Edward A. Bruch, an internationally ranked checker player, died after a brief illness on August 18 at the age of 95. Born in Buffalo on December 6, 1916, Edward Bruch grew up on the city's east side. A graduate of Seneca Vocational High School, he would return to college later in life and earn a bachelor of arts in history from the University at Buffalo in 1975. Later, in retirement, he established residency in Amherst.
As a youth, Edward Bruch enjoyed activities at what was then known as Humboldt Park. It was there that he started to play the game of checkers. At the age of 20, he won first place in a checker tournament sponsored by Buffalo's Polish daily newspaper, the Dziennik dla Wyzystkich. Then in 1938, Edward Bruch became Buffalo City Champion in a tournament sponsored by The Courier Express and the Buffalo Recreation Department. This victory helped to prepare him for the 1939 national championship tournament in Flint, Michigan, where he earned an 8th place finish.
For parts of nine decades, from the 1930's through the current decade, Edward Bruch played competitive checkers. His best standing occurred in 1976, when he finished in second place at the United States Open Tournament. In 1989, he represented the United States at an international competition in Great Britain. As recently as 2008, he declined an invitation to again represent the United States at a competition in the People's Republic of China. A life member of the American Checker Federation, he was a frequent winner of the Canadian Open Checker Tournament and was the current New York State Checker Champion.
A veteran of World War II, Edward Bruch served as a member of the Army Weather Corps. He spent most of the war at Dawson Creek in British Columbia, where he worked to establish and maintain a key weather station along the Alaskan Highway. Proud of his military career, Edward Bruch was active in veteran activities for many years, and was a member of the A. J. Jurek Post of the American Legion.
Returning to Buffalo after completing his military service, Edward Bruch accepted an appointment to the Buffalo Police Department and eventually earned the rank of Lieutenant. After more than thirty years of distinguished service to the police department, he retired in 1979.
Edward Bruch was active in Polish affairs throughout his entire life. A member of the Polish Union of America, he served for more than twenty years as lodge secretary for St. Joseph Society, Branch 225 of the Polish Union, and was twice a delegate to the Polish Union's National Convention. He was elected to the Board of Directors of the Polish Community Center in 1979, and served one term as treasurer of that organization. In 2010, the General Pulaski Association of Western New York honored Edward Bruch as one of Polonia's outstanding senior citizens. With his wife Victoria, Edward Bruch was a member of St. John Gualbert's Parish for more than fifty years.
A life-long Democrat, Edward Bruch was a member of the Amherst Democratic Committee at the time of his death, and was honored to serve as treasurer for his daughter, Dr. Deborah Bruch Bucki, in each of her campaigns for Amherst Town Board and Amherst Town Clerk. In addition to his daughter, he is survived by his son-in-law, United States Bankruptcy Judge Carl L. Bucki, and by his grandson and granddaughter-in-law, Craig and Kathleen Bucki.
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August 26, 2012
Jackie Trace
We were sorry to hear of your loss.
August 26, 2012
Condolences to you Debbie in the passing of your dad.Remembering times past when your dad, my dad, and our uncle Stanley got together around the holidays the mood was always jovial and pleasant.
Tom Bruch
August 22, 2012
Alice Magierski
Debbie, Thinking of you in this time of sadness, so glad you had the time to spend with your dad, my deepest sympathy.
August 22, 2012
M. Linda Lewis
One can never find the words to express condolences satisfactorily enough to ease the loss of a loved one. But I can pray for the family. Know that when the Lord calls our loved ones home, He leaves a gift of memories in exchange. May those memories be part of the legacy left behind that gives you peace.
August 22, 2012
Debra Norton
Mr. Bruch lived an amazing life. His sweet personality masked a competitive spirit that was never stronger than for the success of his beloved daughter. He was wonderful role model for us all.
August 21, 2012
Kate Wagner
My condolences to you all. I had several nice conversations with him at ADC events. You never get over it but you do get through it and it will be a part of you for the rest of your life.
August 21, 2012
Det-Ret George Amplement
My prayers and condolences go out to your family. Although I never worked for him when he was a Lt., I remember him well. He was respected by his coworkers and liked by all.
August 21, 2012
Chuck and Di guarnieri
Debbie,
So very sorry for your loss. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Love Chuck and Diane Guarnieri and Family
August 21, 2012
Janice Worobec
Debbie,
My sincere condolences to you and your family.
August 21, 2012
Francesca Mesiah
Dear Debbie and Family,
May God watch over your family during this time and may the memories of your dad keep you strong.
Francesca
August 21, 2012
Carl and family,
My condolences to you on the loss of Eddie. It's been a long time since I've seen him and also you.As a matter of fact, about 4 years ago, my wife and I went to Poland, Warsaw and Cracow. even went to the old Jewish section in Cracow. However, we did not go to Lodz, where my parents came from, but, finally, learned how to pronounce it correctly. I had intended to stop by and tell you about it, but didn't. In any event, we , finally, left Buffalo 2 years ago after going back and forth for 29 years.
Eddie was a very fine gentleman and a credit to the Buffalo Police Department. I do remember, as a kid, seeing checker games going on in Humbolt Park as I walked there from Hickory St. It was a different world, then
I'm sure that the many memories of Eddie will sustain your family in going forward. Stay well.
Cordially,
Vic Silverstein
August 21, 2012
Valerie Kij Longfellow
Dear Debbie,
So very sorry to read of your father's death. You and your family will be in my prayers in the days ahead.
August 20, 2012
Alan Millhone
I am honored to have known such a fine gentleman and a Grandmaster of Checkers.
" AT LAST MY TROPHIES I LAY DOWN "
My sincere sympathy to family and friends.
Sincerely
Alan Millhone , President
American Checker Federation
August 20, 2012
Jim Tricoli
Debbie I shared many conversations with your dad about the old days in Buffalo.He was a man who cared for his family and always fought for them. He love you dearly and was so proud of everything you did.
May he be resting in the arms of our Lord.
Jim and Margaret Tricoli
August 20, 2012
I will miss my wonderful brother, Eddie. He was good to everyone he came in contact with. On summer days, he would play checkers for hours in Humboldt Park on Buffalo's east side where we grew up.
My sympathy goes out to Debbie, Carl, Craig, and Kate for their loss.
Love, Barbara Carlson
August 20, 2012
Ron Carlson
I am sorry to hear of the passing of Uncle Eddie. I will always remember his stories regarding his travels to play checkers throughout the East Coast. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
August 20, 2012
He was a fine man, and a great checker player. He will be missed. God bless the family, in this time of mourning, and remember the good times.
Johnny, and Sandy Young
August 20, 2012
Elaine Bruch
Dear Debbie, Carl and Craig,
My deepest sympathy and prayers are with you for God's strength and peace.
August 20, 2012
I will miss my dear uncle. I have so enjoyed listening to his stories. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Love, Joanne Carlson
August 20, 2012
Patricia, John, Jacquelyn, and Paul
Our thoughts and prayers are with you, even though we are unable to be with you at this time.
August 20, 2012
Patricia, John, Jacquelyn, and Paul
Our prayers are with you, even though we are unable to be with you at this time.
August 20, 2012
Susan King
Craig:
My deepest sympathies to you and your family.
August 20, 2012
Fr. Jack Mattimore, S.J.
My prayers and condolences on the loss of your father, grandfather, and brother. May the Lord grant eternal life to Mr. Bruch and peace to all of you.
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