John K. Brubaker, III

Bru you were a good friend and will be greatly missed.  South Street will not be the same without you.  Love O.C. Bob

Brubaker, you WERE South Street, you were friendly, chatty, never judgemental (14 when I first met you & recommended a GBH album). Always great conversations, long or short....just a great guy, you will be missed. RIP in the big mosh pit in the sky xo

Your memory will take me back to a time when  we were free and did as we pleased.  Even though you could be a pain in the ass, you showed me another side  of life that existed for  those who relentlessly  climbed an uphill battle  to keep that freedom. Your girl in the black fishets.

You wired my Homebrew store like the pro you were. I have many fond memories of poker nights. I'm sorry we lost touch over the years. You lived life on your own terms and I  hope you continue to kick ass in the next relm.
Cheers to you Bru. 

Aw Bru, I hadn't seen you in a little while - last time was at Red's memorial, and you were understandably affected. That was, despite the circumstances a nice few minutes to catch up. Real friends can go a few years inbetween meetings and I always valued you as a friend. I thought about you from time to time after my leaving Philly, and have many fond memories and stories - which i still repeat - revolving around you and the rest of the crew, including some visits from brother Mark. I hope Mark and Mr. and Mrs. Brubaker as well as family and friends can find peace in these upcoming times, and remember that Bru was an influential person, an old sould, and a kind friend. Thanks for being part of my life, brother.

I'm sorry to hear of Bru's passing , he was a real sweetheart and cool person too. He got me my first job back in 1984 in the silkscreen factory on South St. . I wish I could have known he was still in Philly after 30 years . Rest in peace man. You did it your way ! 

  Sorry to Hear , What a great Guy , Quite , loving , and Deep caring , Lived his Life the Way he wanted , You Will be Missed

 Bill Siwiec

( Red Burns Dad )

Bru was truly one of a kind. A genuine guy without a mean bone is his body. A real pleasure to talk and joke around with - and a great electrician! Really a sweetheart. Bru, you will be missed. My heart and thoughts go out to the Brubaker's. 

The world just isn't the same without you, Bru!  You were such a sweetheart and super good to me over the years. I'm so sorry we lost touch the last few years, and incredibly sad to hear that you've passed. So hard to believe, and even harder to understand.  I had a lot of <3 for you, and always will! 
Until we meet again....

What is remembered, lives. Go forth shining, Bru!!
 

“Lighting new cigarettes,
pouring more
drinks.

It has been a beautiful
fight.

Still
is.”
― C. Bukowski

RIP Bru. You will be missed by many.

I moved from Philadelphia to Austin Tx 22 years ago.  Oddly, the week before you passed away, you popped up in my mind.  I wondered how you were doing and searched around the ever vast Facebook and internet to see if there was a trace.  I hadn't caught up with you since I moved, but your kindness to me as another young punk stayed with me all these years~  Your energy obviously was bigger than your mortal body.  RIP as your spirit lives on.  Respect!! Aileen Adler

John,

Haven't seen you in years...  I remember listiening to the Doors and hanging out either at your mom and dad's place or my parents.  You will be missed!

Rest in peace Brother!

Chris Cramer

My Deepest Sympathies to Bru's closest family and friends.

Bru was an aquaintence of mine from the 80's music scene in Philadelphia, PA. He was a very warm, friendly and welcoming fellow. He knew a lot and was super cool, without being haughty or pretentious. He was 100% the real deal. I always admired Brubaker greatly from afar. He left a lasting impression, inspiring me in how I wanted to be as a human. The news of his passing is very sad, and I will be forever a better person because of him. Let his spirit live on in all of us.

Would've been nice to see you and have a drink before you left us. I plan on staying around here as long as life will let me, but when I get there and after I'm settled you and Red have round on me coming. Say hello to everyone for me, I miss them all.   Tommy T

Bru, you were a friend. You taught me much about music and the world we live in. You will live on being remembered as a great guy by many people. I'm glad you played a role in my life.

Pingitore (Clearly I hear the sound of your voice in my thoughts calling me by my last name right now.)

Bru you were one of a kind. Always crass, cutting, funny, brutal, sweet, generous, loving and a great friend. Thank you for saving me from myself when I got into sticky situations and for representing the city we all love and helping shape its scene like no one else ever could.  Though geological distance put contact distance beween us over the years, I never did and never will forget you. Gone too soon but I am thankful for the short time we had you in our lives.

Rest in peace gentle giant. You are missed.

<3

Dear John and Elaine,  

Our hearts are heavy in learning the news of your son, John.   As God holds you in the palm of His hand, may you feel His comfort, strength and peace.  Know that we are praying for you and the family.

Hugs,

The Harnly Family

Bru, you will always remain part of the fabric of this city. Your touch influenced many over the years - and we'll never forget it, or you. 

Rest in peace. 

To Bru's Family ...Your son was one of the realest people I have ever met in my life. He was part of the South St family as well. Your loss is felt by many. Know that he was loved by many and touched many lives in a way you can be proud of him. Brother Bru...see ya on the flip side. Much Love, Jeanmarie xxx

My condolences to you all.  Bru was a cool guy! He is greatly missed! Peace and love! XXOO

You were a cool guy John...you died too soon though. All the Black Flags of @narchy are at half mast.

My heart goes out to Brubaker's family and his many, many friends. 

To brubakers family,i remember the first time he came into our hardware store on south street,we had great talks about life and people,he was a special person inside and out,he was south street when south street was a easy simple street people did what people did,we will never forget you R.I.P.

THE COHEN FAMILY

I met Bru when he first came to Philly in the 80’s. At an age when many young people are trying to figure out who they are, Bru clearly knew. He always stayed true to himself and I know he was a role model to other young people who needed to know it was ok to follow their hearts and be themselves.  Bru made a lasting impact on the Philly scene through his music and his unique personality. I’m truly sorry I lost touch with him and sorry he’s left us at such a young age.  My sincere condolences to his loved ones. 

I am so sorry to hear about John. Please accept my heartfelt condolences. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.

Our condolences to all Brus family and friends. Bru did ALL the electricity in our home. Recently he wired our living room, surrounded by our four cats and three barking dogs! He was a sweetheart to them and us, and my pets loved him! Matt and I have been really affected by this great loss. (We also know him from the Philly music scene.) We both find ourselves welling up in tears at the thought of this loss. His spirit and sweet soul will always remain in all of our hearts. 

Dear Elaine and John,

You both have been on our minds recently but never expected this news about your family.   How sad to have Johnny's life cut so short.    May God's loving arms surround you and give you peace.   Hugs included.

Bru was such a special soul.  I have fond memories of times spent in deep conversation with him.  While it's been a long time since we chatted, I thought of him often. My heartfelt thoughts and prayers to his family. He will be missed by those whose lives he touched....I hope he's looking down and feeling the love.  Peace to you. 

Little can be said other than that you are rememebered by many who loved and respected you. Rock for Light old comrade.

I met you when you first got to town