Denise M. Bruno

Denise M. Bruno, a pioneering businesswoman, beloved wife, devoted mother, and adoring grandmother, passed away on November 12, 2025, at the age of 65 after battling an aggressive form of cancer. The disease took her life in just six short weeks. She died peacefully, surrounded by her family, after returning home to Assonet, Massachusetts.
A trailblazer in the car business, Denise made history as the first female Toyota dealer in New England, the seventh female Toyota dealer in the nation, and the first female Hyundai dealer on the East Coast-remarkable achievements in what remains a male-dominated industry.
Denise proudly followed in the footsteps of her father, the legendary Jack Barboza, a local titan of the automotive industry. When he retired, he chose Denise-his eldest and only daughter-to lead Route 44 Toyota and Route 44 Hyundai (formerly Fall River Hyundai). He recognized her brilliance, strength, and charisma, and knew she possessed the rare ability to inspire and motivate others. Under her leadership, the dealerships flourished, but it was her warmth, care, and generosity that left the deepest impression. Denise often said that her greatest accomplishment in business was helping her employees achieve their dreams for themselves and their families.
She worked alongside her two brothers and her beloved husband, Timothy Bruno. The two were married for 42 years and together raised four beautiful daughters. Tim's devotion to Denise was evident to all who knew them. In her final weeks, he never left her side-sleeping just a few feet away from her in her hospital room at Brigham and Women's Hospital. Even while gravely ill, Denise befriended every nurse, leaving a lasting impression on each of them.
Denise is survived by her loving husband, Timothy; her daughters, Jackie Bruno, Erica Martin, Nicole Bruno, and Alexandra Bruno; her son-in-law, Ben Martin; and her cherished grandchildren, Jack and James Finley. Denise was devoted to her daughters, helping them pursue their greatest goals. Her two young grandchildren were her ultimate joy and the reason she fought so fiercely in her final weeks. From the time they were babies, she lovingly told them, "I love you more than life"-and she truly meant it.
Additionally, she is survived by her brother Robert Barboza and his wife, Lisa, and their son, her beloved nephew, Austin. She is also survived by her youngest brother, Michael Barboza, and his husband, Carlos Presiga. She was predeceased by her parents, Jack and Pat Barboza. While in the hospital, she buried her mother, Pat, just two months prior. Her family is comforted knowing they'll be reunited again.
Denise's lifelong beauty was far more than skin deep. She touched countless lives with her generosity, compassion, and magnetic spirit. Always the first to give back to those in need, she embodied strength and selflessness in all aspects of her life.
A public celebration of Denise's extraordinary life will be held on Monday, November 17, at St. Bernard's Church in Assonet, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m., followed by burial at Assonet Burial Grounds. A wake will be held the evening prior, Sunday, November 16, at the O'Keefe-Wade Funeral Home in Taunton, Massachusetts. Viewing hours are from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to The Burt Wood School of Performing Arts in memory of Denise Bruno. Over the course of her life, Denise sponsored hundreds of students so they could take part in the school's plays and classes. A lifelong believer in the arts, she saw firsthand how much the school enriched the lives of her own children and grandchildren, and she made it her mission to ensure others had that same opportunity. Checks can be made out in memory of Denise Bruno "The Burt Wood School" and mailed to 133 Center St., Middleborough, MA 02346 or Donors can also Venmo @TheAlleyTheatre