Gloria Bruno, a beloved lifelong resident of Port Arthur, Texas, passed away peacefully at home on July 3, 2026, at the age of 96. The oldest of three girls, Gloria was born in Port Arthur on April 12, 1930, to Arthur and Lucy Mouton.
During her child-rearing years, Gloria lived a life driving her five children around as they participated in every activity they could possibly fit in – football, basketball, baseball, The Colleens and The Hussars, just to name a few. She spent many hours writing long letters in calligraphy style to family and notes to friends and acquaintances, either congratulating them on their recent accomplishments or encouraging them to live large!
Gloria worked alongside her husband Roy in their family business, Alamo Service Station for over 60 years. Two of her favorite pastimes were “running the roads” and gardening. A typical day was to work many hours in her flower garden and cutting grass as her “therapy” to beautify her yard and home. Then she sped up and down Proctor Street, Houston Avenue, and Gulfway Drive between the family business, Neilson’s Gift Shop and Pat Wood Drug Store.
Gloria was smart, graduating one year early from St. James High School in 1947. A devout Catholic, Gloria was a lifetime member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, where her commitment shined brightly through her active participation: She helped with the Altar Society, was a cherished member of the Knights of Columbus Ladies Auxiliary Council #1304, and was known as the first woman in the parish to start wearing pants to Mass! She was also an active member of Port Arthur La Sertoma and later Port Arthur Sertoma.
Gloria is survived by her five loving children: Stacy Dean and her husband, Terry; Roy "Rocky" Bruno and his wife, Karina; Shawn Bruno and his wife, Misha; Michelle Bruno and Julian Bruno.
Her memory will be cherished by her grandchildren: Tracy Metts, Shaun Bruno, Taj Romer, Sidda Bousquet, Enna Bruno, and Pascha Bruno, as well as her great-grandchildren: Macy Adams, Holden Pinder, Hunter Pinder, Gianna Bruno, Aithan Bruno, Rhys Romer, Violet Romer, Elena Bousquet, and John Bousquet (V), She also leaves behind her great-great-grandchildren: Graycn O'Neal, Maddox O'Neal, Gracelyn O'Neal, and Kinzleigh Pinder. Bonus Grandchildren: Ivana, Nakoa, and Anaken.
She is survived by her loving sister, Beverly Gail Dumesnil, along with numerous nieces and nephews.
Gloria was preceded in death by her parents, Arthur and Lucette Mouton; her beloved husband, Roy Bruno; her sister, Mona Rae Allen; and her son-in-law, Darrell Surgi.
A very special thanks goes out to Zulli Alvarez, Renee Tuttle, and Normia Jackson who diligently took care of Gloria. We could not have done it without you three! Also, many thanks to the staff at Altus Hospice: Cristy, Christina, and Casandra. Also special thanks to her lifelong friends Lynette and Melanie. She loved you both like her own children.
She leaves behind a legacy of love, humor, and devotion that will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
A visitation will be held on Friday, July 10, 2026, from 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM, with one decade of the Rosary prayed at 6:30 PM at Melancon-Levingston Funeral Home, 5601 39th Street Groves, Texas. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, July 11, 2026, at 9:30 AM. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 4600 Proctor Street, Port Arthur, Texas.
Memorial contributions may be made to Port Arthur Sertoma, P.O. Box 1563, Groves, Texas 77619.