Joseph A. Bruno, Sr.

Joseph A. Bruno, Sr., age 98, passed away on December 22, 2025, in Sarasota, Florida. Born on May 24, 1927, in Belmont, Massachusetts, Joe lived a life defined by music, service, and deep devotion to his family.

He is survived by his brother Charles Bruno; daughter Debbi Bruno-Golding (Lance Golding); son Joseph Bruno Jr. (Christine Allen-Bruno); grandchildren Carly Golding; Johanna Golding (Thomas Felix); Michael Rudolph (Kim Rudolph); Brian Rudolph (Kyle Brooks); Melanie Rudolph (Domenico Grosso); and Nicholas Bruno (Ashley Bruno); great-grandchildren Lincoln Goodman; Carson Rudolph; Christopher Rudolph; and Cameron Rudolph. Beloved pets; Lionel the Cat, Olivia the Rescue Greyhound and the "Note A Bull's" Bulldog Grand-dogs.

Joe carried the Bruno family musical tradition which began in Boston in the 1920's, under his father, Orchestra leader, Tony Bruno.

He enlisted in the U.S. Navy at age 17 in February 1945, and eventually attended the Navy School of Music before serving aboard the USS Midway during World War II and later on the USS New Jersey during the Korean War. He received an honorable discharge in 1954 after being stationed at the Naval Air Station in Jacksonville, Florida. Joe returned to civilian life in Belmont and continued to nurture his passion for music and had his own success as a Trumpet player and band leader for Lester Lanin, Meyer Davis and Marshard music as the band leader at the Parker house hotel for several years.

Joe and his beloved wife Mildred "Millie" Fasciano-Bruno raised their family in Bedford, Massachusetts prior to relocating to Tampa, Florida in 1974. He performed throughout the area. In 1978, Joe took his trumpet to Las Vegas where he served as Musical Director for a revue-style production show that performed at The 20th Century Hotel and Casino, The Treasury, and Main Street Station. The show featured family members including his daughter Debbi Goldyn (vocalist and keyboardist) and son-in-law Lance Golding (Guitarist/bassist), marking a proud chapter in Joe's lifelong commitment to sharing music with those he loved.

After returning to Florida from Las Vegas, Joe was hired by the notable internationally acclaimed "Garden Avenue Seven" Dixieland jazz band led by clarinet Bob Draga and Vocalist Paulette Pepper. He was with them for 10 years performing internationally at jazz festivals. In 1999 he co-founded The Bruno Connection with his son Joseph Bruno Jr., contracting major musical events throughout the region. A gifted trumpet player and charismatic bandleader, Joe performed with numerous ensembles including his own "Dixieland Hot Dogs," as well as with the Jack Golly and Joe Stagi Orchestras, Suncoast Concert Band, Suncoast Jazz Ambassadors, Venice Concert Band, Manatee Concert Band, Good Time Groove Big Band, and for many years served as contractor and leader with the Jerry Jerome Orchestra.

He was a familiar and cherished presence at the Sarasota Senior Friendship Center, Cassariano Restaurant, and many other venues. His presence lit up every stage he graced. He proudly passed on the Bruno family musical legacy to future generations often times featuring grandson Nicholas Bruno from age seven in his Dixieland band and other ensembles—and collaborating closely with daughter-in-law Christine Allen-Bruno, a talented pianist and instructor, integral to the family's musical endeavors.

Joe's life was a symphony of dedication—to our country through his military service; to community through decades of public performances; and most profoundly to his family.

He is survived by his brother Charles Bruno; daughter Debbi Bruno-Golding (Lance Golding); son Joseph Bruno Jr. (Christine Allen-Bruno); grandchildren Carly Golding; Johanna Golding-Felix (Thomas Felix); Michael Rudolph (Kim Rudolph); Brian Rudolph (Kyle Brooks); Melanie Rudolph (Domenico Grosso); and Nicholas Bruno (Ashley Bruno); great-grandchildren Lincoln Goodman; Carson Rudolph; Christopher Rudolph; and Cameron Rudolph. Lionel the cat, Olivia the Rescue Greyhound, and the "Note A Bull's" *Grand-Bulldogs.

He was predeceased by his loving wife Millie ("Because of You"-their song); daughter Anne Marie Bruno-Davis; parents Anna and Tony Bruno; and brothers Rocky Bruno and Tony Bruno Jr.

Known affectionately for his "Papa-isms," Pop was a mentor whose wisdom came not only through words but through every note he played. His trumpet was his voice—resonant, expressive, unforgettable—and it spoke volumes about who he was: kind, patient, generous with his time and talents, always ready to listen or lend support.

A beloved patriarch of a remarkable multi-generational musical family whose influence stretched from the big band era into the digital age, Joe's legacy lives on through every chord struck by those he inspired. For more than 80 years he performed, taught, led bands large and small—and left behind not just melodies but memories that will echo for future generations.

A Funeral will be held at Incarnation Catholic Church
2929 Bee Ridge Road
Sarasota, Florida 34239
February 11th, 2026, at Noon (12:00)

INTERMENT WITH HONORS
Family and Friends are invited.
The National Cemetery
9810 State Road 72
Sarasota, Florida 34241
PLEASE PLAN TO ARRIVE AT 1:45PM
Committal Time 2:00 PM

A Musical Celebration of Life will take place on February 16th, 2026
6:00 PM at Michaels on East Ballroom
Midtown Plaza
1259 South Tamiami Trail
Sarasota, Florida 34239
*Please RSVP via Email to:
[email protected]

In lieu of flowers, the family is establishing a memorial scholarship fund in Joe Bruno Sr.'s name to support music lessons for aspiring young musicians. Details will be shared soon.
Also, Memorial donations would be greatly appreciated to support the efforts of Adoptable “Greyt”hounds of Florida, a 501(c)3 non-profit located in the greater Sarasota area,
Bix and Olivia were lucky dogs, finding "Fur--ever" homes with Dad, and helped to keep him active in his later years. https://www.paypal.com/donate?token=RbUD3z-OWleXbn4O-Q4BxJy5XUnj5bRFwgm7dz6T5OjRVFJnvfae94RIgePkHUjzQyeFc8g9_yATpVoN&locale.x=US

Please visit the Brunoconnection (Joe Bruno Bass) YouTube channel which can always be viewed at anytime, so that we can continue to shine the light on Joe's music legacy.
As those who knew him would say: "The Music Never Ends." He was a man of many songs, in any key. May his memory continue to bring comfort—and may his music be the soundtrack for our hearts and souls forever.