Thomas Cletus Brugman

Newport, - Thomas Cletus Brugman, 64, of 94 Kay Street Newport, died Wednesday, October 16, 2002 at RI Veterans Home Bristol, RI.He was the husband of Barbara Black Brugman. Born in Winthrop, MA on July 30, 1938, he was the son of the late Francis Anthony and Mary Grace Brugman.Commander Brugman served in the United States Navy during the Vietnam Era. Commander Brugman was a 1960 graduate of Massachusetts Maritime Academy and the Naval Post Graduate School in Monterey CA. Commander Brugman also taught at the Center for War Gaming in Newport where he was sited for Outstanding Meritorious Service while serving as Game Director and Game Development Team Leader Enhancing Senior Military Officer and fleet readiness in more than 80 games in August 1976 to November 1980. Commander Brugman also holds the U.S. Navy Commendation Medal, Navy achievement with Combat V and the Bronze Star Medal. Commander Brugman served aboard six naval vessels in the amphibious and destroyer forces and saw combat with the river patrol forces in Vietnam. Commander Brugman retired from the United States Navy on December 11, 1980. Commander Brugman worked as a marine pilot with Northeast Marine Pilots after his retirement. He was a member of the Newport Lions Club, the Disabled American Veterans and the Navy League. Besides his wife of 41 years, he leaves ten children James F. Brugman of Middletown, RI, Michael T. Brugman of Tiverton, RI, Mary P. Hartnett of Macungie, PA, Joan Benoist of Kerkebellec, France, Kathleen Gineo of Newport, RI, Christine Brugman of Newport, RI, Elizabeth Manning of Newport, RI, Ellen M. Kelly of Prahran, Australia, Maureen Anderson of Newport, RI, Maria Rosado of Newport, RI, his sister Carol Melley of Bourne, MA, nineteen grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.He was the brother of the late Nancy Swansburg.His funeral will be held on Monday, October 21, 2002, at 8:00 AM from the Memorial Funeral Home, 375 Broadway, Newport, with a Mass of Christian burial at 9:00 AM in Jesus Saviour Church, Broadway And Vernon Avenue, Newport. Burial will be in Newport Memorial Park in Middletown. Donations in his memory may be made to Jesus Saviour Church, Broadway and Vernon Avenue, Newport, RI 02840, RI Veterans Home Chapel Fund, 480 Metacom Avenue, Bristol, RI 02809 or to St. Vincent DePaul Society, 297 Laurel Hill Avenue, Providence, RI 02909.