Bruno Ociepka, Jr.

Arden- Bruno Ociepka, Jr., 81, of Arden, died on Saturday, April 13, 2024 at Mission Hospital.

A native of Chicago, IL, he was a son of the late Bruno and Wanda Ociepka.

Bruno graduated from Loyola University with a Bachelor of Science in 1964 and his Master’s in Education in 1969. He taught English at Gordon Tech High School in Chicago for almost 10 years. He was instrumental in getting his cousin Bob Ociepka who was like a brother to Bruno, hired as an assistant coach with the Gorden Tech basketball team. Dick Versace hired Bob a few years later as his assistant coach in the NBA for the Indiana Pacers. That changed Bob’s life and career forever.

When Bruno was very young, his dad would take his family on car trips throughout the United States, Mexico and Canada. Bruno developed a love for travel that he wanted to share with his students, so he arranged group trips for his students to Spain, France, Italy Greece and nearly every country in Europe including cruises to the Caribbean. He also traveled to countries in South America, Central America and to Mexico.

In 1976, Bruno and Donna met as travel agents in Chicago and traveled together extensively for nearly 50 years. They moved to other parts of the United States such as Portland, OR, Naples, FL and then to a mountaintop condo in Swannanoa, NC. They later moved to Black Mountain, NC and opened an exclusive cat boarding facility, Cat’s Cradle. They sold the business to a cat loving family last year who have expanded and made it even more beautiful than ever.

Bruno is survived by his life partner of 48 years, Donna Chainas as well as many cousins on both sides of his family.

In lieu of flowers, Bruno’s family asks that you do what he would do- help someone in need by making a donation of your time or money, or by simply being a good friend and neighbor. Even a small act of kindness can make a positive impact on someone’s life.

Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian is assisting his family.