Joseph Thomas "Tom" Bruno, Jr.

Tom, 81, of Naples, FL, passed away at home on July 15, 2025, from his long battle with Pulmonary Hypertension. Tom was born on March 7, 1944, the son of Joseph Thomas "Joe" Bruno Sr. and Doris Isselee Bruno. He was raised in Darien, CT, where he lived for 66 years until he moved full-time to Naples, FL. Tom is survived by his wife, Carolyn Park Bruno. Tom leaves behind his daughter, Corri Ann Bruno, and her family (Ken Kaergel and their children: Alex Schenck (fiancé Brenna Johnston), Troy Kaergel, and Brett Kaergel. Tom also leaves his son, Joseph Thomas "Tom" Bruno III and his family (Kris Bruno and their children: Christopher Gentile (fiancé Alyssa Slonaker), Alex Gentile (wife Sarah, sons Graham and Theo), Sean Gentile (wife Holly), Cassidy Matthews (husband Joe, daughters Penny and Laurel), and Eden Bruno (significant other Nick Perugini). Tom is also survived by his sister, Jeanne Ann Cathcart, and her family (Robert Cathcart and their children: Dan Cathcart, Jon Cathcart, and their families).

Tom graduated from Darien High School in 1962. Because of his love for flying, Tom went into the Air Force. Tom was given an Honorable Discharge due to a medical issue. He then began his long-time career in the meat industry. He started with his dad (Joe) at Armour Company in Stamford. He then became partners with Frank Tucci, and they owned Premier Markets in South Norwalk and in Westport. Tom loved diversity, and after leaving the stores, he spent many years working in Manhattan as Sales Manager for Tupman Thurlow - meat importers. He was fortunate that he was able to visit New Zealand, Australia, and Central and South America while working at Tupman. Tom was always hard working and decided to leave NYC and start his own companies in Darien: Ryan International, meat importers, and Premier Foods, meat distributors. For a period, Tom served on Darien's RTM. Tom was a member of the Meat Import Council of America. He also had an interest in the Black Goose Grille and went in with Rich Longo building homes in Darien.

Tom loved to travel - by land, sea, or air - it didn't matter. He loved taking his children on road trips to Maine and Florida, with the exception of hearing, "are we there yet?". Driving around the USA with his cousin Buddy Querro was a cherished trip and he always loved whatever travels he did with his longtime friend Tom Kelly . Tom got his pilot's license and loved flying his plane from Maine to Florida and the Bahamas. Growing up in a coastal town, boating was a favorite activity. In his early teens, Tom and his dad built a boat in their garage. That boat lasted a long time! His last boat was docked in Seattle, WA, and he really enjoyed bringing it through the Panama Canal to get it to the East Coast. Golf was also a favorite pastime.

Tom requested that there be no services. If you'd like to donate to your favorite charity in his honor, it would be greatly appreciated.