Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Mathew Bruno Obituary
Dec. 25, 1943-Sept. 19, 2011
Matt Bruno passed away surrounded by his family on September 19, 2011, in Modesto Ca.
Matt was born in Akron, Ohio, on December 25, 1943. In 1946 at the age of 3 he and his family moved to Ripon, California. Growing up in Ripon he farmed peaches, almonds, and grapes with his father Tony and his two brothers Joe and Ed. Matt graduated from Ripon High School in 1961. In 1966 he left the family farming operation, and bought La Loma liquors in Modesto.
Matt married Barbara Claypool in 1967, and together they owned and operated La Loma Liquors until they sold the business in 1972. Matt then purchased Turlock Appliance Center, and one year later purchased Miller Dairy Supply. In 1974 he merged the two companies to form Turlock Dairy & Refrigeration, Inc.. With Turlock Dairy & Refrigeration, Matt focused the business on dairy construction, dairy equipment, and dairy refrigeration. Matt loved all things agriculture and owned several other agriculture-related businesses through the years.
Throughout their forty four years of marriage, Matt and Barbara enjoyed traveling together and entertaining their many friends at their home. Matt loved tending his garden at home and sharing the bounty with anyone and everyone. He was very generous in every aspect of life; always ready to give to someone in need, whether they be in need of money, food, time, or a drink. "You can't walk on one leg!" is what Matt would say if you tried to leave after having only one glass of wine. He was the most gracious host and loved being surrounded by people. In fact, Matt's greatest joy was spending time with his family and friends, especially his three grandchildren.
Matt is preceeded in death by his parents Tony and Martha Bruno and his brother Joe Bruno. He is survived by his wife Barbara Bruno, his son Tony (Gretta) Bruno, his son Mathew (Natalie) Bruno, and his three grandchildren Francesca, Matteo, and Rocco.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to The Education Foundation of Stanislaus County, 1100 H Street, Modesto, Ca. 95354 or to The Memorial Hospital Foundation, 1316 Celeste Drive, Suite 104, Modesto, Ca. 95355.
A Rosary and Mass will be held on Monday September 26, 2011 at 9:30 am at St. Josephs Catholic Curch in Modesto, followed by a graveside service at St. Stanislaus Catholic Cemetery.
www.cvobituaries.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Mathew Bruno
Brittni Fruth
December 18, 2011
Dear The Bruno Family,
From our family to yours, we are thinking of you over this holiday season and each of you are in our daily prayers. We hope you can find some joy this holiday and know we are all here if you need anything.
With Love,
The Larson and Fruth Family
johnny luis
December 13, 2011
I did not Know Mr. Bruno Well but Well enough to know He was a Good Man. Some years back I was invited over to calculate square footage for some concrete work, Mr. Bruno was very Warm and Welcoming and even shared a peep of his Beautiful Car collection with me. I have met and done work for His son Tony and always felt welcome around them and was always treated fairly. Mr. Bruno will be missed and I feel Grateful and Honored to have had the chance to meet and talk with Him. Johnny Luis-Surface Creations
October 5, 2011
Barbara, Tony and Matt,
I was sadden to hear of Matt's passing this week. Fitting, I heard the news here at the World Dairy Expo in Madison, Wi. which is testimony to how well respected Matt was in the dairy industry. I enjoyed Matt' humor and hospitality as well as his ability as a successful businessman and a loving husband and father. Barbara, our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Terry and Teryl Mullen, Waunakee Wisconsin
Jack & Gloria Goodwin
September 30, 2011
Barbara, Tony and Matt and Family,
Gloria and I were so shocked of Matt's passing and want to send you our deepest Condolence. Matt was such a wonderful person and father. I'm sure he will be missed dearly. May God be with you and your family during this difficult time.
Sharon Gioletti
September 29, 2011
Dear Barbara,
The news of Matt's passing was stunning. He always exuded so much energy and ambition and with a smile to remember. I appreciated, so much, his support after Ron died with the sale of our dairy business. My best to you and the boys during this difficult time of loss and change.
Katherine Cozzi
September 26, 2011
Dearest Bruno Family,
Steve and I were so saddened to hear of Matt's passing. We were honored to work for him chopping the feed for ABS Dairy. Many memories of our coffee meetings in his office at TDR. He was a great business man and offered us much advice. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time. May God Bless You.
September 26, 2011
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in time of sorrow
Lenard & Margaret Marchy
Bobby & Brenda Orlando
September 26, 2011
We are so sorry for your loss and Matt's passing. He was a great guy with a heart of gold. Our prayers are with you all.
September 26, 2011
Matt will be greatly missed by the employees and his friends at Verona's.
Mike and Shamim Catrina
September 24, 2011
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Bill and Marilyn Woodard
September 24, 2011
Barbara, Tony, Matt and family... Our deepest sympathies to you. We will always remember the wonderful times we spent togther with your family. Matt was so giving and fun to be around. He was a gracious host, an excellent chef, and the world's best bartender. His warm personality made everyone around him feel welcome. He will be missed but never forgotten.
Bre Cartwright
September 24, 2011
The loss of such a great man will be felt for far too long but the wonderful memories will last forever. My deepest sympathies to you, Barbara, and the kids. He will be greatly missed by all he met & knew.
September 24, 2011
Barbara, Tony,Matt and family:
It weighs heavy on our hearts to here of Matts passing. He was always a pleasue to work with.
Leonard and Carol Ferreira Modesto, California
Gloria Bracco
September 23, 2011
To the Bruno Family....our deepest sympathy to all of you during your time of loss. Always hold the wonderful memories near and dear to your hearts. He will be dearly missed. Ed Rusca and Gloria Bracco
Sheriff Adam Christianson
September 23, 2011
On behalf of the men and women at the Stanislaus County Sheriff's Office our thoughts and prayers are with the Bruno Family. Matt was a huge supporter of the Sheriff's Office and public safety. He will truly be missed.
Brittni Larson Fruth
September 23, 2011
Dear Barbara, Tony, Matt, and family,
From our family to yours, we are deeply sorry for your loss. Matt was an amazing man and I know that because I've heard so many wonderful things about him from my dad, Dan Larson. It breaks my heart for your family and for my father having lost his best friend. So many memories of my dad being home and getting phone calls, laughing and just enjoying life...of course my family would say, it must be Matt :), and sure enough, it always was. They were two peas in a pod. I remember coming home many times to my dad firing up his motorcycle, getting ready to take a ride up to Matt and Barbara's for a nice time and a glass of wine. There are so many memories but most of all I am so thankful that Matt and my dad were able to share such a close friendship while they had the time together. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family and we pray that you find peace and comfort in the days to come.
Love,
Brittni Larson Fruth
Susan & Frank McClellan
September 23, 2011
Barbara, Tony and Matthew,
Susan and I will never forget our friendship and unparalleled business relationship. A New Orleans visit with you, Barbara, Matt, and those two wonderful sons sticks in our memory forever. Matt was one of the straightest shooters I have ever known. Family,Integrity, and friendship stand out in our memories. May family and friends sustain you all at this time. Words are not sufficient to describe the loss of an individual like Matt.
Ron & Sherril White
September 22, 2011
Mat(t) was a truly exceptional person...family man, self-made, a gentle man, mentor to so many and incredibly caring to his friends, family and new acquaintances too. We wish he could have lived to 100, he gave so very much to so many...living each day to the fullest and always giving. Chocolate milk for his grandchildren, sausage making for his friends, enduring love for dear Barbara, encouragement for Matt Jr. and Tony, their wives and the g-kids.
Thanks for the wonderful memories dear friend. Your physical absence when we visit Modesto from So. Cal. will always be deeply felt, as also with your family, faithful employees, lifelong friends Including so many in your extended families, especially our dear Hank and Caramia Pallotta.
September 22, 2011
Barbara & family. Matt was such a wonderful person. Everything about Matt was said so nicely in the Modesto Bee. He truly always made you feel welcomed and comfortable as you do Barbara. I will always remember the blind date the two of you set me up on - probably almost 23 years ago. (OK - so it didn't work out). Also the many conversations we had regarding Cal Trans and the last conversation just last month regarding a real estate broker. I feel so fortunate to have known Matt. My thoughts and prayers will continue to be with your family not only today but always. Barbara McCleskey
Karan Machado
September 22, 2011
Barbara,Tony,Matt and family,
We are very sorry to hear of Matt's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this very difficult time. May the memories each of you hold dear to your heart bring you peace!
Donald & Karan Machado
Betty Sluys Longo
September 22, 2011
I am so sorry to hear of of your loss. Although I did not know Matt, my father, Gary Sluys always spoke so highly of him. They would meet in the mornings before work for coffee with others. Even after retirement, Dad would meet with them. He and Matt were great friends. I hope you find comfort and peace in his memories. Prayers that the Lord will comfort you all.
Tammy Armes
September 22, 2011
Matt Bruno was one of the nicest and most generous men I have ever known. Matt had such a big personality and you just couldn’t help but to love him. I worked for Matt for almost ten years and he always made a point to tell everyone at TDR hello and ask about our day, weekend and our families. Matt always put a smile on my face and may I add he always smelled so good. Matt Sr. will be missed by everyone who knew him. My prayers go out to the Bruno family in this time of sorrow.
Tammy Armes
Casey Sluys
September 22, 2011
Barbara and family, our sincere condolences with Matt's passing. What a shock! As a teenage friend of Matt's we later renewed our friendship when Gary Sluys (my dad) and I ran a janitorial business in Modesto. Gary ALWAYS spoke highly of Matt and remained as one of the early morning coffee group even in retirement. We will miss him dearly. God bless the Bruno family.
September 22, 2011
We were so very sorry to hear of Matt's passing. The last time we saw Matt, while shopping, he couldn't wait to show us pictures of his beautiful grandchildren, he couldn't have been any prouder of them & his family. I shall always remember the great smile on his face. I too will always be thankful for the friendship & kindness he showed to my parents, Don & Carmen Mantarro over
the past 30 plus years. To Barbara & family, our thoughts &
prayers are with you always. Rest in peace Matt.
Judi & Gary Black
Fred Sherman
September 22, 2011
To Matts family, may the days ahead have as much peace and comfort as is possible. Some people make an impression in life and Matt was one of them. Please accept our condolences.
mashawn fitch
September 22, 2011
I am deeply sorry to hear of Matts passing!! I know you will find comfort in one another..He left many memories to look back on..It was such a pleasure to have met him....
Showing 1 - 26 of 26 results
Make a Donation
in Mathew Bruno's name
Memorial Events
for Mathew Bruno
How to support Mathew's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Mathew Bruno's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
