Patrick Bruen

Deacon Patrick Bruen Age 91
Beloved husband of Irene for almost 70 years. Loving dad of Mary (Steve) Curtis, Patrick (the late Georgiana), Tim (Peg), Martha (Ken) Mazur, John (Gale), Amy (Keith) Chamberlain, and Andrew (Jennifer). Adored grandpa of 19, and great grandpa of 42. Dear brother of Tom. He was very dearly loved and will be deeply missed by many family members and friends.
Patrick Thomas Bruen was born in Chicago in 1933, to parents Thomas Bruen and Lucille Wonn. Patrick's brother Thomas arrived 11 years later. The Bruen family moved to Detroit, before settling down in Dearborn, Michigan. Patrick graduated from Detroit Catholic Central High School in 1951 and began attending the University of Detroit. During this time, he met Irene Bussey and they married on June 25, 1955. A family soon followed with seven children, 19 grandchildren, and 42 great grandchildren. Patrick earned a bachelor's degree in accounting from the University of Detroit and worked as a sales representative for the Durako Paint Company, a supplier to the automotive industry.
In the 1970's, Patrick and Irene helped form the Community of God's Mercy, a religious community that looked to deepen their Catholic faith. During this time, Patrick felt a spiritual calling and began attending the Sacred Heart Major Seminary where he earned degrees in Master of Divinity and Master of Arts in Theology. Patrick was ordained a permanent Deacon in 1978 and faithfully served his family and community for the rest of his life. As a Deacon, he facilitated wedding liturgies for all his children and many of his grandchildren, as well as baptizing all his grandchildren and many of his great grandchildren. He also facilitated the wedding liturgy and performed baptisms for countless friends and members of the communities he served. Patrick served as a Deacon at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Dearborn, St. Stanislaus Kostka Catholic Church in Wyandotte, and most recently at St. Stephen Catholic Church in New Boston.
In his early 60's, Patrick decided to take a class at Henry Ford College to learn a little bit about "these computer things". One class led to another, which led to an associate's degree in computer technology. Patrick accepted an offer to become an adjunct professor at Henry Ford College and enjoyed teaching students for the next 17 years.
Patrick will be remembered for his quick wit, his Irish songs, his story telling, his strong love of family and friends, and his endless faith in God.
Eternal rest grant unto Patrick, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Knights of Columbus to support their many charitable efforts: https://www.kofc.org/en/what-we-do/charity/index.html
Visitation Thursday 2 pm – 8 pm with a 7 pm Rosary at the John N. Santeiu & Son Funeral Home. In state Friday 10:30 am until the 11:30 am Funeral Mass at Church of the Divine Child.