Joseph L. Bruno, 81, Altoona, died Saturday at home surrounded by his loving family.
He was born in Altoona, son of the late Patsy and Irene (Dandrea) Bruno. He married Frances Brasile on Oct. 16, 1954, at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church.
Surviving are his wife of nearly 58 years; two daughters: Nanette Grabill and husband, Donn, of Altoona and Renee and fiance, Fred Drexler, of Altoona; three grandchildren: Alesia Grabill and boyfriend, Kevin Yingling, of Altoona, Nicole (Grabill) Emigh and husband, Paul, of Tyrone and Barton Kitt of Altoona; five great-grandchildren: Gianna, Landen, Ashton, Mason and Kellan, whom Joe lovingly called "the little guy"; a sister, Marie Giordano and husband, Paul, of Paulsboro, N.J., and their sons, Domenic, Paul and Patrick; and many other nieces and nephews.
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Joseph L. Bruno
Joe was a 1948 graduate of Altoona High School and attended Penn State Ivyside Park Campus. He was a member of Howitzer Battery 104th Armored Cavalry in the Pennsylvania National Guard and was company commander of the U.S. Army Reserve units in Huntington and Lewistown. He retired as captain with more than 20 years of combined service and with decorations including the National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal and Armed Forces Reserve Medal with cluster. He was also a member of the Retired Officers Association.
Joe previously was employed at Good Chevrolet. After leaving Good, he became a purchasing agent for Puritan Sportswear and Lithcote, then retired from Altoona Office Equipment. He was a very active member of St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, where he served as senior usher and had worked bingo for many years. He also belonged to the Nittany Lion Club and was a life member of the Penn State Alumni Association and Bavarian Aid Society.
He was an avid Los Angeles Raiders and Penn State fan. For many years, Joe and his closest friends enjoyed tailgating at the Penn State games. He looked forward to football season and rarely missed a game, whether at the stadium or on TV.
After his retirement, Joe enjoyed spending time with his wife as well as going for walks, crossword puzzles and sitting on his back porch watching the hummingbirds and lightning storms. His greatest joy was spending time with his family, especially his grandkids. He also enjoyed his extended "furry" family: Zoey, Sammie and Koda.
Joe will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, July 11, 2012, at Santella Funeral Home, where a vigil for the deceased will be held. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Thursday, July 12, 2012, at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church. Committal will be at Calvary Cemetery with full military honors.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Heart Association or Central Pennsylvania Humane Society.
