Saturday, October 4, 2014 10:25 PM EDT
Phillip D. “Phil” Bruzas, Sr., 64, of Burlington, Conn., died unexpectedly on Friday, Oct. 3, 2014. Born in New Britain, he was the son of the late Joseph G. and Sophie B. (Szala) Bruzas. He attended New Britain schools and graduated from Pulaski Sr. High School and from Central Connecticut State College, now CCSU.
While in college, Phil worked at Rizzo Pool Co. in Newington. In 2003, he retired from the State of Connecticut Department of Corrections after many years of employment. Phil enjoyed fishing, hunting, the outdoors, the Boston Red Sox and surfing the internet, as well as many online and in-person discussions with his family and friends about current events and political issues. He especially enjoyed his Friday coffee get-togethers with his buddies, the annual union picnic, his class reunions and watching his nephew and niece at their school sporting events.
Phil was a member of the AFSCME Local 3014 and the Bristol Fish and Game Club. A loving and devoted father, brother, uncle, cousin and friend, he is survived by his son, Phillip Bruzas, Jr. of New Britain; his girlfriend Francine Nigro of Burlington; his brothers and sister-in-law, Jonathan and Donna Bruzas of Burlington, and Robert Bruzas of New Britain; his beloved nephew and niece Joseph and Stephanie Bruzas of Burlington; his Aunt Virginia; and many cousins.
He also leaves his beloved German shepherd and constant companion, Yula.
His funeral service will begin on Wednesday at 9 a.m. at the Burritt Hill Funeral Home, 332 Burritt St., New Britain, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. at Holy Cross Church, New Britain. He will be laid to rest in Sacred Heart Cemetery, New Britain. Relatives and friends are invited to call on Tuesday from 4 to 8 p.m. at Burritt Hill. To share a memory with his family, please visit us atwww.burritthill.com
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Wednesday, October 8, 2014 10:22 PM EDT
The funeral service for Phillip D. Bruzas Sr., was held Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2014, from the Burritt Hill Funeral Home, 332 Burritt St., New Britain, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at Holy Cross Church. He was laid to rest in Sacred Heart Cemetery. The State of Conn. Dept. of Correction Honor Guard was present at the church and cemetery. His pallbearers were Phillip D. Bruzas Jr., Jonathan Bruzas, Robert Bruzas, Joseph Bruzas, Mark Bruzas, Gary Rogers, Michael Schiappa and Joseph Shilinga.
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Karen L. Tatum (Arasimowicz)
Patricia Ann Dezi (Altadonna)
I knew Phil as far back as elementary school however not until 2008 did he truly become my friend. I wish I could remember our first conversation that lead to Phil's importance in helping find our classmates for our 40th reunion. We spoke and emailed often and he was crucial in locating many of our class. He had so much knowledge that it was hard to believe we had graduated so many years ago. He was PULASKI thru and thru. He often spoke of the football team and our rivalry with NBHS. Those of us that attended the mini get together in May 2014 had the opportunity to see Phil and Yula, his beloved German Shepard. I am so happy that he attended and many of us had the chance to talk face to face. I thank you Phil for all the help you gave making my job easier, for the wealth of information you always had at your finger tips, for helping to bring back my memories that I had long forgotten and most of all for being my friend. You will always be remembered and truly missed.
Gregory J. Pac
Phil was a solid offensive tackle on our football team although he was a gentle giant. He will be sorely missed and my prayers go out to his family.
Patricia A. Wisk (Stenberg)
I remember Phil from elementary school as well - very nice, always helpful. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends. I know many of our classmates got to know him well during the reunions and from the accolades he was a very special person. My condolences to those that knew him well.
Ken Moravec
We all have lost a great friend. I had the honor to play football with Phil in 1968, and I will never forget those days with Phil. Take Care Phil, God Bless you!!
Joseph Karwoski
One of a kind, pleasant, intellgent, and always ready to lend a hand. He indeed will be missed. Rest in peace. Joe Karwoski
Susan Willett (Piascik)
I also knew Phil since elementary school (Isreal Putman)..was always kind to me except making fun of my freckles...40 years later he wanted to know what happened to my freckles..Rest in peace,Phil...you have made a lasting impression on many.
Richard D. Cook
Like Greg Pac, I too remember "The Gentle Giant" who not only was a great tackle but a person who was always willing to help you develop further. Phil and I spent countless hours on the practice field helping me develop the ability to block players who were a lot bigger than me. I will always be greatful for his kind words and generous encourgement. Rest well Phil.