John Bruchey, USAF
January 04, 1949 – December 23, 2025

John William Bruchey, III, 76, of Waynesboro, PA., passed away on December 23. He was married to Carol Ann Bruchey, since July 1, 1983. Born on March 1, 1949, he was the son of the late John William Bruchey, II and Minnie LaVinia Jones Bruchey.

John graduated from Frederick High School, Class of 1967, where he played football. He enlisted in the US Air Force immediately out of high school, where he proudly and honorably served his country with the 20th SOS Green Hornets and served as a crew chief door gunner, where his duties placed him directly in support of aerial secret combat operations.

He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, which is the Air Force’s highest honor. He was also awarded the Air Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster as well as the Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal and the National Defense Service Medal.

Later in life, he enjoyed family time on the lake with his wife and children. He spent many years competing in Bass fishing tournaments with Jill Colaluca. He thoroughly enjoyed riding his Harley, fishing with Greg White and Buddy Keyser, and hunting.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his Daughters, Crystal Bruchey Collura and husband Frank, Kristy Brown; 6 Granddaughters Ryleah, Reese, Livia, Rowan, Karlee, Sophia; as well as a great-granddaughter Layah Raine Lynne. He is also survived by a sister, Arie Jackson.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Tracy L. Lambright, and a sister, Carol Diane Bruchey Shelton.

The family will receive friends on Friday, January 2, 2026, from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm at Stauffer Funeral Home, 1621 Opossumtown Pike, Frederick, where a funeral service will immediately follow at 12 pm in the chapel of the funeral home. Interment will be at Resthaven Memorial Gardens, Frederick.

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John served a tour in the Vietnam War with the 20th SOS “Green Hornets” as a crew chief and door gunner on UH-1P helicopters in the 1969-1970-time frame.