Frank Silvo Bruno

Frank Silvo Bruno, born September 5, 1924, to Francesca Giliberto and Giuseppe Bruno, died November 23, 2014, at home surrounded by his loving wife of sixty- two years, Marion Therese Bruno and his six sons, Joseph (Stephanie), Frank (Roxie), Stephen, Robert (Maryann), Thomas (Anna) and Christopher (Kerry). Frank was preceded in death by his parents, his three siblings, Marie (Leonard), Rita (Theodore), and Victor (Jeanne), his grandchildren Robby and Elizabeth, his niece Rita Louise, and his nephew Theodore Jr. In addition to his wife and sons, Frank is survived by his grandchildren Joseph Jr., Marian, Melanie Till (Adam), Suzanne, Blake, Chase; Stephen Jr.; Roy, Palmer, Christian; Isabella McGill (Eric), Thomas, Marie (Etai), Teresa, Sophia, Peter; Adrienne Hatcher (Chris), James (Mary); Frank Jr., Brigette; Christopher Jr., and Tess. He is also survived by his nephew, Leonard LaHitte Jr. (Carol). Frank is a graduate of Fortier High School. He spent his youth working alongside his father, Joseph Bruno, who was widely regarded as an expert cabinet maker. Frank continued his father's vocation as a hobby after his dad passed away in 1966. He continued to make English reproduction furniture throughout his life and taught his sons the value of hard work and fine craftsmanship. Frank enrolled at Tulane University in 1942, where he was president of the International Relations Club, and a member of the Oratorical Debating Council, the Glendy Burke Literary and Debating Society, and the Naval ROTC. During his first year at Tulane, he transferred from the Naval ROTC to the United States Navy as a Naval Aviation Cadet where he served from June 7, 1942 through May 4, 1946; he trained pilots from 1943-1946. After leaving the Navy, Frank resumed his studies at Tulane and went on to earn much acclaim for his debate skills. He was awarded the prestigious Carnot Medal and his team won the Grand National Men's Championship Debating Prize at the 1948 Grand Forensic Tournament. He graduated from Tulane in 1947 and remained a member the debate team while attending Tulane University School of Law. He received his juris doctorate degree in 1950. From his first days as a young lawyer, Frank's practice was focused on representing the working people and the poor. He appeared before the New Orleans City Council on numerous occasions to plea for more police protection in the ninth ward. He was quoted in the Times-Picayune: "This is one of the most troubled areas of our city and it is being ignored." His efforts brought this issue to the general populace and forced a change in the responsiveness of police to the needs of ninth ward residents. Frank was a pioneer in taking on cases most members of the bar refused to take. He represented individuals regardless of race, class or background, and was known as a fighter for the cause of justice. Frank was president of the Greater New Orleans Trial Lawyers Association; president of the Louisiana Trial Lawyers Association, 1968-1969; founder and president of the Louisiana Chapter of the National Italian American Bar Association; regional vice-president of the National Italian American Bar Association; and Grand Knight of The Edward Douglas White Council of the Knights of Columbus, and a member of the Fourth Degree. Frank practiced law with his sons from 1978 until 1989 when he retired. After retiring, however, he continued to work in the cabinet shop and developed numerous properties in the French Quarter. He was a member of St. Pius X Church. Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend the Funeral Mass on Saturday, November 29, 2014 at St. Pius X Church, 6666 Spanish Fort Boulevard at 12:00 Noon. Visitation will be from 9:00 AM to 12:00 Noon. Interment to follow in Metairie Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the charity of your choice. To sign and view the Family Guestbook, please visit www.schoenfh.com. The family would like to thank St. Joseph Hospice for their loving care.