Wayne Clifford Bruno's Obituary
Wayne Clifford Bruno, a proud Husband, Son, Father, Brother, Dad, Grandfather, Antique furniture dealer, appraiser, restoration expert, Amateur Architect (Homes, kid’s Forts/Club Houses/ Swing Sets and Patio/Decks) he was an all around wood craftsman. Known for his antics and ability to make others laugh; He was a father figure to all that that were privileged to grace his presence; A man that taught us how to treat others; Taught his sons common sense and logical thinking skills in an emotional charged world; and the type of guy everyone wanted to be around.
Wayne Clifford Bruno, was born in Chicago on November 12, 1950 and moved to Texas as a young boy and quickly became very proud to be called a Texan. He had an early fascination with Volkswagens and started collecting them in his early twenties. At one point he was the largest collector of VW half cab trucks in Texas. This lifelong admiration for VWs became a serious hobby for him during retirement. He began buying and restoring classic VWs, with his passion being the VW, “Rat-Rod.” He and his best friend, Pat Burkhart would not only show off these newly restored or modified “Rat-Rods” at car shows, but would enter them in numerous competitions and win. This was one of Wayne’s greatest prides, second only to the pride he had for his only Grandson Cameron Jacob Bruno. He loved displaying his trophies and certificates, but he also appreciated talking shop with other VW enthusiasts and classic car hobbyists. One of his greatest possessions, which were tied to plenty of memories, was his 1968 Pontiac Firebird. “Bruno” and his yellow Firebird became embossed in everyone’s memory. Even before his death it was not uncommon for fellow H. Grady Spruce “Apaches” or residence of Pleasant Grove to comment on his Firebird at stores. Wayne Clifford Bruno, at the age of 69, passed on September 25th 2020, after a two year battle with cancer. Wayne passed at home, as he wanted, surrounded by family and friends. His soul went with peace to meet his maker.
Wayne Clifford Bruno was preceded in death by his loving father James William Bruno III (1927-1986); and his Angelic Mother Adean “Hagler” Bruno (1926-2019). Wayne Clifford Bruno is survived by his loving and beautiful wife of 49
years, Donna Sue “Beeman” Bruno, who also loved that 1968 Firebird. Before they started dating she would hear his car barreling down, Freddie Drive, and would make it a point to run out to her front yard and wave at him. Wayne is also survived by his two boys, Dr. Marlon V. Bruno and Federal Officer Marcus Edward Bruno; Beloved, light of his life, grandson Cameron Jacob Bruno; and His Brother James William Bruno IV (Jim), the only person who knew where to tickle Wayne and make him laugh hysterically, and his spouse Donna Elaine Bruno.
At Wayne’s request to me and it is my honor to pen it: I would like to mention he is also survived by his best and most trusted friend since youth Patrick Burkhart (Pat) (quote from Wayne, “Pat, I want you to know there are no words to express what your friendship means/meant to me…) and his spouse Lucille H. Burkhart (Lucy). Wayne also requested special mention of three family members that also survived him in death. These four nephews he frequently saw as second sons, and mentioned them as such on numerous occasions: James William Bruno V (Little Jimmy); Terry Don Bruno; Phillip John Puzzo; and John Michael Bruno (Mike). I would like to end with a quote, his nephew Michael Bruno elegantly stated, that sums up not only how Wayne lived his life but how he impacted everyone around him, “…Uncle Wayne was a true maverick [a spark] in this stale world.” Amen to that!
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