Emma Pruzina, Melbourne Beach Resident, Dies at 92

Melbourne Beach mourns the loss of Emma Pruzina, who died Oct. 3, 2026, at age 92. Pruzina, born in Karvina, Czechoslovakia, became a U.S. citizen in 1969 after fleeing the Communist regime with her husband and children. She lived in Melbourne Beach for over two decades.

Born Sept. 25, 1934, to Marie and Otakar Foltyn, Pruzina grew up in Czechoslovakia. Her journey to the United States included stops in Manhattan, New York; King of Prussia, Pennsylvania; and Smithville, New Jersey, before she settled in Melbourne Beach.

Pruzina worked as a cashier throughout her life, including at the Hilton Hotel and the Holiday Inn in King of Prussia, and in casino restaurants in Atlantic City. She married for 65 years.

She is survived by her three children, Daniela, John and Richard, and their families, including grandchildren and great-grandchildren in the United States. She also leaves behind a brother, nieces and nephews in Karvina, Czech Republic.

A Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church on Monday, Oct. 12, 2026, at 11 a.m. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m.