Obituary information courtesy of the Butler Eagle.
It is with deep sadness that WGI shares the passing of Bruno D. Zuccala, whose life touched countless students, colleagues, and friends through his love of teaching. Bruno, 68, of Butler, Pa., passed away unexpectedly at his home on Thursday, August 21, 2025.
Born on July 19, 1957, in Butler, Pa., Bruno was the son of the late Bruno S. Zuccala and Jennie A. Chiavaro Zuccala. He lived a life defined by education, music, friendship, and service to others.
Bruno earned degrees from Slippery Rock University and Westminster College, beginning his teaching career at Butler Catholic School before joining the Moniteau and Seneca Valley School Districts, where he was honored as a nominee for Pennsylvania Teacher of the Year. Even in retirement, he returned to Butler Catholic as a substitute teacher, a testament to his lifelong dedication to young learners.
Bruno brought his extensive knowledge of the marching arts to WGI as an Equipment Judge and member of the Color Guard Task Force as a caption manager and assistant caption manager. Known for his professionalism, sharp eye for detail, and student-centered approach, he most recently shared his expertise with the Kiski Area High School and Slippery Rock University marching programs.
His lifelong commitment to the marching arts began at just nine years old when he joined the General Richard Butler Vagabonds Drum and Bugle Corps. His love for the marching arts only grew, and over the years, he performed, instructed, and led with multiple ensembles. Most notably, Bruno spent nearly three decades with The Cavaliers of Rosemont, Illinois, guiding the corps to numerous DCI World Championships. As an instructor, coordinator, caption head, and director, his leadership left a lasting mark on the organization and the drum corps activity at large, for which he was honored with induction to the Drum Corps International Hall of Fame (2017), the Pennsylvania Drum Corps Hall of Fame (2011), and the Pennsylvania Federation of Contest Judges Hall of Fame (2023).
Bruno will be remembered most for his kindness, humor, and joyful spirit. He touched so many lives as a loyal friend and devoted mentor, and his legacy lives on in the countless performers, educators, and colleagues he inspired. The WGI community, along with the wider world of drum corps and marching arts, mourns the loss of a true teacher, leader, and friend. Bruno’s memory will forever be carried in the music, laughter, and happiness he so freely shared.
Friends will be received in the Martin Funeral Home South Side in Butler, Pa., on Friday, Aug. 29, from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. on Saturday, August 30 at All Saints Parish, St. Michael the Archangel Roman Catholic Church. Entombment will take place in St. Michael’s Cemetery Mausoleum in Butler, Pa.
For those unable to attend, the funeral Mass on Saturday will be livestreamed at 10 a.m.
