Vito "Tony" A. Bruno

Vito Anthony Bruno (“Tony” to everyone throughout his life but largely “Vito A. Bruno" and “Vito” for the last three weeks of his life as he encountered hospital and other official communications protocols) was the first born child/son of Frank and Lucretia Bruno. He was born on October 25, 1954, in Brunswick Hospital in Amityville; sadly, he passed away at the too-young age of 69 on February 2, 2024.

Tony was six when his sister, Rosemarie (Rose), was born and eight when his brother, Joseph (Joe, Chef Josef), completed the family. Given those six years before the family grew, Tony developed very strong early bonds with his mother and father- most significantly his mother- and he cherished and referenced that bond throughout his life. Both Rose and Joe celebrate Tony as an excellent brother from their first memory and maintained throughout the entirety of their lives. The six- and eight-year age gap enabled Tony to serve as a very strong influence as his siblings grew through their formative years and Tony embraced the “big brother” role enthusiastically.

Tony was gifted with excellent mechanical abilities in a variety of areas and this was first channeled into his love of working on cars. Amongst his cherished early vehicles were several VW Bugs before elevating his game to a Pontiac GTO (the teen “Goat” years). Both Joe and Rose were welcomed by Tony as he worked on his cars which blossomed into each also developing an interest in cars early in life; this interest led him to one of his first teen jobs in a local auto parts store. Tony started work as soon as legally allowed and maintained a dedication to being an industrious worker throughout his life. He held a variety of jobs, nearly all utilizing his superior mechanical abilities and he also co-owned a Lindenhurst fish market at one time. His last job was as a service manager at Dakota Security Systems, Inc., (acquired by Convergint Technologies in 2016) where Tony designed and installed bank security systems. He was highly valued by his customers with HSBC demanding that Tony work on their jobs; this resulted in Tony traveling to branches up and down the eastern seaboard. The Convergint culture was different from Dakota and Tony’s highly valued on-site problem solving solutions clashed with the altered protocols, making Tony’s decision to retire at a still productive age of 65 easier.

The family lived in Copiague for the entirety of their lives, only selling the family home once both Dad and then Mom passed into life eternal. Family was the guiding foundation and Tony formed close bonds with his nearby cousins. Tony had a number of cherished lifelong friends developed through the Copiague school years and gained others through his work years. The lasting friendships are a testament to Tony’s affable and caring nature mixed with a great sense of humor. Please know that Tony was so appreciative of these relationships and the love and concern shown to him.

Tony is survived by his daughter Gina and son, Tony, Jr. as well as granddaughter Aaliyah, and “son-in-law” Steve. Tony was long-ago divorced and, only as a result of the dedicated assistance of his parents, raised Gina and Tony in the family home as a single parent. Tony remained a dedicated father to Tony, Jr. as he was placed into Independent Group Home Living for those with severe disabilities. Tony is also survived by his beloved Chihuahua, Blacky, who was brought to him as a rescue by his dear friend Rose; Tony and Blacky were best buddies for the last several years.

Other immediate family survivors include his sister and brother and their families, sister-in-law Linda, brother-in-law Michael, nieces Kristin (Jimi) and Tara, and grandniece Gemma. Much of the extended family also survives Tony; Tony has spoken often over the years of so many cherished memories of all of these relationships and they provided great sustenance.

Family and friends will gather at the funeral home for visitation on Wednesday, February 7th from 4:00 - 8:00 p.m. The Funeral Mass will be offered on Thursday, February 8th at 9:45 a.m. at Our Lady of the Assumption R.C. Church in Copiague. Cremation is private.