SR-107, As Adopted by Senate, September 6, 2007

            Senators Clark-Coleman, Basham, Gleason, Whitmer, Schauer, Hunter, Scott, Olshove, Jacobs, Thomas, Brater, Prusi, Cherry, Clarke, Switalski, Sanborn, Brown, Pappageorge, Anderson, Barcia, Richardville, Stamas, Jelinek, Van Woerkom, Patterson, George, Birkholz, Hardiman, Kahn and Cassis offered the following resolution:

            Senate Resolution No. 107.

            A resolution memorializing the life of Vincenzo James Bruno, a proud Italian-American citizen whose very existence improved his community and his country.

            Whereas, Vincenzo James Bruno was born in Castell'Umberto, Sicily, and moved with his family to the United States at the age of 16. Vince, as he was affectionately known, attended Dearborn Fordson High School and after graduation began working at Ford Motor Company where he was accepted into an electrical engineering apprenticeship program; and

            Whereas, Vince continued to work for Ford while pursuing an education at Henry Ford Community College and Wayne State University. He established the United Auto Workers (UAW) union and embarked on a 45-year journey with that organization from which his retirement mirrored that from Ford; and

            Whereas, Always sharing his wisdom and knowledge with others, Vince was a compassionate man who stood by every word he uttered. He shared a lifetime of memories with his loving wife and partner Mary; and, together, they produced four children: Eduardo, Pasquale (Kelly), Rosemarie, and Maria (Bobby). Vince was proud of his eight grandsons who he adamantly believed would carry on his family tradition of strength, dedication, and passion; and

            Whereas, Vince was a very accomplished man who held a B.A. and M.A. from Wayne State University and had completed Ph.D. coursework. He also recently served as chairman of the Board of Ethics for the city of Dearborn and was a member of the Rouge Employee Credit Union and Michigan Democratic Party board of directors. Drawing on his multicultural background, Vince was a lifetime member of the NAACP, a member of the Italian American Labor Council, and past president of the Italian American Cultural Center; and

            Whereas, He was passionate about his community and was equally dedicated to his union. He was a member of the UAW International union staff, where he held several positions, including education director and assistant director of UAW Region 1A. He led UAW-Ford joint programs and served as coordinator of the automaker’s national quality programs; and

            Whereas, Vince was a mentor and friend to many. He will be fondly remembered for his convictions. He believed that helping people help themselves was far better than doing something for them. He could always be counted on for a "hand up" and was ready to carry anyone who couldn't walk for themselves; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the Senate, That Vincenzo James Bruno be posthumously honored for his service to the city of Dearborn, the county of Wayne, and the state of Michigan; and be it further             Resolved, That a copy of this resolution be transmitted to Mary Bruno as a symbol of our appreciation and admiration of Vince’s life.