Bruno Bertelo Ghidotti

Bruno Bertelo Ghidotti, age 96, was born in Chicago, Illinois, to Frank and Albina Ghidotti on September 11, 1927. Bruno passed away in Columbus, Ohio, on October 2, 2023. Preceded in death by younger brother Edward L. Ghidotti and niece Janise M. Ghidotti. Bruno is survived by his niece Denise M. Ghidotti, nephews Marc E. Ghidotti (Kristi), and Paul G. Ghidotti (Kathie) and his nine grand-nieces and grand-nephews. Bruno’s family grew up on the south side of Chicago in an area known as “Pullman” on the top floor of a three-level flat. Bruno’s love for airplanes drove him to build model aircraft and send them soaring from the porch, even if they often ended up crashing to the ground. He held a deep fascination for aviation and relished any stories or films related to flying. Bruno quit grade school during the seventh grade. He was never interested in school, but instead liked to work with his hands. During his teenage years, he tended bar at his parent’s restaurant which was known as “The Rendezvous.” While Bruno’s tasks at the bar were many, he even found himself as a teenager tending to customers at the bar standing on a milk crate.

Bruno affectionately referred to his parents as “Ma” and “Pa.” They worked diligently and imparted traditional Italian values to their two sons. He often joked that he had graduated from the “school of hard knocks” with Ma and Pa as his principals. After working at the family bar/restaurant, Bruno began to work in a mill shop operating heavy power tools. After an unfortunate accident with a “shaper,” Bruno lost a couple of fingers and from that point on, all of his friends referred to him as “Stubs.” He maintained his passion for work and eventually became an apprentice mason in his early twenties. For about 40 years, he dedicated his career to working with various prominent general contractors as a union mason. When he was asked about his profession while setting up a bank account, he humorously described himself as an “artist of clay products.”

When Bruno wasn’t working, he made it a priority to stay close to his parents – Frank and Albina. He loved his parents very much and idolized Frank for his ability to read people and manage any situation. Pa made wine and spirits every year, and Bruno was very involved in the process. He also helped Ma, who was a fantastic Italian cook, with shopping for ingredients and meal prep. His family meant everything to him, and he never married because his top priority was caring for them.

Following the passing of Pa and Ma during the ’80s, Bruno moved to Ohio to be closer to his brother and the rest of his family. He dedicated a significant amount of time to bonding with his nieces, nephews, and their children. Bruno formed a particularly strong bond with Ed’s son, Marc. Marc credits his career trajectory to his early experiences with Bruno, which began in Pa’s basement, where they worked together pounding nails and sawing wood.

Bruno had a “rain man” like memory for dates, times, and places. He also had a knack for memorable sayings, such as “don’t worry about a thing because nothing is going to be alright” or “you can lose your mind, but don’t lose your marbles,” and from Pa, “in God we trust, all others pay cash.” Bruno was frugal, but very generous and giving.

Though we’ll miss him, Bruno has reunited with loved ones who passed before him, both in Ohio with family and in Chicago with dear friends, including his longtime pals George “Smokey” Sandona and Smokey’s wife Bonny, as well as Al Rosati and Kayrene Zambon. A private family service is set for October 21 at Holy Sepulchre Catholic Cemetery in Alsip, Illinois. Arrangements by Schoedinger Dublin.