U.C. Berkeley’s College of Engineering activities, including a term as President of the Engineering Alumni Society and a longer stint as Chairman for the Annual Fund Campaign. Served on two capital campaign committees and several years as a member of the Dean’s Engineering Advisory Committee. Honored as a Distinguished Engineering Alumnus in ‘94. Invested into the Sovereign Military Order of Malta in ‘88 and had since been actively involved in the work of the Order. One of the Founding Board members of The Malta Clinic of Northern California. Most recently, he was honored with the Heart of Mercy Award on March 18th, 2017, for his 40 years of service as a board member, volunteer, donor, resident, and friend to the Mercy Retirement & Care Center in Oakland, CA.
Until the onset of Teresa’s illness early in 2000, she was his full-time supporter in everything: raising children, tolerating too much concentration on work, U.C. Berkeley College of Engineering activities, and finally Malta affairs and volunteer activities. Her love and unselfish support and that of his sons, daughters-in-law, and grandchildren made it all possible.
Family and friends are invited to attend recitation of the Rosary at St. Jarlath Church, 2620 Pleasant Street, Oakland, CA at 7:00 PM on Friday, April 28th. This will be followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Jarlath Church at 9:00 AM on Saturday, April 29th. A reception for family and friends will follow in the Parish Hall. Following the reception, the family will proceed to a private internment service.
In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Order of Malta, The Malta Clinic of Northern California, Mercy Retirement & Care Center, or to the U.C. Berkeley Engineering Fund are preferred.