Dr. Ray A. Brunner, Ph.D., 88, of Alliance, passed away with his family at his side on Monday, February 25, 2019 at 9:36 a.m. at the Community Care Center in Alliance. Born on May 5, 1930 in Alliance to Emil and Amy (Lantz) Brunner, he lived in Alliance all of his life. Ray was member of the Union Avenue United Methodist Church where he served on the Mission Committee and presented professional programs for the church.
A 1949 graduate of Alliance High School, he served our country in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict. He was honorably discharged after receiving the Purple Heart, and was a member of the American Legion, Post 166. Ray obtained a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Mount Union College, a Master Degree in Counseling Psychology from the Alfred Adler Institute of Chicago, a Master Degree in Graphoanalysis from the International Graphoananlysis Society of Chicago, a Master Degree in Sociology from the Cleveland State University, a Master Degree in Social Administration from Case Western Reserve University, a Doctorate of Philosophy in Clinical Psychology from the Union Institute in Cincinnati and had attended the School of Law Program at the University of Akron.
Ray completed training in Clinical Hypnosis from the Cleveland Clinic Educational Foundation and the American Society of Clinical Hypnosis. He received Biofeedback Certification at the Institute of America Cleveland Psychological Association, and completed training at the Crisis Intervention Center in Canton. Ray was a Clinical Phychologist and owner of Alliance Counseling Res, Inc., the owner of Stress Management Center in Alliance, Co-Director of Southwest Counseling Resourses in Middleburg Heights, and Co-Director of Cleveland Humanistic Institute.
Ray was the Psychological Services Consultant and Negotiator/Profiler for the Alliance Police Department and the Mental Health Consultant and Supervisor of the Juvenile Diversion Program for the Jackson Township Police Department. He was an Adjunct Professor with the Union Institute of Cincinnati, Capitol University of Columbus, and Walsh College of Canton, and the International Imagery Association. Ray was the founder of the Alliance Chapter of Make Today Count, a support program for cancer patients and their families.
He was also a volunteer at the Alliance Municipal Court and published Mental Imagery Recordings used in stress management therapy. He received Special Crime Prevention Award and Stark County Citizen of the Year in 2001. He was a Life Member of B.P.O. Elks #467, Past Exalted Ruler from 1969-1970 and served as the lodge organist since 1970.
He was a 60 Year Member of the Alliance Masonic Temple, Conrad Lodge, completing both York and Scottish Rite. Ray dedicated his life to helping and serving others, so much so, that he never considered retirement. Survivors include his wife, Beverly A. (Wilson) Brunner, whom he married on September 2, 1956; his two daughters, Lynne (Douglas) Rice of East Canton and Lorie (Thomas) Osco of Hartville; five grandchildren, Jennifer (Ryan) McGrady, David (Abby) Hampu, Cristina (D.J.) Suitca, Kyle Osco and Jill Osco; five great-grandchildren, Carter McGrady, Brielle McGrady, Grayson McGrady, Evelyn Hampu and Eleanor Hampu; and several nieces and nephews.
Preceding him in death were his parents; and a brother, Emil Brunner, Jr. The family will receive friends on Sunday, March 3, 2019 from 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm at Sharer-Stirling-Skivolocke Funeral Home. An Elks Service will be held on Sunday at 1:30 p.m. and a Masonic Service will be held on Sunday at 5:00 p.m. His Funeral Service will be held on Monday, March 4, 2019 at 11:00 am at Sharer-Stirling-Skivolocke Funeral Home, with Rev. Coralee Cox, of Union Avenue United Methodist Church, officiating.
Burial, with military honors, will immediately follow at Alliance City Cemetery. Memorial contributions are suggested to the American Heart Association, www. heart.org – Stark Co Division, 4916 Hills & Dales Rd.
Canton, OH 44708 or to the American Cancer Society, www. cancer.org – Northeast Regional Office, 525 N. Broad St., Canfield, OH 44406. Ray’s family would like to thank Aultman Alliance Community Hospital, Alliance Hospice, and a special thank you to the Aultman Alliance Community Hospital ICU Department for the care given to Ray.
You are invited to view Ray’s tribute wall, offer condolences and share memories at www. sharerfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are by the Sharer-Stirling-Skivolocke Funeral Home.
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