Donald A. Bruno 1942-2019

Donald (Don) A. Bruno died on April 18, 2019. He modeled O scale trolleys as well as other O scale trains and scales. He had a college degree in photography and industrial design. He worked for the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) for most of his career.

Don, will be best known for his deep interest in Italian automobiles. The brand of cars in which he was most interested was Alfa Romero's. He had an antique Giulietta TI which he rebuilt and an Alfa Spyder. He raced a British made Lola. I guess it was, "What Lola wants Lola gets!"

Most may not have heard of Don's model trolley and railroad and railroading interest, as he put most of his interest into his career at the CTA . Upon joining the CTA, Don worked his way up from flagman, conductor, and then motorman on the (3rd) Rail Division or "L". When a position opened up which was more suitable to his education and interest he applied and was promoted. He worked on signage for "L" stations, right-of-way, and "L" cars. When cost savings was instituted on the CTA, Don's job also included the Surface Division.  His work included bus terminals, passenger stops, and bus interiors and exteriors.

It wasn't his normal work that Don was known for at the CTA but instead his ability to solve engineering problems on the "L". He was able within minutes to solve why "L" cars would derail on newly installed trackwork when the engineering department was unable to resolve situations like this.

Perhaps his most important problem-solving ability was to prove to the higher management of the CTA, the proposed design for the placement of escalators for a redesigned multi-million dollar main transfer point station effecting most "L" routes was not workable. He made a scale model to prove his point. He showed his scale model to most of the upper CTA management and the escalator design/placement was changed.

To all of those who knew Don, he was irascible. When 1st  meeting a couple of CTA employees who worked with Don I was met with, "So you know Don Bruno!" However, to Don's benefit, once he knew you, he was your friend forever! He was extremely generous in his friendship!

Over the years by dumpster-diving or grabbing obsolete items, Don was able to amass a number of vintage items from the CTA and the CA&E Ry. Many valuable items were saved all of which may have been destroyed. Most of Don's collection has been donated to the Illinois Railway Museum (IRM). 

Don, the light has changed from red to green. It's safe to put the accelerator to the floor. Or, if you want move the controller to the post.

Thank you. It was great being your friend!
Ed