February 20, 1945 – December 6, 2022

It is with heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Michele (Michael) Bruno, on December 6, 2022, at the age of 77.

Michael was predeceased by his mother, Francesca Maria, his father, Paolo Francesco, and an infant daughter, Maria Teresa.

Left to cherish Michael’s memory are his daughters Francesca Ross (Kevin) and Paola Bruno, his sons Paul Bruno (Lara) and Joseph Bruno (Bianca), his precious grandchildren, Esme and Amara Ross, Mitchell and Lachlan Bruno, and Siena Bruno, his brother Jino Bruno (Anna) and his former wife, Maria Bruno. He will be missed by numerous family and friends, near and far.

Michele Antonio Bruno was born February 20, 1945 in Grimaldi, Cosenza, Italy. He often would tell stories of his childhood in the “Banniceddra”. In 1958, the family immigrated to Canada. They traveled by boat, landing in Halifax. The family moved West, settling in Edmonton. Michael attended school, and took up Mechanics at the age of 15. In 1966, Michael moved to Kamloops, BC. His beloved parents followed and the family ended up calling Kamloops their forever home. Michael was a hard-working man and used his Mechanics training to run his own business for a number of years. He owned and operated his first service station at the corner of 3rd Ave. and Columbia St., and eventually moved the business to the corner of McGill Rd. and Columbia St. His greatest accomplishments in life were always his children and then, his grandchildren.

Mike had a charming personality and an infectious smile. He was a social butterfly, making friends everywhere he went. He treated friends like family and family like gold. He would never hesitate to offer help, in any way he could.

Mike enjoyed keeping his many fruit trees perfectly pruned. He was a jack-of-all- trades, fixing anything and everything, with a never-ending supply of tools. You could usually find him reading the newspaper or listening to his favourite Calabrese folk music. He was an active member at the Italian Cultural Centre in Kamloops, organizing many events in his time there. He was incredibly proud of his Italian heritage, and made sure to instill that in his children.

Michael’s family would like to extend their gratitude to long-time family physician, Dr. Mavis Hollman, and her staff, for their unwavering care and support throughout the years. A special thank you to the team at Overlander Extended Care for their wonderful care in Michael’s last few months of life.

A private family gathering will be held in the New Year.

In lieu of flowers, a donation in Michael’s honor can be made to the Royal Inland Hospital Foundation or the Alzheimer’s Society of BC.

Condolences can be sent to the family at Schoening Funeral Service.

• Date : 2022-12-06
• Location : Kamloops