Douglas Charles Brunk, 91, just six days shy of turning 92, passed away peacefully at his Mansfield home on Thursday, August 13, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.
He was born August 19, 1934, in Mansfield, Ohio, the son of G. Herman and Anna Leah (Fernyak) Brunk. Doug graduated from Mansfield Senior High School and was able to continue his education with the help of the GI bill. He attended and graduated from Ohio University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering.

Doug began his professional career as an engineer with The Tappan Company, where his talents and leadership eventually led him to become President of the Building Systems Division. The balance of his career years was spent working in the construction field, including as Construction Manager at Kokosing. He later was awarded Salesman of the Year at Bobbitt construction in Raleigh, NC. Throughout his distinguished career, Doug received numerous other accolades and awards due to his unwavering commitment to his profession and his highly tuned attention to detail. He was highly respected by those in the professional community for his knowledge, integrity, and ability to solve problems.

A proud veteran, Doug served in the United States Coast Guard and was honorably discharged after being stationed at Fairport Harbor, Ohio.

Doug was a lifelong Ohio sports fan, faithfully cheering on the Cleveland Guardians, Duke Blue Devils, and of course the Buckeyes, especially in his post retirement years. He loved to watch and follow teams that had good guys who were team first and a coach who could lead by example like Terry Francona and Mike Krzyewski.

As for relaxation, Doug and his wife Judy were especially drawn to coastal vacations to Hilton Head Island, Myrtle Beach and Bradenton, FL. Walking the beach, collecting interesting and unique seashells and finding the elusive sharks tooth were always favorite activities. He also had the opportunity to go on a trip with his son Scott to Alaska. But the 10,000 mile cross country journey he took with Judy was the ultimate trip of a lifetime; visiting friends and family, national parks and scenic vistas.

His engineering mind and love of creating were evident in one of his greatest personal accomplishments: building his and Judy’s forever home. With his vision, his tools and his hands Doug was an integral part of its design and construction.
Doug was a problem solver. He was never afraid to figure out how something worked—or how to make it better. He loved to tinker even if he didn’t make any progress. As an avid craftsman, he fixed everything himself and passed his passion and knowledge on to his sons and grandsons. He was a father and mentor to all of his kids and was a constant source of wisdom, warmth, and understanding.

An avid reader, Doug frequented the Mansfield Public Library on a regular basis and was on a first name basis with those at the checkout desk. His favorite reads were who-done-its, spy thrillers, and court dramas. He loved to learn whether through books, political shows, documentaries, or the Sunday paper. But his favorite way was learning about people and trying to understand their point of view. He was genuinely curious and interested in other peoples lives and made the extra effort to engage with them.

Doug was a devoted family man. He and Judy raised 6 children and worked well as a united team and shared responsibility equally. They were also supportive of the others’ charitable endeavors. with children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, or their many charitable endeavors, He strived to be a man of honesty, integrity and hard work that others could look up to and emulate. But he also had a softer side filled with laughter, warmth and affection.

Doug had the privilege to serve on the Citizens Advisory Board to the Joint Mental Health and Mental Retardation Advisory and Review Commission. He also served on the board of Habitat for Humanity and was President of the Board of Deacons and a long time member at the First Congregational Church in Mansfield. Doug was generous with his time and talents, always willing to lend a hand to help others.
Doug is survived by his loving wife, Judith Anne Brunk; his children, Robert Craig Shaw, Scott Allen Shaw, Christopher Douglas Brunk, Amy Elizabeth Kim Brunk, and Adam Tyler Brunk; grandchildren, Aaron, Andrea, Elizabeth and Justin; great grandchildren, Michael, Avriella, Oliver, Loewen, Evelyn, and Otto, along with numerous nephews and nieces.

In addition to his parents, G. Herman and Anna Leah Brunk, he was preceded in death by his siblings, David Brunk, Joseph Brunk, Paula Boyd Brunk, and Sally Thompson Brunk.; child, Kyle Evan Shaw, great grandchild, Spencer James Shaw; nephew David Douglas Brunk.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to Doug’s Hospice Case Manager Casey and the entire team at Southern Care Hospice. Judy would like to express gratitude to her son Scott for his loving care and support over the past 2 years. Thanks are also due her nieces and part time caregivers Paula Ann Spitzer and Cathi Spitzer Moore.
The family will receive friends on Saturday, August 22, 2026, from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. at Lexington Avenue Snyder Funeral Homes. His funeral service will begin at 2:00 p.m., with Pastor Jamie Brunk officiating. Military honors will follow on the funeral home grounds.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Mansfield Public Library and The Special Olympics

Funeral Home: Snyder Funeral Homes Lexington Avenue Chapel

Website: www.snyderfuneralhomes.com