Nathan Richard Bruno, 15, of Portsmouth passed away on Wednesday, February 7, 2018 at his home in Portsmouth. Nathan was born June 19, 2002 in Newport RI, the son of Richard P Bruno and Misty L Kolbeck.
Nathan spent some of his early childhood years living in Wisconsin and Colorado with his mother, Misty, before returning to Newport. Later, after moving to Portsmouth, he attended Portsmouth Middle School and then Portsmouth High School where he was an active participant in the Ski and Snowboard Club. Nathan loved the mountains and was happiest on the slopes, enjoying frequent winter trips to Mt. Snow in Vermont and other mountains throughout New England with his father. Always embracing the outdoors Nathan spent the warmer months at the beach and especially loved his summer vacations on Martha’s Vineyard.
In his younger years, Nathan really loved karate and skateboarding, those being a couple of the first activities he truly enjoyed being involved in. Playing baseball, though, was a huge part of Nathan’s life starting in his early childhood. He started the Newport Little League at the age of five, continuing on through his teenage years playing for the Babe Ruth League right up to this past season. He was a well-rounded athlete who also played a two seasons of basketball and one of football. Knowing Nathan, though, you knew that his passion for sports was mainly focused on his love for baseball and snowboarding, perfecting and refining his skills through the years.
Nathan is remembered by his close friends and loved ones for his great sense of humor and natural ability to make others laugh. Known always to have a smile on his face and taking great pleasure in the teasing of his Nanny and little cousins. Also, never to be forgotten, is his love for fashion and of course being an avid shoe and sneaker collector. From the best shoes, to clothes, straight down to the socks Nathan knew what it was to walk out of the house in style for any type of occasion.
In addition to his parents, he is survived by grandparents Georgetta Mosher of Newport, Anthony and Nora Mace of Portsmouth and Matt Kolbeck of Wisconsin; aunts and uncles, Mary and Jason Cuff of Wisconsin, Selene and Kayla Benisch, Robert and Rachel Enwright Bruno, Zachary and Danielle Bruno, Tyler and Valerie Bruno-Wood; as well as his little cousins, Mercedes, Marina, Montana, Ava, Tyler, Jordan, Micah, Mahlia, Taylor, Logan, Dylan, Alanna, and Laila. Preceded in death by his grandmother Judy Stoffers and grandfather Richard P. Bruno.
Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, February 13, 2018. Portsmouth students are invited to visit the family from 2:30pm-4:00pm in the Memorial Funeral Home 375 Broadway, Newport, extended family and friends are invited from 4:00-8:00pm at the funeral home.
Funeral services will held on Wednesday, February 14, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00am in St. Barnabas Church, 1697 East Main Rd., Portsmouth, RI. A celebration of life will continue after Mass in the Parish Center.
Memorial donation may be made to the Nathan Bruno Memorial Fund, c/o 18 Sprague Street, Portsmouth, RI 02871, funds will be used towards an educational cause to be established.
