David Duncan Bruen, born in Brewster NY Aug 14, 1929 passed away on February 1, 2014 at his home. He was 84 years young. David was born to Matthew Raymond Bruen and Mildred S Duncan.

On June 16, 1951 after graduating from Fordham University, David married the love of his life, Marilyn Ann King of Brewster.

David has been a resident of Brewster all his life. He is survived by his nine children, Diana Bruen Stevens (Tom) Margaret Bruen, David M Bruen (Karen) Bonnie King (Jim), Kathleen B McGrath (Brian) James Duncan Bruen, Mary B Tedesco (Mike), Marilyn B Merkel (Fred), Susan B Power (Tom) and twenty-two grandchildren. He is survived also, by his brother Donald P Bruen and sister June H. Garcia. David also has a brother-in-law, James E King.

David was a life long member of the St. Lawrence O’Toole Parish, where he served as Lector. He began his career as a special Marine Agent for The Insurance Company of North America in White Plains and eventually, owned and operated a successful Insurance and Real estate business in Brewster.

David served Putnam County as an elected official for 26 celebrated years. After 18 years as County Treasurer, he was elected as the first Putnam County Executive in 1978. In 2003 The Putnam County Office Building was dedicated and renamed The David D. Bruen County Office Building. David’s contributions and dedication to our community include Brewster Rotary, The Salvation Army, The Friendly Sons of St. Patrick and Knights of Columbus.

Mr. Bruen also served on the Board of Directors of the Putnam County Savings Bank, The Executive Board of the Putnam Hospital Center, The Brewster Library and The Preserve Putnam Board.

Although an avid golfer, sailor, skier, hunter, stargazer, nature lover and humanitarian David will be most remembered for his unyielding love and respect for family, friends and country, always lending a helping hand without question, without judgment.

Dunc, Dad, Grandpa, Pop, Papa, David, Silver Fox, Daddy O, Mr. B, Honey, Alley, Mr. Bruen you will be sorely missed.

A mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wed. February 5, 2014, 11am at St. Lawrence O’Toole Church in Brewster, NY. Interment will follow in St. Lawrence O’Toole Cemetery, Brewster. Mr. Bruen will be Lying in State at The Historic Court House 44 Gleneida Avenue, Carmel, NY from 10am-1p Tuesday February 4. Friends may call later that day at the Beecher Funeral Home, 1 Putnam Ave. Brewster from 4-8pm. www.beecherfuneralhome.com

Contributions in Mr. Bruen’s memory may be made to the Brewster Rotary Club, PO Box 162, Brewster, NY 10509.