Mario Bruni

Mario Bruni, aged 91, of Stamford, CT died on Wednesday, July 13, 2022 at Notre Dame Health and Rehabilitation Center in Norwalk, CT. Born in Ceccano, Italy on March 19, 1931, he was the son of the late Domenico and Maria Antonia (Pizzuti) Bruni. He was one of eight siblings, including Giuseppe (Peppino) and Rosato and the late Francesco, Vincenzo, Luigina, Lina and Antonio.

Mario was the loving husband of Pietrina and the dear father of Domenico Bruni, his constant companion, and Franca Bruni-Monavar, who was his main caretaker in his final years. He is also survived by their spouses Melissa Bruni and Hadi Monavar, as well as his two grandchildren Isabella and Nicolas Bruni, whom he loved very much.

As a young man in Italy, Mario worked as a carabiniere (Italian paramilitary police) for 23 years. He was highly regarded for his calm nature and received many accolades for his bravery. In 1973, Mario immigrated to the United States at the age of 43 and worked as a bricklayer and caulker throughout New York City and Westchester County until moving to Stamford, CT in 1981, where he and his family owned and operated the very popular Victor’s Delicatessen through 2001.

Mario will be remembered for being an avid reader of the Italian newspaper, for knowing all facts about Italian soccer, for being a dedicated supporter and fan of AC Milan and for his ability to fix any contraption (including the tomato machine used to make homemade sauce). He was a man of few words, had a wicked sense of humor, was absolutely fearless (driving way too fast well into his 80s) and was fiercely independent.

Mario loved his family above all and would always show up when needed. Whether it was picking up and driving around his grandchildren, opening his son’s restaurant Tavern on 7 every morning or showing up when times got tough - he was always there. His family will miss him greatly and will continue to honor his memory.

The family will be present to receive visitors and condolences on Tuesday from 4 to 8 p.m. at Leo P. Gallagher & Son Funeral Home, 2900 Summer St., Stamford, CT (203) 327-1313. A funeral mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, July 20, 2022 at Sacred Heart Church, 37 Schuyler Ave, Stamford, CT. He will be laid to rest at St. John & St. Mary’s Cemetery, 223 Richards Ave, Norwalk, CT.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.leopgallagherstamford.com for the Bruni family.