Mark Thomas Bruno, beloved father, grandfather, restaurateur, sports enthusiast, and community advocate passed away peacefully on Friday, May 23, 2025.
Mark is survived by his children, Jeremy (Maria) Bruno, Katie (Bobby) Obmaces, and Matt (Alissa) Bruno; cherished grandfather of Wilson and Annie Obmaces, and Bear and Becca Bruno. Mark was the brother of George (Vicki Baily) Bruno, David Bruno, Mike (Kathy) Bruno, Mary (Jim) Werle, and the late Richards (Jan, who survives) Bruno. He was preceded in death by his parents, George Irving Bruno, Sr. and Elizabeth Ann Richards Bruno. Mark was also an uncle to many nieces and nephews that he was extremely proud of.
Born in 1951, Mark was raised in University City, MO and attended Christ the King Catholic School. He attended his beloved Augustinian Academy for high school, where he played baseball and football and made lifelong friends. Mark attended the University of Missouri-Rolla (UMR). During his time at UMR, he was a member of Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity and served on the St. Pat’s Board.
While in Rolla, he fell in love with the community. In 1979, he decided to open his first restaurant, Bruno’s Restaurant and Bar. That was the start of his lifelong career as a restaurateur. Over the next 30+ years, he remained a fixture in the restaurant industry, owning, operating, and working in various establishments from Rolla to St. Louis, MO. His restaurants were known, not only for great food, but for their welcoming atmosphere—places where friendships were formed, and memories were made. He was a respected mentor and boss to many in the industry. And his legendary St. Patrick’s Day celebrations became local traditions.
Mark had a deep love for the sports community. He co-founded the Rolla Knights Soccer Club to provide an opportunity for youth competitive soccer. The program remains in place today. He was instrumental in creating the Rolla Lions Club Park soccer fields. His restaurant also sponsored countless local softball teams. Mark served as the President for the high school and college athletic booster club, he also fed Rolla sports teams at Bruno’s before games. He was always there to support local causes and events.
Mark was an extremely hard worker and rarely left the restaurant, except to support his children. He attended all of their school and sporting events. You would find him on the sideline for every soccer game. Whether around the restaurant or cheering on his kids and grandkids, Mark always loved being around friends and family. He will be remembered for his kind heart, humor, and generosity.
The family wishes to thank everyone who showed such wonderful and compassionate care for Mark as he battled Parkinson’s and Lewy Body Dementia.
Services: Memorial Service Mass at Incarnate Word Catholic Church, Chesterfield on Saturday, May 31, 2025 at 11:00 am with visitation starting at 10:00 am. There will be a celebration of life immediately following the Mass at Wild Crush,13360 Clayton Rd. from 12:30 pm - 3:30 pm. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Louis Children's Hospital in honor of all they have done for his grandson Bear. As a service of the SCHRADER Funeral Home and Crematory, friends may sign the family’s on-line guestbook at Schrader.com.
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