Joseph James Bruni Sr.

Joe was born in Portland to the late Vincenzo and Gaetana (Villanucci) Bruni on March 19, 1924. He attended local schools and graduated from Portland High School in 1942. Joe then proudly served his country during WWII in the Army Air Corps in the 823 Bomber Squadron 38th Bomber Group in the Pacific Theater. Upon his return to the States Joe met and married the former Eleanor Grant and together they began a family of their own.

For several years Joe owned a television repair shop, “Colonial TV”. He also spent time as a machinist working for the Portland Co. and Nichols Portland. Joseph then spent his “retirement” years working as a bartender at Sully’s, the Elks, The American Legion and the Sportsman’s Grill. Joe was a member of the Elks, Eagles, V.F.W. and a 60 plus year member of the Harold T. Andrews Post 17 American Legion. Joe was also a lifetime communicant of St. Peter’s R.C. Church of Portland.

Joe loved to spend time with his family. He attended Mass on Saturday evenings at St Peter’s Church and enjoyed Sunday get-togethers and trips to the lake with his kids. He was a beloved brother, husband, father, Papa, Big Papa and friend to many of all ages.

Predeceasing Joe was his loving wife Eleanor, his son-in-law Frank Farwell and his four siblings, Antonio, Emillio, James and Mary.

Survivors include his sons, Joseph J. Bruni Jr. and his wife Mary of Kennebunk, David Bruni and his wife Theresa of Buxton; his daughters, Sally Farwell of Standish, Catherine Bruni of Portland, Margaret Bruni of Portland, Elizabeth Pelletier and her husband Nick of Gorham; 15 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren and one on the way. Also surviving are several nieces and nephews and his dear friends Joe and Danny Sullivan.

Family and friends are invited to visiting hours from 2 to 4 pm and 6 to 8 pm on Wednesday, October 22nd at the Jones, Rich & Hutchins Funeral Home, 199 Woodford St. Portland. A 10:00 AM Mass of Christian Burial for Joe will be celebrated at St. Peter’s R.C. Church, 72 Federal St. Portland on Thursday the 23rd. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery in South Portland.

For those that desire, memorial contributions may be made to the Maine Veterans Home, 290 US Rte. 1 Scarborough, ME 04074. To leave messages of condolence, or sign the online guestbook please visit www.jonesrichandhutchins.com.