Bruce Cotellis, an entrepreneur, pilot, and lifelong storyteller, passed away on October 19, 2026, in Bradenton, Florida, at the age of 76. He was endlessly curious, tireless in his work, and always ready with another story.
Born on December 10, 1949, in Islip, New York, he brought a distinctly practical kind of charm into the world, the sort that could fix a problem, size up a situation, and probably tell you exactly why your plan needed one more adjustment before it had a chance of succeeding. Bruce moved to Bradenton, Florida, as a child, where his parents bought a florist shop, Reasoner & Anson Florist, and he spent time there growing up.
Bruce was the kind of man who did not merely go through life. He worked it, studied it, improved it, and occasionally outwitted it. He built a career as an entrepreneur in the auto industry, where his mind for business and his hands-on ability made him a natural fit. He understood machines, momentum, and the value of getting things done right the first time, or at least well enough to keep moving forward with confidence. He was handy in the most useful sense of the word, which meant that if something needed attention, Bruce was already halfway to solving it before anyone else had finished explaining the problem.
He pursued his education with the same steady determination that guided the rest of his life. He attended MCC for his undergraduate studies and received his master's degree at USF. He spent his post-college years in the mental health field, working at places such as the local Happiness House. That background suited him well, because Bruce had both the practical instincts to handle the real world and the insight to understand people in it. He was smart, curious, and always learning, and he brought the same interest to people that he brought to machines. He was practical and direct, said what he thought, and never stopped asking questions or sharing what he had learned along the way.
Bruce loved to fly planes, often taking short international trips out of Florida, which is fitting for a man who preferred a little altitude in his life. He had a deep appreciation for cars, especially Ferraris, and he enjoyed travel, national parks, and the kind of road trips that remind a person the world is bigger than the daily calendar. Bruce also had a soft spot for animals of every kind, from his Rottweiler Bullmastiff, Rocky, whom he trained himself and loved dearly, to his grand-dog, Jake, a golden retriever who was a frequent overnight guest at Grandpa's house and was always welcome. He also personally cared for all the stray cats that appeared at his shop, which may have come with a few dozen scratches. Work was another of his passions, and when he was not at it, he was with his daughters and granddaughters, which was where his heart was happiest and most fully at home.
His daughters, Laurin Orr and Kelley Pickens-Cotellis, were among the great joys of his life. Bruce was a devoted father, and his love for them was steady, proud, and unmistakable. He was also a beloved grandfather to Addison and Caroline Orr, who brought him delight, laughter, and the kind of perspective only grandchildren can provide. He was preceded in death by his parents, Thelma and George Cotellis. He is survived by his brothers, George and Andy Cotellis, and his sister, Mary Anne MacDonald, as well as the family closest to his heart: his daughters and granddaughters, and Denise Witham, the mother of his daughters. Together they will carry forward his memory with love, affection, and gratitude. Family mattered deeply to Bruce, and he gave his love in the practical ways he understood best, through time, attention, support, and the kind of presence that could not be faked.
Those who knew Bruce will remember his quick mind and his seemingly endless supply of stories. He loved to talk and could speak about nearly anything, drawing on a lifetime of experiences, and he never ran short of another tale to share. He had a way of making ordinary moments feel a little more memorable, and of leaving people with something new to think about. He was the sort of man who could walk into a room, assess everything in about three seconds, and leave everyone a little smarter and a little more aware that he had probably already figured out the best route home.
Bruce's life was a full one, built on work, learning, family, travel, and the pleasure of doing things his own way. He leaves behind a legacy of determination, intelligence, and affection, along with many stories that will be retold for years to come. He was, in every sense that matters, one of a kind.
In lieu of flowers: Please donate to the Humane Society of Manatee County
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday November 14,2026 at 3PM at Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory, 43rd Street Chapel, 604 43rd Street, Bradenton, Florida, 34209.
Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory, 43rd Street Chapel, 604 43rd Street, Bradenton, Florida, is in charge of funeral arrangements.
