John Bruno
John Anthony Bruno, 81, of Shelter Harbor, RI, died peacefully on Friday, April 22, 2022 at his home surrounded by the love of his family. He was the beloved husband of Dorothy (Miniter) Bruno.
Born in New Haven, CT on November 20, 1940 he was the son of the late Anthony and Vivian (Pesce) Bruno.
John had a love for music and graduated from the Hartt College of Music with a degree in Music Education in 1962. He later received his M.A. from the University of Hartford in 1968 and The Administration degree from UConn.
In 1962 he began his teaching career in the rural communities of Connecticut and went on to develop the instrumental music program in East Granby, CT, a position he held for 39 years. Upon his retirement he took a part-time elementary music position for 2 years in Groton, CT and stayed for nine.
He had a love for the ocean and passed that on to his sons. He also took an active role in his children's sports as a Little League Coach and hockey scheduler as well as being a lifetime lover of the New York Yankees and UConn women's sports.
Upon moving to Rhode Island John joined the Westerly Town Band as Trombonist and assistant Conductor and he was also the Shelter Harbor Harbormaster for many years.
Besides his loving and devoted wife of 60 years, he will be sadly missed by his children, Peter J. Bruno, Michael J. Bruno and Mikhayla A. Bruno.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday May 7, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Pius X. Church, 44 Elm St., Westerly, RI.
Calling hours are respectfully omitted.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in John's name to The Shelter Harbor Conservation Society (SHCS), B, Leadbetter Treasurer, 16 Handel Rd., Westerly, RI 02891 or Westerly Band, PO Box 614, Westerly, RI 02891
For online condolences, please visit www.buckler-johnston.com

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

Published by The New Haven Register on May 3, 2022.

Memories and Condolences
for John Bruno

Sponsored by NHRegister.com.

23 Entries

Robert Shangraw

January 11, 2023

I just learned of John Bruno's passing. My memories of Mr. Bruno extend to the East Granby West (now R. Dudley Seymour) School. In his attempt to start the high school band program, John engaged a bunch of kids from elementary school to prime us for the future (farm team?). Taught me saxophone as was a wonderful teacher. I still remember traveling to the new high school during that time in his beat up Volvo, and watching the pavement through the floorboards. That trip to Attleboro MA, and the bands contest out at UConn on the football field, all during junior high. So exciting! He made music fun! His family ( and we) were lucky to have had him, and they have right to be proud. My condolences to his family too, as grieving takes a long time.

Bob Soule (E.G.H.S 1974)

June 26, 2022

I just learned of Mr. B's passing and wish to extend my sincerest condolences to Mrs. B and his family.
He was part of my E.G. education experience beginning in 1962 at the then Center School (now Allgrove) where he would wheel his cart into our classroom with the song books and his accordian. He would sit in front of our class, playing his accordion while leading us all in making a joyful noise. His investment in my life through my time in the E.G. school system is full of good memories. And those memories include Mr. B.
Thank you for sharing him with all of us in whom he invested his time, talent and treasure.

Michael Saylor email. [email protected]

June 1, 2022

My soul has been bruised hearing about the passing of John Bruno. As a young Afro-American in 1968, it was John Bruno who first welcomed and embraced me when I became a member of the East Granby High School band that year. During my senior year at EGHS Mr. Bruno was instrumental in securing a scholarship for me to Hartt College of Music where I was thrust in the first jazz class headed by Prof. Jackie Maclean. From then until now, John Bruno continues to be my first mentor and inspiring example of humility. To his wife Dorothy and children, Peter, Michael and Mikaylah Iet me extend my deepest sympathy and I trust that all of you will be at peace with the transition of your husband/father and my friend John Bruno, the Maestro.

Michael Psutka

May 21, 2022

Deepest condolences to the whole Bruno family and condolences to my fellow students who where blessed to have John Bruno as an instructor.

So, at the beginning of my senior year at E.G. High, fall of 1977, Mr. Bruno asked me what I wanted to do for college. I replied that I wanted to go to music school. He told me straight away, " You're not good enough of a player to get into music school". He then said, " You should go to the Hartt School of Music Community Division and sign up for private lessons (which I hadn't taken since 6th grade when I was 12 years old)". I took his advice and studied with Prof. James Hill for a year. This allowed me to get on the waiting list for Hartt as an undergraduate. Some kid better than me decided to go to a different school, so I got into the Hartt School of Music. My senior year at Hartt I studied saxophone exclusively with Prof. Jackie McLean. I'm a mediocre sax player at best, but I've been a weekend warrior for pretty much all of my life and I continue to love playing music. Thank You for teaching me music and about life John Bruno! May You Rest in Peace.

Cathy "Lauer" Wynne

May 11, 2022

I am so very sorry to hear this news. John changed my life at a critical time in my early HS years. I come from a musical family, but his influence and belief in me at a time when my life was going sideways, he instilled confidence and the "fun" of music I never felt playing the flute. As a rising freshman, John encouraged me to pick up the barry sax ( boy do I wish I had one now!!) and music changed for me, forever.

I wish I had the opportunity to be in HIS audience to hear him play.

I´m going through some tough times medically right now, and I can picture his smile and his encouragement.

I am so sorry for your families loss. I will carry John in my heart forever.

Cathy Wynne

Erika Cook

May 10, 2022

Mr. Bruno loved us, his students!! He was 1 of the best! Even tho it´s been years, the memories of band and his passion for music was incredible. Mr. Bruno, you will be missed... RIP.

Bob Duff

May 6, 2022

John was a wonderful person. He cared very much for everyone around him. Every spring he would ring our doorbell and present us with half a dozen tomato plants. I will miss putting those plants in the ground. John you will be greatly missed but not forgotten.

Tricia Hickey

May 6, 2022

I am so sorry for your loss, I will always remember his infectious smile/laughter and pure passion for music and teaching. I am so grateful to have had the privilege to learn from Mr Bruno. He cultivated a love of music in me that has enriched my life.
My deepest sympathy,
Tricia Hickey

Muriel Winzer

May 6, 2022

My most sincere condolances on your loss. John provided my sons with one of the best learning experiences available in the East Granby schools. Still remember well all those trips with the bands.

Maureen

May 6, 2022

Dearest Dorothy and family, John was and will always be East Granby's Music Man! He touched the lives of so many and gave them hope, inspiration, and appreciation for music. I shall miss him more than my words can express. Partings are such sweet sorrows-until we meet again my forever friend.

Dave Smith

May 6, 2022

In your life, hopefully there are a handful of teachers who you clicked with and made a difference in your life. I know John was one of those people for me. Godspeed.

Mary Ann Pacocha

May 5, 2022

My prayers for John and his family. John and my Frank were friends from teaching music in the CT suburbs. Frank passed this past July so I feel your pain. Remember all the good things you have done together and again my payers for all.
Mary Ann Pacocha
Texas

Karen Fiorito Berry

May 5, 2022

I wasn´t the best trombone student (5 very long years), but Mr. Bruno never made me feel inferior. He was a truly dedicated educator. Condolences to his family.

Janet Frechette

May 4, 2022

I remember him and I'm pretty sure he remembered me all these years later. I was the third year clarinet player that didn't know how many beats in a quarter note. Mr. Bruno asked if I knew who was buried in Grant's Tomb, Didn't know that either, but knew it was time to join the chess club! :) I will forever remember you Mr. Bruno. Thanks for being one of my best EGHS memories! Rest in peace and sending prayers to your family...

Paula Diesel Farina

May 4, 2022

My very best and happiest memories of high school involve the band and Mr. Bruno. He was so good to all of us, and had such excitement about all we did. He made us all feel so accomplished, and taught us the joy of having 50 different people come together and make one beautiful sound. I also remember when he wrote the school song, and how excited he was about it when we played it. Mr. Bruno inspired me so much that I went on to become a Music teacher and composer myself. I'm sure many of his former students are deeply saddened by this news. Thoughts and prayers to the Bruno family. Rest in peace, Mr. Bruno. Thank you for sharing your life with us so well.

Steve Oliveri

May 4, 2022

Dear Peter and Family,
Paula and I send our thoughts and prayers and hope the beautiful memories you made with your dad will help comfort you during this time.

Max G

May 4, 2022

I had Mr. Bruno for 4th and 5th grade band in EG, just before he retired. He was a great teacher and a great guy. As a 4th grader you take these things for granted, but it takes incredible dedication, patience, and skill to teach music to a class of young kids. I´m still an avid music fan and musician today. Thank you Mr. Bruno

Dustin Kuhlman

May 4, 2022

I have so many great memories of Mr. Bruno. EGHS band trips, fruit sales, and concerts. He was patient, caring, and an overall class act. He loved teaching music & I learned a ton from him. I´ll be forever grateful for the experiences he created for me and all of his students. My condolences to Mr. Bruno´s family; he will be greatly missed.

Max G

May 4, 2022

I had Mr. Bruno in 4th and 5th grade band in EG, just before he retired. He was a great teacher. As a 4th grader you take these things for granted, but it takes incredible dedication, patience, and skill to teach music to a group of young kids. I´m still an avid music fan and musician to this day. Thank you Mr. Bruno.

Erica Keough

May 4, 2022

Mr. Bruno was such a fantastic band teacher and taught me how to play the Trombone. His love for music always inspired me. May he rest in peace. Thank you, Mr. Bruno for sharing your love of music with the students of East Granby <3 You will be missed.

Steve and Lois Matson

May 4, 2022

A great mentor, caring educator, colleague, fishing buddy and friend.

You are missed

Elaine and Mike Sponzo

May 4, 2022

John will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with all. Dwell on the many great memories he has shared with you.

Paxton berardy

May 3, 2022

Great guy great educator class act

Showing 1 - 23 of 23 results