Photo courtesy of William J. Burke & Sons / Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes
Jan 27, 1951 - Aug 20, 2025
( memories are one gift of God that death can not destroy ) we will always remember Gene the candy man
Shirley & Edward , family Esposito
August 27, 2025 | Saratoga Springs, NY | Friend
I worked at Friar Tuck bookstore at the old Pyramid mall- I would make lots of trips to Jo Anns for milk chocolate chunk!! Also visited the new sore on occasion for just one chocolate covered Oreo.. Gene was a fixture in my young adulthood, learning of his passing brought back a lot of pleasant memories. Praying for his family
Kim Bonitatibus
August 27, 2025 | Saratoga Springs, NY | Acquaintance
Sorry for your loss. He was a great person and a very loving man. He was great with everyone.
Melinda Stewart
August 26, 2025 | Middle Grove, NY
I am so sad to hear this news. It caught me completely off guard. I never got to actually meet him in person but I sure did get to know him over the phone. We had a working relationship helping with Joann's Candy House. We came to know each other as 'my and your favorite client'. He loved his business and his family and was an absolute joy to talk with over the phone. See you in Heaven Gene :)
Barbi Malone
August 26, 2025 | Maryville, TN | Friend
I was so saddened to hear about Gene´s passing. He was a truly genuine person and loved his family and friends . He lit up a room with his personality and positive energy. RIP Gene , you were such a joy to know ! Carole Schiraldi
Car
August 25, 2025 | Work
My thoughts and prayers are with April and family. Gene will definitely be missed. He was a wonderful and caring man. Was a great pleasure to have known him.
Ronnie Yacur
August 25, 2025 | Other
It was truly heartbreaking to hear of Gene's passing. I have been a customer for many years and I will never forget his additional kindness when he heard of my sister's passing. He and I enjoyed trading stories of disco music, dancing and clubs (when the store had a lull). He was one of the kindest people I knew, with such a big heart. He will be sorely missed. To his family and loved ones: cherish your memories and know that we grieve with you. Gene was one of the best. Sincerely, Rita Debnam
Rita Debnam
August 25, 2025 | Other
I saw Gene on Sunday afternoon at Ali´s Send Off to College. He stopped over to wish His best and it meant so much to Ali and Her Family. I had only met Gene once as I was visiting my Grandchildren who continue to be neighbors if April. I was walking my dog with a few of my Grandchildren and We came upon Gene and Stanley. My Grandchildren told Me what a nice, funny man He was and how They lived Stanley. Gene was so sweet and cheerful, I could see how They were fond of Him. To have just...
Judy Cuccolo
August 24, 2025 | Other
Joe -
I was saddened to read of your father's passing. Please accept my deepest condolences. I hope that fond memories bring you comfort during this difficult time.
Catherine Provost
August 24, 2025 | Columbia, MD | Classmate
SARARTOGA SPRINGS, NY- Eugene Joseph Bruno (Gene), of Saratoga Springs, passed away on August 20th, 2025 after a sudden medical episode. He was surrounded by love from his three favorite people: April, Joseph, and Justina.
Gene was born on January 27th, 1951 to Joseph and Marie Bruno in Kingston, NY. Gene played basketball for Kingston High and loved spending time at his grandparent’s restaurant, The American Italian Restaurant. After graduating from Kingston High, he went on to study at St. Lawrence University and UAlbany, where he received his master’s degree in education.
Gene stayed in Albany, where he worked as a substitute teacher by day and wore his signature polyester bellbottoms and low cut shirt to work at a local nightclub called Hobos. It was then that his life truly began - when he met and charmed his soulmate April. They would have been married 45 years this November.
Gene and April moved to Saratoga to take on a small business and start a family. That business grew to become the heart and soul of their lives - Jo Ann’s Candy House, a “sweet” staple of the Saratoga community.
In 1983, they welcomed their son Joseph Eugene and later completed their family with their daughter, Justina Rose.
Together, The Bruno Family built a successful business and had a wonderful life in Saratoga - a community Gene loved and was proud to be a part of. When he wasn’t tending to his lawn, he was the best neighbor anyone could ask for. Always ready to lend a hand or share a smile. He had a genuine connection with everyone who walked through his doors and welcomed them like old friends.
Gene is survived by many people for whom he is simply irreplaceable; his wife April, his children Joseph and Justina; His aunts Rose (Nick) and Louise (Bob); His three brothers, Tony (Deborah), Louis (Gina) and Ronald. Several cousins, nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind his many “little people” whom he loved like grandchildren and who adored him as their “Gigi”; countless friends, neighbors and customers whose lives were made better by knowing him. And lastly, a very important little dog named Stanley.
Please join us for calling hours on Sunday, August 24th, from 1 to 4pm followed by a time for remembrances at William J. Burke & Sons/ Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Home, 628 N. Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Saratoga County Children’s Committee, P.O. Box 1254, Saratoga Springs, NY, which the family has supported for many years. And in Gene’s memory, please continue to support the family legacy at Jo Ann’s Candy House. A place filled with love, laughter and a sweetness Gene shared with all who knew him.
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