Anthony R. Bruno Jr. Jr.

Anthony R. Bruno, Jr., affectionately known as Tony, passed away peacefully on July 19, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Born on July 2, 1953, in Olean, NY, Tony lived a life marked by strength, service, and a deep love for family and community.

Tony was a devoted husband to his wife Gloria, with whom he shared a beautiful 50-year journey, marked by love and countless cherished memories. They married in November of 1978 and made Fonda their home. Together, they raised their children, Matthew (Jamie) of Waterville, NY, and Cara (Bob) of Fonda, NY, and were blessed with grandchildren Anna and Ava. He is also survived by siblings Joe (Marlene) and Lori (Bob), along with many beloved nieces, nephews, and extended family. He was predeceased by his son Nicholas, his parents Anthony and Margaret, and his brother Jim. Tony's Christian values, instilled at a young age, guided him throughout his life. He was a member of St. Bonaventure Church and served as an altar boy from 5th through 7th grade. He attended many churches throughout his life, actively serving in every church family that he's been a part of. In recent years has enjoyed attending St. John's Episcopal Church.

A graduate of Allegany Central School (1971) and Canton ATC (1978), Tony co-founded the Delta Kappa Sigma Fraternity and served as its president from 1977 to 1978. He remained an active member throughout his life. Tony went on to work for the NYS DOT for more than 20 years, retiring as a Civil Engineer 1 in 2005. He was active as a DOT consultant throughout 2019.

In the late 80's Tony joined the Town of Mohawk Fire Department. He carried out various positions between the fire department and the fire district. through his years of service. He was an active member for 36 years and during that time he was honored with the award "Firefighter of the Year" twice. The 80's were a big decade for Tony, as he also joined the Fonda Fultonville Lions Club. Throughout his time with the Lions he also carried out various positions, serving as president and vice president. Often times he could be found cleaning up roadside right-of-ways as a reflection of his pride in keeping his community clean and beautiful. He was nominated to receive the Community Service Award in 2011.

His dedication extended beyond those two groups to the Fonda Fultonville Community Foundation (joined 2021), the Evergreen Cemetery Board (joined 2009), the Town Planning Board (Chairman in 1993). In 2012, Tony ran for Town of Mohawk Council and began his service as a councilman, where he continuously fought for the best interest of the residents in the Town of Mohawk. He was active in most of these organizations up until the time of his passing.

Being so involved, Tony became a familiar face around town. When his kids were younger, he coached soccer, Little League and youth basketball, always encouraging kids with patience and enthusiasm. Whether playing softball with his beloved Mudhens softball team, hitting the volleyball court in the back yard at a famous Bruno volleyball party, or organizing a random yard game he made up with golf balls and cardboard boxes, Tony was the first to get things started. He had a special talent for turning any gathering into a good time. If there was fun to be had, you could count on him to be right in the middle of it, grinning from ear to ear.

Though a busy guy, Tony was never too busy for friends. He always had time to talk, share a laugh, and enjoy coffee or a beer depending on the time of day. He could often be found at Stewart's with his closest friends, sharing laughs, playfully teasing familiar faces as they walked in, and keeping up with everything happening around town. He loved all dogs, a good game of cards, and rarely turned down ice cream or a sweet treat. He had a special appreciation for a freshly mowed lawn, though never too short. Tony was also known for his strong opinions, especially about the things that drove him crazy, like roadside litter, bad plumbing, traffic jams, woodchucks, and potholes. He never held back, and that's part of what made him, him.

Tony didn't just serve; he brought joy to his community. He truly believed in doing the right thing, consistently and with a smile. Whether he was helping a neighbor, mentoring someone, or just making people laugh, Tony made his corner of the world better every day. We hope his story inspires you to serve selflessly, laugh often and use what you have to lift up others and get involved. Volunteer, fix something for someone, coach a kid, or just wave with that kind of contagious joy- do it in his honor and have fun while doing it.

The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to the nurses and staff at the Tesiero Cancer Center in the Rao Outpatient Pavilion. Over several years of care, they became like a second family to Tony, offering not just exceptional support, but warmth, kindness, and unwavering compassion. Their presence was a constant ray of sunshine on even the darkest days.

Calling hours will be held at the Town of Mohawk Fire Department in Fonda, NY on Friday, August 1, 2025, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m.

A Christian Mass will take place on Saturday, August 2, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at St. John's Episcopal Church, Johnstown, NY, with Mother Laurie Garramone and Pastor Tom Flander officiating.

Following the service, a graveside ceremony will be held at Evergreen Cemetery in Fonda, NY. A celebration of Tony's life will be held immediately afterward at VFW Post 942 in Fonda, NY.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Town of Mohawk Fire Department, the Fonda-Fultonville Lions Club or the Fonda Fultonville Community Foundation.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the A.G. Cole Funeral Home Inc., 215 E. Main Street, Johnstown, NY.

Condolences to the family may be made online by visiting our website at www.agcolefuneralhome.com