Eric Gustave Bruckner, 72, passed away suddenly on Wednesday, July 28, 2021 at his home in Houston, Texas.

Born on September 16, 1948 in Cleveland, Ohio, Eric was the second son of Gustave and Johanna (Morsoff) Bruckner. Eric grew up in Willoughby, Ohio and graduated from Willoughby South High School. He received an Associate Degree from Lakeland Community College in Kirkland, Ohio and finished his Bachelor's Degree in Houston at the University of St. Thomas.

Eric met his beloved wife Marie (Mitzi) Toman in 1981, shortly before he moved to Houston. After a three-year long-distance relationship, Eric and Marie were married on June 28, 1984 in Houston.

In Houston, Eric worked in Convenience Store management and as a Buyer for companies including Exxon and Hillman Distributing. His experience and talents later served him well as a substitute teacher for the CY-Fair Independent School District.

A sports enthusiast, Eric was a player in amateur Baseball leagues, College teams and Basketball as well as an avid spectator. He was torn between his beloved Cleveland Indians, Browns and Cavaliers and the Houston Astros, Texans and Rockets. He enjoyed managing a football pool for a few years and eagerly participated in Fantasy Baseball. He also enjoyed exercising at his local fitness center where he made numerous friends with whom he shared many laughs and stories. His other hobbies included: coin collecting, remote helicopters and drones, traveling, cruises, sci-fi movies, grilling, cooking, raising tomatoes, and entertaining friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Michael. In addition to his widow, Eric is survived by his sister-in-law Cathy Bruckner and nephew Christopher, his brother-in-law Charles Toman and wife Vickie Toman and their sons Casey, Kyle and Kerry. Eric will be greatly missed by his family including his miniature dachshund Greta as well as his many friends and neighbors who enjoyed his wit, charm, friendship, and his good-natured competitive spirit in sports, cards, board games, and weekly dominoes (friends were continually amazed at his lucky streaks). A caring, compassionate, and sensitive person, Eric was very grateful for the friends that blessed his life.

Lifelong Catholics, Eric and Marie worshipped together at Christ the Redeemer Catholic Church. A funeral Mass is pending in Houston; he will be buried at a later date in All Souls Cemetery in Chardon, Ohio.

In lieu of flowers or customary remembrances, please consider memorial contributions to the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation or Houston SPCA.

For those who would like to attend the service virtually, please follow the link below:

https://youtu.be/rfzNDD8lFUs