Seldon Brusa, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend passed away peacefully May 28, 2015, surrounded by his loving family. He lived an amazingly full and wonderful life in his 81 years. He was born to Nathaniel John and Ora Mae (Cowan) Brusa in 1933, and was the youngest of his 8 siblings, Robert, Celia (Bosch), Laura (Memory), Nelson, Bill, Evelyn (James) and John, who all preceded him in death.
Seldon grew up in Lodi and attended Lodi Lafayette Elementary School. He was a ‘51 Lodi Union High School Graduate, and attended Stockton College until he was called to serve in the US Army for 3 years at Fort Ord and the Presidio of San Francisco, achieving the rank of Sargeant. He was a ‘59 Graduate of the College of the Pacific, with a BA in Physical Education and a minor in speech and social sciences-history. In ‘65, he earned his MA in Physical Education from College of the Pacific. On June 7, 1958, Seldon married Susan Elizabeth (“Liz”) Faber, the love of his life and “the most beautiful woman he ever saw.” They were blessed with 5 children and 57 years of marriage.
Seldon was a teacher in the classroom and on the field. He enjoyed healthy competition and the life lessons that team sports taught. He continued his love of playing sports in high school by working at Parks and Rec in ‘58 and coaching Legion Baseball. His high school coaching career began in ‘59 at Saint Mary’s High School, where he taught history and was the JV Football Coach, Freshman Basketball Coach, Track Coach and eventually Varsity Football Coach and Athletic Director. From ’64 to ’81, he taught History and coached at Franklin High School, Lodi High School and Delta College. In 1995, he returned to Saint Mary’s High School to coach freshman and JV football with his son, Jim, as the special teams coach, until 2005.
In ’69, Seldon began selling life insurance with New York Life as a self-employed agent. He grew to include brokerage services in group health care, becoming an expert in the field. Seldon Brusa Insurance Agency Inc. (SBIA), became a family-owned business, with his son, Jeff, working by his side for over 20 years, and his daughter, Gina for the past 5 years. He was proud to celebrate SBIA’s 46th anniversary in business this year.
Seldon served as President of the local Life Underwriter’s Association (Stockton Life Underwriters) and received the Underwriter of the Year Award; he was a Qualifier of the Million Dollar Roundtable for the past 36 years; was the National Committee man of Stockton Life Underwriters; a member and past President of the Tokay Rotary Club, and a board member and past President of the Lodi Boys and Girls Club.
Seldon is survived by his wife, Elizabeth, and children, Jim Brusa (Angela Parises); Anthony Brusa, Gina Brusa Crow (Pat Crow), Michael Brusa, and Jeff Brusa (Bella Estoles) and 13 grandchildren: Gianna and Giovanni Brusa; Carlee, Cassidee and Cade Brusa; PJ and Michaela Crow; Domunique and Castle Brusa; Arianna and Nico Brusa; Leah Estoles Morris Balsamo and Adam Estoles Morris.
The family would like to express its appreciation to Hospice of San Joaquin’s Kim and Carol, as well as Stephanie Kaehler and Judy Larot for their compassionate care during his final journey. They would also like to thank Dr. Vagelos at Stanford Cardiology, and locally, Dr. Hereford and Dr. Mark Hoff for their many years of excellent care. Lastly, they would like to thank their friends and family who visited to make Seldon’s last days the best they could be, in the company of those who loved him most. He will be forever missed and loved.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to St. Mary’s High School Athletics, C/O 5648 El Dorado Street, Stockton, Ca., 95207; St. Anne’s Church Community Plaza Project, C/O 215 W. Walnut Street, Lodi, Ca. 95240; Hospice San Joaquin Lodi Regional Care Center, C/O 3888 Pacific Avenue, Stockton, CA 95204 or your favorite charity.
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VISITATION
No visitation will be held.
SERVICES
A Funeral mass will be celebrated on Thursday June 4, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Anne's Catholic Church, 215 W. Walnut St. Lodi, Ca 95240.