Bruno J. Vavala, 75 of Warren, PA., died suddenly Saturday evening, June 27, 2020 at his residence after suffering a heart attack. He was born October 15, 1944 in Warren, PA. Bruno was the son of Bruno L. and Assunta “Sue” DeFabio Vavala. He was a lifelong Warren area resident and a 1962 graduate of Warren Area High School. Bruno was employed with the former Rexnord, Inc. for 41 years, retiring in 2006 as Maintenance Supervisor and was in charge of the boring department. He was a member of Holy Redeemer R.C. Church and the Warren Council of the Knights of Columbus. He was a volunteer with the Glade Volunteer Fire Department. Bruno was an avid hunter and fisherman, especially enjoyed fly fishing trips and wild boar hunt with his son, Jon. He also enjoyed attending sporting events that his granddaughters participated in. He is remembered as a “Jack of all Trades” and would help out anyone he could. His greatest joys in life, were his family.
He is survived by his wife, Cathy Young Vavala whom he married April 26, 2006 in Lakewood, N.Y., 2 Children – Jon P. Vavala and wife, Stacy of Warren, PA., Kathleen S. Gomola and husband, Joseph of Sheffield, PA., Sister- Rosalie L. Vavala Matteo of Warren, PA., 3 Grandchildren, Lindsey Brown and husband, Cody, Alicia Vaval and companion, Logan Meyer, Alexis Vavala, several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Vicky Parker and her husband, Paul, a nephew, Robert L. Matteo, Jr.
Friends may call at the Donald E. Lewis Funeral Home, Inc., 304 East Street, Warren, PA., on Tuesday, June 30, 2020 from 5 to 8 P.M. where a vigil service will be conducted at 7:45 P.M. CDC mandates observation of social distancing and requires face masks to be worn at all times. A Mass of Christian Burial will be conducted Wednesday, July 1, 2020 at Holy Redeemer R.C. Church, 11 Russell St., Warren, PA. at 10:00 A.M. with Fr. Stephen Schreiber, Pastor, officiating. Entombment will be in the Mausoleum of the Resurrection in St. Joseph R.C. Cemetery. Those wishing to place memorials may do so through Glade Township Volunteer Fire Department, 14 Hohman Road, Warren, PA., 16365 or Hospice of Warren County, 1 Main Street, Warren, PA. 16365 or hospiceofwarrencounty.com. E-mail condolences may be sent by visiting www.lewisfuneralhomeinc.com
If you were in the same room as Bruno, you surely knew him – he made sure of that. Likewise, if you were in trouble, or needed his help, he’d be there for you. I worked with him at Rex for all our 40+ years and never once asked him for help on something that he didn’t jump right in and it didn’t matter how dirty we got.
My heart goes out to Cathy as they were made for each other – he was the old shoe and she was the glue that held the “soul” on. The flags in Auburn should be at half mast.
Bruno was the best friend I had growing up in Warren.No one did as much for me through good and bad times. He always had my back. Simply put, he was as a good person who helped and served others. He was a living saint in my time.
Rest in peace my dear friend.
Cathy so sorry to hear about Bruno passing.
May God be with you and your family.
Cathy,
We were so surprised and saddened when we heard about Bruno’s passing.
God bless you and your family.
Cathy,
We were very saddened to hear about Bruno. I enjoyed working with him at Rexnord and enjoyed all the parties. Our thoughts are with you and family. He will be missed by everyone.
Dave and Pam Lucks
Bruno was great man to know i work with him at rexnord for 37 years had many of good time working with him he will be missed
Bruno was a fine human being, one that would give you the shirt off his back. Prayers to Cathy and Bruno’s family. You will be missed my friend.
Sending condolences, Bruno worked with my husband at Rexnord and he was a couple years ahead of me in highschool. I’m sure he will be missed. Sending a prayer.
Cathy and Jon and Cathy: Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this difficult time. May God bless all of you. RIP Bruno. You will be missed
What a great man! Thank you for you devotion to your family and community – many thoughts and prayers go to all as he will be greatly missed!
Cathy, we are so sorry for your loss, please know we are thinking of you.
Rest in peace Bruno. I always enjoyed your friendship as did my Father.
We offer our condolences to the Vavala family, Bruno was always a mentor to myself and Jon, you were a great man and you will be missed. RIP Bruno
Lindsey and Alexis so sorry for you and your families loss
It is possible to have two different realities at the same time. RIP.