Arlene Marie (Torok) Bruni

Arlene Marie (Torok) Bruni of New Kensington died Friday, July 14, 2023, in her home surrounded by six of her family.

Mrs. Bruni battled a rare form of cancer, Angiosarcoma, for the past two years and fought until her last breath at 9:47 p.m.

She was born Jan. 1, 1947, the daughter of Joseph and Anna (Bondra) Torok at the former Citizen’s Hospital in New Kensington.

She was a 1964 graduate of New Kensington High School and the University of Pittsburgh Dental Hygiene School.

Arlene, known as her parents’ moniker “Archie”, was a longtime dental hygienist, working at numerous offices more than four decades. She was best known locally at the former practice of Dr. Richard Gray on Kenneth Avenue in Arnold. Arlene was known for her thoroughness and often personally requested for cleanings.

She was a loving wife and mother, and her meticulous nature was paramount in helping her daughter through the first successful live-donor lung transplant in 1995 at UPMC Presbyterian Hospital.

She enjoyed keeping a pristine house, walking outdoors, listening to Johnny Mathis, cooking exceptional meals, and laughing at her family’s antics. She had one addiction in life: “The Young and the Restless,” which she would catch on her lunchbreak or record on VHS through the ‘80s and ‘90s.

Arlene was strong on the outside but provided warmth and generosity from the love inside her to all who knew her. She adored her children and would never falter during illness, heartbreak or any setback or malady. She was exceptionally dedicated as a wife, mother and intrinsically nurturing to all who were close to her.

Arlene’s house was always the place to be for her kids’ friends, and she relished feeding friends and family during holiday gatherings.

Arlene was Roman Catholic and spoke the gift of Tongues, albeit rarely. In her younger days, she would pray the Rosary nightly. She was a member of Mount St. Peter in New Kensington.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her daughter, Leticia “Tisha” Marie Bruni; her brother, Joseph “Sonny” Torok; and nephews, Joey Torok and Samuel Bruni.

Surviving are her husband of 53 years, Atty. Richard Bruni Sr., a son, Rick Bruni Jr., both of New Kensington; grandchild, Sofia “Fia” Novak-Bruni of Scott Township; sister Patty (Domenic) Giordano of Lower Burrell; adopted daughter-in-law, Kristen Novak; sister-in-law, Henrietta Torok Zimmerman; and many nieces, nephews and godchildren.

Friends will be received on Monday, July 17 from 6 to 9 p.m. and Tuesday, July 18 from 1 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 9 p.m. in GIUNTA-BERTUCCI FUNERAL HOME INC., 1509 Fifth Ave., Arnold, JohnPaul Bertucci, owner/supervisor.  Prayers of transfer will take place at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, July 19, in the funeral home followed by a funeral Mass at 10:00 a.m. in Mt. St. Peter R.C. Church.  Burial will be at Union Cemetery in Arnold. 

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