Bruno Presta

Bruno Presta, at the age of 96, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family. He is survived by his beloved wife of 69 years, Rosetta; his children, Pasquale (Francie) Presta, Carolina (Romano) Gallo , Robertino (Antonella) Presta, and Remo (Michele) Presta; 14 grandchildren, Rosa (Bryan), Bruno (Carrie), Vito (Elizabeth), Michele (Teresa), Roberto (Mallory), Lisa (Frank), Giancarlo (Stefania), Robertino II (Raffaella), Daniela (Vincent), Rosella (Antonello), Marco, Nicole (Nicholas), Jacqueline, and Anthony (Natalie); and 31 great-grandchildren, with more on the way.

Bruno was born and raised in the Valli of Cerisano, Italy, born to Pasquale and Carolina Presta, he was one of eight children-- the late Emilia Bruno, the late Concetta Bartucci, the late Frank Presta, the late Fortuna Provenzano, Maria Pulice, Elena Presta, and Lorenzo Presta . His family lived simply and close to the land, growing their own food and working the soil together. That upbringing shaped the man he would become: humble, hardworking, and deeply rooted in family.

At 20, Bruno set out on the adventure of his life and came to America. He settled in Chicago with his Zio Gabriele and his cousins, where he began building a new life and a future.

At 27, Bruno returned to Italy hoping to find a wife. As he walked out of church one day, he saw Rosetta across the way and knew in his heart she was the one. After just two months together, they married and left for America. Side by side, they built a beautiful life and raised their four children.

Bruno was blessed with a long, healthy, and happy life. In America, he carried on his lifelong love of gardening, tending his vegetables, plants, and fruit trees with care and pride. Nothing made him happier than sharing his harvest with family and friends, and he continued working in his garden until his final days.

Bruno leaves behind a legacy of hard work, honesty, and a word that could always be trusted. He believed in gathering around the table, sharing good food and good wine, and telling the stories of those who came before us. Above all, Bruno treasured three things: his family, his faith, and his garden.

He will be deeply missed but never forgotten. His family will carry his values, traditions, and wonderful stories forward, and will forever remember him with love as Dad and Nonno.