The Bellarmine University and swimming communities are mourning the loss of John Francis Brucato, who passed away peacefully on June 24, 2025, at the age of 63 after a four-year battle with ALS.
A revered swim coach, mentor, father, and friend, Brucato leaves behind a remarkable legacy shaped by service, passion, and care.
Born in Covington, Kentucky, and raised in Fort Wright, Brucato was a proud graduate of Covington Catholic High School and Northern Kentucky University, where he earned a degree in psychology in 1985.
Throughout a 47-year coaching career, he became a cornerstone of collegiate swimming in Kentucky and Tennessee, producing a lineage of NCAA All-Americans, Olympic Trials qualifiers, and two Olympic athletes.
John Francis Brucato Built His Swimming Legacy From The Ground Up
In 2012, Brucato was hired to build Bellarmine University’s first NCAA men’s and women’s swimming teams.
What began as a small team of 12 athletes blossomed into a flourishing program of more than 40 student-athletes.
Under his leadership, seven swimmers earned All-American status, and he took the team from Division II to Division I.
Even after being diagnosed with ALS in 2021, Brucato continued coaching until 2023.
In June 2025, just weeks before his passing, Brucato was honored as the 180th inductee into the Bellarmine Athletics Hall of Fame.
Athletics Director Scott Wiegandt said,
“We were thrilled to honor John for establishing the Bellarmine swimming programs and for his loyal devotion to the Bellarmine community. His bigger-than-life personality and tireless commitment created a foundation that will endure for generations.”
Via bellarmine.edu
John Francis Was A Beloved Coach And Mentor
Known for his deep compassion and wisdom, Brucato’s coaching style extended beyond the pool.
He believed in cura personalis, a philosophy that earned him Bellarmine’s Cura Personalis Award in 2022.
He invested personally in the lives, goals, and futures of every swimmer he coached.
Current head coach Gord Veldman, who served under Brucato for eight seasons, said,
“John Brucato is a great friend, mentor, coach and man. His dedication created a powerful tradition, and his legacy will live on in every swimmer who walks through our doors.”
Via bellarmine.edu
Former All-American swimmer and now assistant coach Grace McCormick echoed the sentiment:
“To swim for and coach with John was an incredible honor. He cared about you not just as an athlete, but as a person. He is the model I base my coaching from—and I am so lucky to call him a role model and friend.”
Via bellarmine.edu
John Francis Brucato Was A Devoted Husband And Father
John is survived by his loving wife of 39 years, Jan Brucato, who was by his side through every step of his coaching career and health journey.
Together, they raised their daughter, Katie (Pat) Kelly, and cherished their grandchildren, Olivia and Brooks Kelly.
He is also survived by his brothers, Mike (Lori) Brucato and Tom (Cyndi) Brucato, and was preceded in death by his parents, Mike and Mary Ann Brucato.
His family shared,
“John had a rare gift for building lasting relationships. His kindness, sense of humor, and wisdom touched everyone he met. He was a beacon of strength and compassion.”
A funeral Mass and celebration of life will take place on Wednesday, July 2, at Holy Family Catholic Church in Louisville.
Instead of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Bellarmine University Swim Team Scholarship Fund, which supports student-athletes.
