Chief Darryl Lee Bruestle

April 16, 1934 - July 15, 2022
Chief Darryl Lee Bruestle

Memorial Gifts & Donations


Chief Darryl Lee Bruestle, age 88 of Wilmington, NC was called home to be with the Lord, Friday, July 15 , 2022, at the Davis Community. He was born on April 16, 1934, to Emil and Dora Bruestle in Pontiac, Michigan.

To know him was to love him. Amongst all his renowned accomplishments, his greatest pride and joy was and always will be, his family and beloved pets. Chief Bruestle was a loving husband to Kaye, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, friend, and brother to many. He lived humbly and happily with his loving wife Kaye. He kept his life simple with the things he loved…from morning breakfasts with his buddies (most fondly at Whitey’s), to poker nights, to Rotary meetings, to feeding the geese wherever he could find them. He ensured that no stray cat be left hungry and was given a home at the Bruestle residence if they didn’t have one! His genuine and kind spirit will be remembered by everyone he impacted – in our community, the Wilmington Police Department, Winter Park Presbyterian church and beyond.

Chief Bruestle’s career spans over 48 years of Law Enforcement service. He graduated from Michigan State University School of Criminal Justice in 1955. Commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the US Army Reserves, he served his country as a Captain in the Military Police Corps. His ambition was always to protect and serve the public. After his military duty, he returned to Michigan and started his career as a police officer for the Waterford Township Police Department and became Police Chief of the Birmingham Police Department. Additionally, he was a graduate of the FBI Academy in December of 1969. He then became the Assistant Director of the Police Management Division of the International Association of Chiefs of Police. In 1975 he was appointed to serve as Chief of the Wilmington Police Department and served with distinction until his retirement in 1991. He is recognized as longest serving Chief of the Wilmington Police Department with 16 years of service as Chief.

After retirement Chief Bruestle administered the development of continuing education programs for the law enforcement and public safety officers at Cape Fear Community College. Under his leadership, the programs increased to be a major provider of in-service and specialized training for Southeastern North Carolina. He received many awards for his achievements and service to his community. He was instrumental in the founding of the Crime Stoppers of New Hanover County. He was an advocate for equality and fairness which echoed in his teachings and leadership roles.

Chief Bruestle was a longtime member of Winter Park Presbyterian Church serving as a Deacon and Elder. He also served as a member and past President of the Wilmington Rotary Club.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Kaye Marie Bruestle; one son, Bradley Jon Bruestle and wife, Tammy; two daughters, LeeAnn Bruestle Carroll and husband Rick, and Maryn Bruestle O’Neill and husband Hugh, and honorary daughter, Karin Schermerhorn; one sister, Cheryl Capistrant and husband Norb; his grandchildren, Chelsea Long, Kaylee Carroll Bransky, Michael O’Neill, Emily O’Neill Lewis, Christopher O’Neill, and Madelyn O’Neill; his great-grandchildren, Everley Long, Vale Long, Adair Long, Haylee O’Neill, Harvey Lewis, and Quincee Bransky.

A Celebration of Life Memorial service will be at 10 am Friday, July 22, 2022, at Winter Park Presbyterian Church-4501 Wrightsville Ave., led by Pastor Emile Harley. His resting place will be in Oleander Memorial Gardens.

There will be a visitation for family and friends from 4 to 6 pm Thursday, July 21, 2022, at the Wilmington Funeral Chapel 1535 S. 41st Street, Wilmington.

In lieu of flowers honor the memory of Chief Bruestle by considering a memorial to the Winter Park Presbyterian Church or the Lower Cape Fear Hospice LifeCare.

Share memories and condolences with the family by visiting the Tribute Wall below.

Wilmington Funeral & Cremation 1535 S. 41st Street, Wilmington, NC 28403  910-791-9099

 

 



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  • July 19, 2022
    Paul Wetsig says:
    Until we meet again my friend. May you fully enjoy the Love of Jesus reception!

  • July 19, 2022
    Ron Copley says:
    Wanda and I send our condolences to the family. He was a good man and had a good life. Although we haven’t seen him recently, he is in our thoughts and prayers. All the best to the family, Ron and Wanda Copley

  • July 19, 2022
    Paula Ray says:
    I knew him as Mr. Bruestle, the wonderful father of a dear friend. He was a true family man who made me feel a part of his family. He had the sort of heart that kept its door open. It was a big heart, big enough for all to huddle inside...safe and warm. Even now, when I think of him, I can still feel the warmth that was the unique signature of his spirit. Yes, he will be missed, but more importantly...he'll be remembered.

  • July 18, 2022
    Beejay Grob, Mike Marcelli says:
    We are so sorry to hear of our neighbor Darryl’s passing, Kaye and family we are praying for you and are here if you need us. We shared a cat, Bootsie, with Darryl a few years ago. That stinker tuxedo cat was well-fed at Darryl’s house, he really did do as his obituary says, he was a true guardian of animals. But Bootsie would sneak up the alley between our houses and come in our back cat door. We all laughed when we discovered this Bootsie was the same cat as Darryl’s Bootsie. This was a remarkable man for his kindness, Rest In Peace Darryl and our sincere condolences to Kaye and his family and their remaining pets. Beejay & Mike

  • July 18, 2022
    Mike Campbell says:
    The Chief took my side and stood behind me in 1979. I’ve never forgotten that and I hope for peace for him and his family.