Dr. Michael J. Vruno

VRUNO, MACK, LOMBARDO, TOWNSON, LAUTH, SHAW, BALTZ

Posted By: Ruth Maring - Volunteer (email)
Date: 10/17/2006 at 15:39:44

The Clinton Herald
Published: October 14, 2006 01:35 am

Dr. Michael J. Vruno

Dr. Michael J. Vruno, Eminent Former Fulton Physician Dies

August 30, 1920-October 3, 2006

Dr. Michael James Vruno, Fulton’s leading physician for over 35 years, died on Tuesday, October 3, 2006 in Sun City Center, Florida. He succumbed to respiratory failure after battling complications from knee replacement surgery in April of this year. He was 86 years old.

The son of Rosario and Rosalie Vruno of Sicily, Michael was married to the late Pearl, (nee Mack) for 50 years. He was the beloved father of seven children, as well as the beloved grandfather of seven grandchildren. He is survived by his son, Michael J. Vruno, Jr. of Milwaukee, WI, daughters Donna M. Lombardo (Joseph) of Windham, NH, Patricia A. Townson (William) of Bradenton, FL, Catherine L. Lauth (Dr. William) of Riverwoods, IL, Nancy S. Vruno of Skokie, IL, Barbara E. Shaw (Dennis) of Plymouth, MN, and Mary E. Baltz (Floyd) of Denver, CO. His grandchildren are Adrienne Lombardo, Ashley, William Michael, and Samantha Lauth, Allison Shaw, and Aaron and Benjamin Baltz. He is also survived by many nieces and cousins. Dr. Vruno was predeceased by his sisters Josephine, Mary, and Rose.

Dr. Vruno was born in 1920 on Taylor Street in the old, Italian neighborhood of Chicago. He graduated from Chicago’s Loyola University School Of Medicine in 1946, and completed his residency at Cook County Hospital, also in Chicago. It was here that he met his future wife, Mac, who was a pediatric nurse. Immediately after World War II, Dr. Vruno served on various hospital ships aiding and transporting displaced persons.

For decades, Dr. Vruno had the distinction of being Fulton’s leading family physician. He was an old fashioned doctor who made house calls at any hour and knew all his patients by name. Known as a brilliant diagnostician, those he treated, loved and respected him. Many former patients and friends continued to correspond with him up until his death. For many years, the village of Fulton celebrated “Dr. Vruno Day” on June 17th, with the Doc acting as master of ceremonies.

Dr. Vruno had the honorable distinction of having an article published in the prestigious New England Journal Of Medicine. The article outlined his treatment of a patient who had been infected with a rare stomach parasite from eating raw Mississippi crayfish.

During his years in Fulton, Dr. Vruno and family were communicants of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. He was also an active member of the Sierra Club for many years. He was a member of the Knights Of Columbus chapter in Sun City Center, FL and a parishioner of the Prince of Peace Catholic Church.

Dr. Vruno retired from his medical practice in 1986. He and his wife Mac moved to Sun City Center, FL in 1992. Golfing was their passion. He enjoyed reading extensively, writing, cooking, listening to opera, playing bridge and socializing with his many friends. He had a passion for completing daily crossword puzzles, and especially the Sunday New York Times edition. His family will always remember his brilliant mind, quick wit, and compassion for others.

A requiem Mass was held at Prince of Peace Catholic Church in Sun City Center, FL on Saturday, October 7, 2006. Eulogies were delivered by William J. Townson and Dr. William B. Lauth. The peaceful interment of his ashes will take place at Woodlawn Cemetery in Forest Park, IL, where he will be laid to rest next to his beloved wife.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be sent in Dr.Vruno’s name to Sun City Center Emergency Squad, 101 Ray Watson Dr., Sun City Center, FL 33573. All cards may be sent in the care of Patricia Townson, 4478 Pro Am Ave. East, Bradenton, FL 34203.

Jean LaCrosse

Hampton, Illinois

October 21, 1928 - October 2, 2006