Bruno Roti

Bruno Roti, 98, of St. Joseph, passed away, Friday, June 27, 2014 at Veteran’s Administration Hospital in Battle Creek. Friends may visit with the family from 1:00 until 3:00 P.M. Wednesday at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Humane Society of Southwest Michigan.  Those wishing to sign Bruno’s Memory Book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Born in Chicago to Salvatore and Nicolina Roti, Bruno was raised by Salvatore and Katerina Bertucci in Baldwin, Michigan.  He enlisted in the Army Air Corps in 1942 and flew seven missions over Germany until his plane was shot down.  Bruno spent almost two years in Stalag Luft III Prison Camp.  After the war, Bruno met and married Sara Jayne Drilling, and they spent sixty-six years together.  Bruno was an automobile buff since his childhood, and in 1949 was employed by Chrysler as a field representative in Detroit, Cleveland, Cincinnati and Kansas City.  In 1956, he heard of a dealership available in St. Joseph and took that opportunity to get back to his home state of Michigan where he enjoyed many years in business and made many friends. Bruno is survived by his wife Sara, children-Randy (Beverly) Rouse, Michael (Amy) Roti, Lynda (Steve Johnson) Roti; grandchildren-Amy (Neil) Vittum, Sara (Steven) Cardello, Nicole Rouse, Tory Roti; great-grandchildren-Emmett Wilder Vittum & Bruno Raffael Cardello; and several great nieces & nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers & two sisters. Bruno was a great husband & father, an expert fly fisherman & hunter & an accomplished pilot & businessman.  Bruno will be greatly missed & long remembered.