Robert 'Bob' Bruno

WAKEFIELD, Mich. - Robert D. "Bob" Bruno, 71, of Wakefield, died after a long battle with cancer on Sunday, March 31, 2024, at his home.

Bob "Mooda" was born Nov. 18, 1952, in Wakefield, to the late Peter Bruno and Julia (Decur) Bruno. Bob graduated from Wakefield High School in 1971 and went on to graduate with a bachelor's degree in education from Northern Michigan University. He taught at Ojibwa Correctional Facility until his retirement in 2003.

Bob was an avid trout fisherman who loved the outdoors and his hometown of Wakefield. He loved the changing seasons and summers working in his yard or around the house.

Bob loved sports and often looked back fondly on the days when he and his friends would have their own track meets in the neighborhood of Jim Town location. It was in these meets where he learned to continually raise the bar on the pole vault standards, eventually becoming the first U.P. vaulter to clear the 13-foot mark, a longtime record in Wakefield he still holds to this day. Bob enjoyed his years helping coach the young vaulters at Wakefield, with hopes a kid would come along that could break the record he set so many years ago.

Bob also loved the Green Bay Packers and the Detroit Tigers, and would follow them closely throughout their seasons. He loved following high school athletics and his grandkids events as well.

Bob is survived by his son, Chad Bruno (Breanna Bosanic); his grandchildren, Kellan, Braedyn and Brynlee Bruno; special long time friend, Jennifer Jackson; his sister, Darlene Bruno; and brother, John (Janet) Bruno; as well as many nieces and nephews. Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Peter and Julia Bruno; and also his sister, Linda.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, April 5, at 11 a.m., preceded by visitation at 10 a.m., at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 407 Ascherman St., in Wakefield, with the Rev. Brian Gerber, celebrant.

A luncheon will be served at the parish hall immediately following the Mass.

Rite of Committal and interment will take place at the Lakeside Cemetery in Wakefield, later this spring.

The family would like to thank Regional Hospice and Jerald Rocco for their professional services.

Jerald Rocco, owner and manager of Lakeside Memorial Chapel Inc., in Wakefield, is assisting the family with their arrangements. To send online condolences or to share a memory, please go to lakesidememorialchapel.com.