Bruno C. Terlizzi, 91, Army veteran

Bruno C. Terlizzi, 91, a retired Army lieutenant colonel who was known as the "go-to guy" for those who needed help in his South Philadelphia neighborhood, died Thursday, March 21, at a rehabilitation home in Moorestown.

"There wasn't anything that he didn't do for people, including paying some of their bills," longtime companion Antoinette Mullin of Edgewater Park said. "It was just the type of person he was. He just loved people."

He helped out Mullin's aunt, who lived a few doors away from him, until her death. He visited her daily, taking her food, Mullin said.

"He was gentle, kind-hearted, compassionate - all those beautiful words," Mullin said.

A graduate of South Philadelphia High School, Mr. Terlizzi, also known as Johnny or Terry to neighbors and friends, was a World War II and Korean War veteran who had attended Officer Candidate School. Mr. Terlizzi led an infantry platoon in combat in World War II, and in Korea was captain of a combat team. He was seriously wounded on July 18, 1953.

After 22 years in the Army, he retired in August 1962.

Mr. Terlizzi returned to Philadelphia, where he worked for Bernard C. Meltzer & Associates, a real estate company. He retired from there as vice president of marketing.

He was a member of the alumni executive board of South Philadelphia High School and the executive board of the Philadelphia Korean War Memorial. He was also a life member of American Legion Post 405, the Reserve Officers Association, and many other military organizations. Mr. Terlizzi also was a longtime member of St. Paul's Church, and he supported the National Shrine of St. Rita, to which he donated tens of thousands of dollars.

In addition to Mullin, with whom he had lived since 2009, he is survived by his son, Christophe P.; a daughter, Marie Dobbs; four grandchildren; and a niece.

A viewing will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. Monday, March 25, and from 9 to 10 a.m. Tuesday, March 26, with a eulogy at 10 a.m. Tuesday at the Terranova Funeral Home at Broad and Wharton Streets in Philadelphia. A Mass will follow at 11 a.m. at St. Paul's Church, 10th and Christian Streets, in Philadelphia.

Burial will be in S.S. Peter and Paul Cemetery in Springfield.

Donations in lieu of flowers can be made in his memory to St. Paul's Church, 808 S. Hutchinson St., Philadelphia 19147.