Longtime resident of Spring Glen, Thomas Edward Bruno, 83, passed away October 30, 2020 from complications of COVID-19.
He was born in Spring Glen, Utah on January 19, 1937 to Sam and Maria “Mary” Nicolavo Bruno where numerous adventures began like, “The Infamous Buffalo Round-Up”. Tom married Jean Marie Sunter, July 29, 1958 in Helper, Utah, they later divorced. On September 9, 1966, he married Judie Lewis in Elko, Nevada. Judie preceded him in death on October 29, 2007, almost exactly 13 years to the date of his passing.
Tom was an icon in the community and his friendship touched the hearts of all. He was a tireless worker who retired from Utah Power & Light at the mere age of 50. Tom was blessed with the best retirement that the power company ever offered, and he spent the next 33 years doing whatever he wanted. He enjoyed caring for his home, farming, and driving the “Little White Zero” to town to have coffee with his buddies. Tom spent a great deal of time improving the water needs in the county and was instrumental in getting the pressurized irrigation system implemented. Tom was involved in the water conservancy and mineral lease boards, and served as a board member of the Stowell Ditch Company. He was passionate about water and always had one of the nicest hay fields in the county.
He was a member of the Catholic Church and a lifelong resident of Carbon County. He served in the US Army during Korea where he was a French Interpreter. Tom was a former member of JOPPA Lodge # 26 F. & A.M. of Utah and Price Elk’s Lodge # 1550. After returning from the service, he went to work for the D.& R.G.W. Railroad for six years. In 1987, he retired from Utah Power & Light as a safety director. Tom also operated the El Rancho Steakhouse where everyone was envious of his Blue Cheese Salad Dressing. Tom was an entrepreneur who enjoyed speculating on real estate, buying equipment and improving his properties. The greatest legacy Tom leaves behind is his friendship that will be cherished for generations.
He is survived by his son, Tom (Johnna) Boyack, Spring Glen; daughter, Wendy Jean (Colin) Morf, Hillsborough, CA; granddaughters, Ashley Boyack, Helper, Rachel Boyack, Salt Lake City; brother, Gary (Vicky) Bruno, Kingman, AZ; special nephew and niece, Mike (Mitzi) Bruno, Casper, WY, Amy Bruno, Littleton, CO; Tom will be sorely missed by his extended Bruno family, many cousins and a community of friends. Tom was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Judie Bruno; and three brothers, Gabriel, Rudy and Salvador Bruno.
Graveside services will be Tuesday, November 3, 2020, 12:00 noon, at the Mt. View Cemetery in Helper where the family encourages friends to meet them directly at the cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to St. Jude Children’s Hospital. Arrangements entrusted to Mitchell Funeral Home of Price where friends are always welcome daily and may share memories online at www.mitchellfuneralhome.net