Bruno P. Pacini

Bruno P. Pacini of Medina, New York, formerly of Middleport, passed peacefully in the early hours of April 19, 2024 after a brief illness. He had celebrated his 102nd birthday this past January.

Born in North Tonawanda, New York on January 21, 1922, he was the son of the late Guy and Leontine (Bourdon) Pacini. He graduated from North Tonawanda High School and was ready to enter Niagara University on a football scholarship when WWII intervened. He entered the Army in October of 1942 and served as a Staff Sergeant until February 1946. Upon leaving the service, he went back to Niagara University to continue his education. He earned his BS degree in Social Science in 1950 and his MA in 1951.

His teaching career was spent at Royalton-Hartland in Middleport where he taught Social Studies for 27 years. In addition to his classroom duties, he coached his favorite sport of football and at his retirement in 1977, this respected coach had the football field named in his honor. After his retirement he went on to be elected Royalton Town Justice, a position he would hold for 12 years.

He was also a member of the Clute Phillips Post 938 of the American Legion in Middleport and the Knights of Columbus. He was the last surviving member of the original inductees of the Foundation Award Winners of the Niagara Orleans League. He was proud to have been inducted into the North Tonawanda Football Hall of Fame, the Niagara University Hall of Fame and the Roy Hart” Proud to be a Ram” Wall of Fame.

Beside his parents, Bruno was predeceased by his wife Bertha (Pope) Kilworth Pacini and his brother Charlie and sister-in-law Shirley.

He is survived by his step-daughter Gina (Mike) George, step-granddaughters Audrey (Casey)Tuohey and Emily (Michael) McLaren, as well as great grandchildren Brayden, Gavin, Shay and Camryn, two nieces Sandra (Edmond) Hess and Charlene (David) Gwinn He will be missed by many long time friends from his years in Middleport, his friend Jean Chatt of Medina as well as the many young men he coached over the years who long after graduation still kept in touch with their coach. He was deeply touched by the many former students and friends who attended the re-dedication of the football field.

There are no prior calling hours. A mass of Christian burial will be held at St. Stephen’s Roman Catholic Church on Friday, April 26th at 10:00am.

Burial with military honors at St. Mary’s Cemetery on Wednesday, May 1st at 10:00am.

In lieu of flowers, friends may donate in his memory to a charity of their own choosing.