Brother Richard Charles Brunner SSP NEW YORK CITY - Brother Richard Charles Brunner SSP passed away on July 28 after undergoing heart surgery at Staten Island University Hospital in New York City. He was a man with a gentle spirit and great strength. He was loved by all those who were lucky enough to get to know him. Born in Erie, Pa., in 1944, he entered the Society of St. Paul's High School, Queen of Apostles in Derby, N.Y., where he was taught the congregation's spirituality and learned all aspects of typography. He took his first vows of Poverty, Chastity, Obedience and loyalty to the Pope at the Chapel of the Society of St. Paul in Canfield in 1965. He spent his life working in all aspects of the Society of St. Paul's media ministry. From 1981 to 1984 and again from 1989 to 1998, he was director of the Alba House Bookstores in the Southern Park and Eastwood Malls as well as the store on the congregation's property in Canfield. When stationed in Staten Island, N.Y., he participated in all aspects of the congregation's book publishing ministry. He held in the course of his life many key administrative positions in the Society of St. Paul, including being general director of the Society in the United States from 2011-2012. At the time of his death, he was director of the Society of St. Paul's Staten Island community. He helped promote and distribute millions of books, pamphlets and religious materials that deepened the faith, strengthened the spirituality and gave hope to countless people around the world. It was a life well-spent. He will be deeply missed. He is survived by his sister, Constance Beck; and his brother, Richard Brunner; as well as a number of nieces and nephews. Calling hours at the Society of St. Paul Chapel at 9531 Akron-Canfield Road (Rt 224) will be from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Aug. 1, and the funeral liturgy will be held on Saturday, Aug. 2, at 11 a.m. in the chapel and burial will take place at the Society's cemetery immediately afterward.