Stephen Edward Bruno

He wrote his obituary in 1999 which will follow this update from the 21st century. Shortly after his retirement in 1997, Steve moved to the Phoenix area and met Carol Katra whom he married in 2010. After 10 years of marriage they went separate ways and Steve moved back to the Seattle area where he met Elaine DeShaw and they formed a close bond which lasted until his death.

Steve is deeply loved and survived by his cousins, stepdaughter Cheryl Katra and partner Elaine DeShaw.

Steve was a profound dog lover; If you wish to honor him please send a donation to your local animal shelter.

Obituary written by Steve:

Steve Bruno was born in Tarentum, Pennsylvania, son of Guy and Patricia Bruno. He attended the same high school that his parents attended, Tarentum High School, where he was a Redcat until his family moved to Wenatchee, Washington, in 1968. He had a distinguished high school career at Wenatchee High School where he was the President of the Honor’s Society, captain of the debate team, and was elected to the student council every quarter. He attended the University of Washington from 1965 until his graduation with a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science in 1969. It was while attending college that he established some lifelong friendships which he maintained until his death.

Mr. Bruno became employed by the State of Washington Employment Security Department during his college summers and took up a permanent career with them in 1971. He retired in 1997 after 26 years of service. He took very seriously his responsibilities to the people of the State of Washington and attempted to instill the same sense of honor in those he led. In the ‘70s, during the large Boeing layoffs, he was the manager of the largest unemployment office in the world—in Renton, Washington. Due to government cutbacks and affirmative action policies, he spent the latter part of his career as a claims adjudicator. He greatly admired his co-workers sense of dedication in the face of horrific management and adversity. In his mind, Mr. Bruno’s greatest accomplishment and most important life’s role was being the partner and alter ego of Lynn Sara Blumenthal. They shared a life from 1971 until her death in 1994. Even after her death she remained his beloved companion.

His favorite hobby was owning and racing thoroughbred horses. As part of the Pegasus Racing Stables, he enjoyed racing such winners as Party’s Little Girl, Elegant Mistress, Party Zarrina, Trident Cove and others.

Mr. Bruno was an avid Mariner’s fan. His favorite player was Edgar Martinez.

He wrote a best-selling bridge textbook and was regarded as a great player, theoretician and teacher.

He attempted to be a good son to his parents and a good friend to his relatives and friends.

His affiliations included the Washington Horse Breeder’s Association and Mensa.