Ruth Delores “Dee” Bruno
Born December 21, 1939 in Kimberly, AlabamaDeparted December 15, 2023 in Melbourne Beach, Florida
Ruth Delores (Dee) Bruno, age 83, passed away peacefully at her home in Melbourne Beach, Florida on Friday December 15, 2023. She was predeceased by her parents Willie Herbert and Elizabeth (Rickels) Johnson. She is survived by her husband of 59 years Adrian Bruno, sons Michael (Anna) and Jeffrey Bruno, sister Regina (William) Lindsay and several nieces, nephews and dear friends.
Ruth was born on 12/21/1939 in Kimberly Alabama and lived alternately between there and Jacksonville, Florida where in 1964 she met and married the love of her life Navy Lt. Adrian Bruno. Upon Adrian’s discharge from the Navy, the couple settled in Corning, NY where their 2 sons were born.
In 1969 Ruth was diagnosed with the very rare and incurable hepatic disease, Acute Intermittent Porphyria. The diagnosis shed light on her prior unexplained and painfully debilitating attacks which Ruth would continue to bravely endure for the rest of her life. After her boys were in school Ruth attended Nursing school partly for a vocation and also as self defense in a medical system that had little knowledge of how to manage her rare disease. She became a very knowledgeable and active member of the American Porphyria Foundation where she used her knowledge to support many others around the world who were afflicted with AIP.
In spite of these health difficulties Ruth led a very active and productive life, working as a nurse while moving from Corning, NY to Iowa City, IA to Rolling Meadows, IL with husband Adrian’s career changes. It was in Iowa that Ruth formed her own color consulting company, Images, with her good friend Nancy Duffner. Their copyrighted color system, Colortools, was sold all over the world and continues to this day under new ownership following sale of the business after Adrian’s retirement and their move to Florida.
Ruth loved to paint and over the years produced many works that presently adorn the walls of friends and family. Her style was distinctively eclectic and whimsical using acrylics, water color, and mixed media. Her legacy lives on in her artwork.
As per Ruth’s wishes, no funeral or memorial service will be held.
