Name: Visitation for William J. Bruno
Start: 2021-06-23T17:00:00.000Z
End: 2021-06-23T20:00:00.000Z
Location: CLOSED-Buckley Funeral Home - Asbury Park

William J. Bruno

Howell - William J. Bruno, 68, passed away Saturday, June 19th at Jersey Shore Medical Center. A lifelong resident of New Jersey, Bill graduated from Christian Brothers Academy and Glassboro State College (now Rowan University) before pursuing a master's degree in History at Trenton State College (The College of New Jersey) and another in Educational Administration at Georgian Court College.

Bill was a teacher, coach, and athletic administrator who touched the lives of so many students, athletes, teachers, coaches, officials and fellow administrators over the course of his magnificent career from 1976 to 2021.

He is survived by his wife, Dr. Jeannette Bruno, his sons Kyle & Eric Bruno, his stepsons Cole Cameron, CJ Cameron & his spouse Alicia & granddaughter, Brielle. His siblings Peter Bruno, James Bruno, Kathy Celli & Mary Pat Napolitano. He is predeceased by his mother Patricia and father Butch Bruno, the legendary head football coach at Asbury Park High School from 1946-65.

The family will receive relatives and friends on Wednesday, June 23rd from 1pm - 4 pm and 6-8pm at the Buckley Funeral Home, Asbury Park. A Funeral Mass will be offered on Thursday at Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Asbury Park at 10:30am.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Check or money order in honor of Bill Bruno. PO Box 7. Medora, N.D. 58645

For condolences and to view full obituary please visit www.buckleyfuneralhome.net

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Asbury Park Press from Jun. 21 to Jun. 22, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for William Bruno

Sponsored by CLOSED-Buckley Funeral Home - Asbury Park.

37 Entries

Carmine Magnotta

July 7, 2021

My condolences to the Bruno family. He was an amazing person, his enthusiasm, professionalism, love of sports and his loyalty to friends will always be cherished. Love you Billy.

George conti

July 3, 2021

William " BIlly" Bruno jr., a coach´s coach. His energy,enthusiasm,and work ethic made us all question our own comittment and ability. He showed coaches,all of us,how to get it done the right way. He made admirers out of everyone who worked with him and played for him. His personal life and professional life gave us all a template to strive for. I knew his father,the legendary Butch Bruno, and his mother Pat. They are proud of the man and coach they gave us. My regret is that I never got the chance to thank him. My thoughts and prayers are with Janette and family.

Saundra Gaston

June 30, 2021

Sorry for your loss, will miss him dearly, from coaching with him at Manalapan, working with him at Manalapan, and working with him on the State level at Princeton , Pinelands Relays, hosting districts at Manalapan, Shore Conference at Neptune , and many more events.My son Matthew the 3rd sends his regards too , he played football with his son at TRN. Blessed you all ,Love Saundra and Matthew Gaston and Family.

Kelly Grosse

June 28, 2021

My deepest condolences to Jeannette and the Bruno family. I had the good fortune to meet Bill during his time at Pinelands. It was always a pleasure to run into Bill at various track & field events. Bill was respected and admired as a teacher and coach. May he rest in peace.

Shannon Curtin

June 25, 2021

Bruno was a truly wonderful teacher, coach and person. He was passionate, driven, energetic, kind and funny. His presence will be missed for sure. He was one of those people who touched your heart and left an impact. He loved showing his history classes the movie "Glory" in which he was featured in as a Civil War reenactment extra. He was just too cool for school! I just adored him. The world lost a good man. My thoughts are with his family during this difficult time.

Kathy Woods, Middletown, NJ

June 24, 2021

Bill was a kind and always helpful man. My late husband, Walter Woods, Athletic Director for Middletown Township, would always turn to Bill for any advise or suggestions.
I am so sorry for your loss.
May Bill rest in peace.
Kathy Woods

Donna Cornell

June 24, 2021

So sorry for your loss,Bill was a great guy.

Carol Harrison

June 24, 2021

Bill was the kind of man that you could just sit and chat with. Always a smile and a kind word. You are missed by so many. Thank you my friend.

Ron DePasquale

June 24, 2021

Yes, Bill had a positive influence on many people and groups. One of those groups was sports officials, who never failed to be greeted by Bill in an appreciative and welcoming manner upon their arrival to one of his sporting events. And one of this officials was me. Thanks Bill, for everything you did for all of the people who make high school athletics a great experience.

Kathleen P. Bryant

June 24, 2021

Thinking about the Life of my Cousin Billy Bruno brings a Smile, knowing the Genuine Impact he had upon so many students - helping them achieve in the classroom and on athletic fields. That's the Mark of a True Champion. RIP Billy. May God Bless All the Bruno Family.

Max Pizarro

June 23, 2021

The state of New Jersey has lost a gifted native son who selflessly dedicated himself to the formation of young people. This was a man of boundless energy who ferociously and fearlessly imparted his winning attitude to make the brave braver and turn even withdrawn and scared children into indomitable state champions and ultimately into confident men and women. He did it all the while with a twinkle in his eye, and a sense of love and of deep caring. How he struck that balance between relentless warrior and kind father now abides only as one of those mysteries of a life gone back to God, leaving a powerful and wide-reaching legacy in our midst. The line at his wake today in his beloved Asbury Park stretched down the front steps of the Buckley Funeral Home and along the sidewalk, filled with faces touched by toughness and goodness. Coach Bruno, May God Bless you and your family: your beautiful wife and fine young sons, who resemble you and stand as a worthy testament to your spirit, along with all those countless lives empowered by your magnificent example. Well done, good and faithful servant. Thank you. St. John the Baptist De La Salle - pray for us. Live Jesus in our hearts, forever.

Barbara Parcinski

June 23, 2021

Clifford and Barbara Friedrich Parcinski(1968 Olympian) would like to send our condolences to Erik,Kyle and the family. It was with great pleasure to work for Bill at the Championship track meets. Thank you Bill for being so caring and special to all the people of your life. Gold medal for a golden heart.

William Schroeter

June 23, 2021

Bill and I ran outdoor track together for four years at CBA. He was inspirational to the rest of us even as a teen. He must be happy with how many young lives he touched in a positive way throughout his life and career. Men such as bill are what makes our nation great. Bill Schroeter

Jutta, Peter, Manny Kaymakcian

Planted Trees

Sean Duffy

June 23, 2021

Bill and I were teammates on a few CBA indoor and outdoor track teams back in the 1960s. Bill, however, was the one who more nearly resembled a track athlete. Strong, and explosive out of the blocks. Seeing him fight his way to the tape, generally with comfortable margin, you always felt he had held nothing back. Reading of his many personal and professional accomplishments, I am struck by how perfectly Bill's high school track career predicted the arc of his too- short journey through this life. The boy was father to the man.

Sincere sympathy and condolences to the Bruno family and Bill's many friends.

Sean Duffy
CBA '70

Stan Koba

June 23, 2021

Jeanette, Pete, and the rest of your family; please accept my deepest sympathy on the passing of Bill. You can be sure he is up above singing along with any "Who" song of his choosing...he was truly a great man and his legacy will live on.

Carl Accettola

June 23, 2021

I had the good fortune to work alongside William Bruno while serving the Freehold Regional High School District as Colts Neck Representative as a Board of Education member. He always would share stories about his life and family with me. He worked only to serve. May he rest in God’s peace. Carl Accettola Former President FRHSD

Alex Courtney

Planted Trees

Mike Mulqueen

June 22, 2021

Bill was a terrific man. He did so much for the youth of this state for his entire career. He has affected so many lives in a positive way. He will be greatly missed. God bless Bill and his family.

Catherine Essner

June 22, 2021

I worked as a 6th grade social studies teacher and Bill was my curriculum supervisor. It was wonderful to have him come into your classroom to observe a lesson. Bill was always positive and complimentary. Our meetings always ran late because we both loved the Civil War Era! What a wonderful history geek! We chatted about Gettysburg, trips to battlefields and reinactments. I am saddened by his passing and send my prayers.
Catherine Essner

LaRonda Briwn

June 22, 2021

RIP Mr. Bruno great guy and teacher who made History fun at APHS my condolences to the family may he rest in peace.

Joanie Sciarappa Clink

June 22, 2021

My deepest sympathy to all of the families . I am so very sorry to hear this news of Billy. So many fun memories of him . The Who always reminds me of him anyway. Please know, my thoughts and prayers are with all of you , at this difficult time.

Dennis D'Andrea

June 22, 2021

Other than family i probably go further back with Bill than anyone. I met Bill in the fall of 1971 at Glassboro State College(now known as Rowan University). I was a senior and Bill was a freshman. Freshman were not allowed to park on the campus in those days so I used to give Bill a ride to the campus. We became friends and talked all kinds of sports. Well I graduated the spring and that was the end of our friendship. Or was it? Fast forward to 1976. It is September 1st, the first day of practice for fall sports! I'm out on the football practice field and some dude comes running, like an antelope! He yells, "I'm coaching with you guys!!" I look at him and say," Where the hell do I know you from?" He says,"Are you Denny from Glassboro?" I said,"Are you Billy Bruno?" Well, as the saying goes, 'The rest is history.' Web shared many, many times together over the years. Billy was all over the map. I admired his work ethic. Everywhere he went to coach, no matter the sport, his teams were always championship ready. Finally we both concluded our 'Education Careers' In Brick Township! "What a long strange trip it's been!" Until we meet again, Mr. Bill, keep a seat ready for me. I love you brother! Denny 'D'

Nick Puleio

June 22, 2021

My deepest sympathies to the Bruno family. I had the good fortune of meeting and working with Bill when he became the AD in Brick, I was the BA. He was always very cordial and professional towards me and I enjoyed his humor. He will be sorely missed. May he rest in peace.

David Hoch

Planted Trees

Patti McGrath Homefield

June 22, 2021

To the entire Bruno Family,

My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.

Nancy Skopas

June 22, 2021

Dear Bruno Family,
I am so sorry to read about Billy's passing. I am sending my condolences on behalf of my husband Rand Skopas. I believe they graduated the same year from CBA. Rand had nothing but kind words and admiration for Billy and loved him dearly.
My prayers go out to the family.

Genevieve Bennett

June 22, 2021

Sending condolences and love from The Rifici Family.

Bob Woods

June 22, 2021

Please accept my condolences I was very sorry to hear about the passing of Bill he truly will be missed by all the people that he interfaced with

May Bill Rest In Peace And May Perpetual Light Shine Upon Him

Linda Runyon

June 22, 2021

I met Bill when I became the Athletic Secretary in Middletown in 2000. He was an inspiration and welcomed me (along with my boss, Walter Woods) and was a great mentor and friend. Loved working with him at scheduling meetings and enjoyed his contagious sense of humor. My deepest condolences to Jeanette & family. RIP my friend.

Kasey Sanders

June 22, 2021

You will be missed Coach Bruno- a wonderful example of a caring human being

Kim DeGraw-Cole

June 21, 2021

Jeannette and Family,
Sending you prayers, love and condolences as we mourn the loss of a great man, educator, administrator, and friend. May you carry his love and precious memories with you on life's journey. I will be routing for his Dolphins and anytime a song by the Who plays, we will know he is smiling upon us. Heartbreaking for all who had the good fortune of knowing Bill. With Deepest Sympathy and may God keep you in his care.

John DeGenito

June 21, 2021

Bill Bruno was an incredible teacher, coach, athletic administrator and mentor to so many. He represented the Shore Conference and the NJSIAA with class, dignity and integrity. His legacy will stand the test of time. His wife, kids, grandkids and the entire Bruno Family are in out thoughts and prayers.

Mike Gatley

June 21, 2021

I cannot say it enough what a consummate professional, and truly great person Bill was. I cannot even imagine the sadness of the family at this time. My sincere thoughts and condolences during this difficult time.

Kevin Conheeney

June 21, 2021

Bill ~ Stood as a GIANT Among His Peers to Represent the Many Student / Athletes of ALL Abilities in His Passion for the NJSIAA Sports Community. I ONLY Knew Him Thru my Track Coaching Experiences @ Point Pleasant Boro High School Over the Last Twenty ( 20 ) Years. He Listened Diplomatically to my Rants & Quietly Processed the
Facts to Try to Implement a Attainable Solution. His Quiet Calm Allowed Positive Changes to Happen within Our
Sport of Running to Create the Opportunity for ALL Student / Athletes to Reach Their Goals on a Highly Competitive Agenda. Ironically, the Fruits of New Jersey Track & Field are About to Blossom @ the Olympic Level
as Mr. Bruno Completes His Race on this Earth. I will Sincerely miss His Wisdom, Support & Guidance that He So Graciously Offered to me in my Tenure as Coach. I Know I was Influenced by Having Bill as a Sounding Board
Knowing He Had the Best Interest of Coaches & Athletes in Mind as He Fought the Good Fight. I Know His Passing is an Empty Space for His FAMILY, & I am Sincerely Sorry for Your Loss. In Addition, this Milestone is Also a Void in the State of New Jersey Track Community which will be Difficult to Fill. The Only Thing we can Hope for in This Life is to Make a Difference in Our Short Time on this Earth....

Mr. Bill Bruno Accomplished This Without Question !

Mary and Mitchell Newmark

June 20, 2021

Kyle and Eric,
We are so sorry. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Mary and Mitchell Newmark

Tara Bryant-Gray

June 20, 2021

Cousin Tara, her husband, Edward, and sons, Jack and William, extend the entire Bruno family our deepest sympathy on the untimely passing of Bill. He was a gladiator.

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