Bruce M. Brinkos

Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory

Obituaries | The Tube City Almanac | January 31, 2025

Bruce M. Brinkos, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away on January 30, 2025, at the age of 82. Born on June 6, 1942, in McKeesport, Pennsylvania, to John and Anna (Davis) Brinkos, Bruce lived a life defined by faith, hard work, dedication, and an unshakable loyalty to those whom he loved.

A standout athlete, Bruce earned a four-year scholarship for football at the University of Miami in Florida, where he earned All-American honors as a guard and linebacker. His dominance on the field began in high school, where he was also named an All-American. He played with grit, intelligence, and heart—traits that carried into every aspect of his life.

Bruce was a man who knew the value of an honest day’s work. He spent his career dedicated to his community, working as a teacher and assistant football coach in the McKeesport Area School District, as a Yard Master for the Union Railroad, and ultimately as a Foreman on the Pennsylvania Turnpike for 20 years. He was beloved by the men who worked with him—respected not just for his leadership but for the fairness, humor, and quiet strength he brought to the job every day.

Beyond his career, Bruce was deeply committed to public service. He served as a Board Member for the McKeesport Area School District for 16 years, striving to improve education and provide opportunities for local students. He was also active in local politics in Allegheny County for many years, believing in the power of civic engagement to make a difference in people’s lives. His faith was central to his life, and he was an active member of St. Angela Merici Roman Catholic Church, where he served as an usher and with his wife as an instructor for baptism and marriage preparation. His service to the Community and Church was a reflection of his deep gratitude for the opportunities he had been given and his desire to help others achieve their greatest potential.

Family was the cornerstone of Bruce’s life. He was predeceased by his cherished wife, Patricia, in 2022, and now joins her in peace. He is survived by his children, Myles (Michelle), Michael (George Hernley), and Amy (Andrew Nowalk) all of whom were the pride of his life. He was a devoted grandfather to Joshua Brinkos and Megan Angelucci (Robert); and Max, Jules, and Peter Nowalk. He adored his grandchildren and took great joy in their achievements, always their biggest fan and fiercest supporter. He is predeceased by his brother Conrad Brinkos and is survived by his brother Brian Brinkos and sister Karen (Brinkos) Fields.

Bruce Brinkos was a man of quiet strength, good humor and deep integrity. He was a model of decency and kindness. His legacy will live on through the lives he touched—his family, his colleagues, his many friends, his students and players with whom he shared his generous spirit.

Friends are welcome Sunday, February 2, 2025 from 4-6pm at the Gilbert Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc., 1638 Lincoln Way, White Oak, PA 15131. (412) 672-6322 Troy J. Gilbert, Director. Memorial Mass will take place Monday, February 3, 2025 at 10:00am at the Mary, Mother of God Parish – St. Angela Church with Father Adam Potter. Inurnment will follow at the McKeesport-Versailles Cemetery.

Bruce had a deep appreciation of God’s gift of nature, particularly animals. Therefore, in lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the White Oak Safe Haven Animal Sheler in Bruce’s memory. Condolences can be made at Gilbertfuneralhomeandcrematory.com

Originally published January 31, 2025.

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