Phyllis Bruno

Age 95, of Coal City, Illinois, died peacefully on Saturday, October 26, 2024, at Lightways Hospice in Joliet, Illinois.

Born March 12, 1929, in Joliet, Illinois, Phyllis was the daughter of Henry and Ann (Groff) Bertagnoli. She was raised in Joliet until the age of 6 when her family moved to Coal City, where she graduated from Coal City High School with the Class of 1947. On August 21, 1949, Phyllis married the love of her life, Louis "Bud" Bruno, and together they made their life and raised their family in Coal City. She worked at Uniroyal for many years before transitioning to secretary for several administrators at the Coal City High School.

Phyllis was a dedicated member of the Coal City United Methodist Church, supporting many of its small groups and outreach programs including the Evening Star Circle. She was also involved in the Junior Women’s Club. Phyllis was a marvelous host and fantastic cook and baker, always looking for an opportunity to share her gifts with her family and friends. Phyllis found great pleasure in reading and working on jigsaw puzzles, and in recent years was a great fan of the Game Show Network. She had a knack for flower gardening and was a lover of all animals, but with her family it was where she truly shined. Phyllis cherished her role as wife and mother, devoting much of her time to her family. Phyllis supported all of her children's endeavors, enjoyed spoiling her grandchildren, and is now at peace and reunited with her true love and best friend, Bud.

Survivors include her two children: Cynthia (John) Hankovcak of Coal City and Mark Bruno of Arlington Heights, Illinois, two grandchildren, Megan (Ryan) Collier of Hoffman Estates, Illinois, and Caitlin (Wes) Anderson of Diamond, Illinois, and three great grandchildren, Gabrielle and Alexis Anderson and Carson Collier.

Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Bud Bruno; two half-brothers: Gordon and Irving Bertagnoli; and one sister-in-law, Lois (Bill) Tucker.

The family will receive friends at the Coal City United Methodist Church, 6805 East McArdle Road, in Coal City on Friday, November 1, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. until the time of funeral services at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Braceville Gardner Cemetery, with a memorial luncheon to immediately follow back at the church.

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Phyllis' memory to Coal City United Methodist Church or Lightways Hospice.

Family and friends are encouraged to sign the online guest book, upload photographs, and share Phyllis' memorial page via social media.

Funeral services and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Reeves & Baskerville Funeral Homes and Crematory in Coal City (815) 634-2125.