Bruner, 88 DOVER - Bernard "Reds" Bruner passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, February 6, 2016 at the age of 88. He was surrounded by his family at the time of his passing. Reds was born on February 4, 1928 in Chester, Pa. to the late Edward Bruner and Elizabeth Brander Bruner. The Bruner family moved to Dover when Reds was in his sophomore year in high school. He attended Dover High and it didn't take him long to become well known, especially with the girls. Apparently Reds did a mean jitterbug and was an in demand dance partner around the cafeteria jukebox, sometimes dancing with two or three girls at once. In addition to his dance skills, Reds played fullback on the football team and was high scorer on the basketball team for two years running. He was actively involved with many of the drama club productions and his appointment as chairman of the Canteen Committee was the start of a lifelong love of show business and entertaining. After graduation in 1946, Reds went off to New York City to follow his dream of being in show business. That didn't work out quite as planned, but he was always fond of saying that while he was there, he had the opportunity to tell Mr. Frank Sinatra where to go. Literally, as he was a bellhop at the hotel where Mr. Sinatra was staying and Reds gave him directions. After New York, Reds traveled around Europe for awhile before joining the United States Air Force. Though he spent ten of his 20 years of service stationed at Dover Air Force Base, he did get in a fair share of traveling. One tour in particular took him to Japan. Another of his favorite sayings was that the only things he brought back to the United States with him were his wife, a bamboo bar, a monkey and a baby girl. A self proclaimed hustler, being in the service didn't stop him from indulging in a few sideline enterprises. While stationed in California, Reds started a teenage night club and once hired an unknown band called The Grateful Dead to play there. It was also while he was stationed in California that he made the acquaintance of an NFL quarterback named Johnny Unitas. Reds was putting together a holiday show for the military personnel enroute to Pacific and Vietnam bases in 1966. Mr. Unitas was one of the participants of that event and he and Reds became good friends, even getting in a few rounds of golf together. On September 1, 1970, after twenty years of service, Reds retired from the military with the rank of Master Sergeant. During his military career, he was the recipient of two Certificates of Achievement for administrative excellence and the Air Force Commendation Medal along with numerous other citations. After retiring from the Air Force, Reds kept busy in a myriad of businesses. He worked in real estate, eventually opening his own office, First State Land Sales. He also got into the bar business, which of course served as an outlet for his need to entertain. The Finish Line Tavern went through many name changes and format, but Reds was always there with a microphone in his hand ready to entertain the good people of Dover. At the age of 44, Reds decided to throw his hat into the political ring. In true Reds Bruner fashion, he couldn't just make an announcement. He threw a brunch complete with a signature cocktail, "Red Tornadoes" to launch his bid for the State Senate seat for the 17th district. He didn't win, but he did get another favorite tale to tell. He got to say that he once shared a stage with Joe Biden. Mr. Biden got elected and Reds lost by 21 votes. At age 47, Reds went back to school. He took some business classes at Del State which allowed him to become a member of their golf team. He said it was strange to be playing golf with the kids of some of his former Dover High School classmates. In any event, Reds proved to be a valuable addition to the team. His only complaint was that he had to carry his own golf bag. Reds got less into real estate and more into used car sales over the next two decades. You would think he would be finished with new endeavors, but at the tender age of 78, Reds found yet another new career. He was helping a friend manage a couple of boxers named Mike "no joke" Stewart and his brother Richard Stewart. Reds decided he wanted to be a Boxing Promoter, and once he decided he wanted to do something, he did. His first event was a sold out, eight bout card at the Rollins Center at Dover Downs. He was quoted as saying "he was as excited as when he used to see a pretty girl." Bernard "Reds" Bruner was controversial and outspoken, but he was also big hearted and loved and lived life to the fullest. He packed a lot of living into his 88 years and he always remained true to who he was, for better or worse. He will be greatly missed by his family and everyone who was fortunate enough to know him. Reds was preceded in death by his wife, Rosie; his brother, Harold; and his sister, Barbara all of Dover. He is survived by his daughter, Charlotte Gallagher of Dover; son, Everett "Chuck" Bruner of Wilmington; and daughter, Cathy Candileri (husband John Candileri) of Dover. Reds is also survived by five grandchildren, Tiffany McEvoy (husband Bill McEvoy) of Dover, Patrick Gallagher (wife Presha Gallagher) of Boston, Massachusetts, Ian Gallagher of Ventnor, New Jersey, Cindi Wood (husband Donald Wood) of Dover, and Jeremy Candileri of Maryland; five great grandchildren, and an extended family of nieces, nephews, and friends. A memorial service will be held at 12 p.m., on Saturday, February 13, 2016 at the Torbert Funeral Chapel, 61 S. Bradford Street, Dover. Friends may call one hour prior. In lieu of flowers the family suggests contributions be made to the American Diabetes Association, the American Cancer Society, or, because of his great love of animals, to the ASPCA. The Family would like to thank Fresenius Dialysis staff for taking such good care of him. Letters of condolences may be sent and guest book signed at www.torbertfuneral.com.