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Bruno Campisano Obituary
WILKES-BARRE — Bruno Campisano, 82, of Wilkes-Barre, passed away on Sunday, Feb. 18, 2024, surrounded by his loving family.
He was born in Filadelfia, Italy, a son of the late Vito and Giovanna Bilotta Campisano. Bruno attended G.A.R. Memorial High School. He was an Army veteran, and served in Germany, where he learned his skills to become a chef.
Prior to his retirement, Bruno was employed for 51 years, as the head chef at Genetti Hotel and Convention Center in Wilkes-Barre. He was a charter member of the Chefs Association of NEPA, and had the honor of being named Chef of the Year. In 2015, he was awarded the Culinary Lifetime Achievement Award by the American Culinary Federation of Professional Chefs of NEPA.
He enjoyed gardening, canning and watching the news. Most of all Bruno loved spending time with his family. Bruno was a member of St. Andrew Parish in Wilkes-Barre.
He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 51 years, Carmela DeCicco Campisano, in 2017. He was also preceded in death by his sister, Filomena Campisano; and by his brother, Pietro Campisano.
Bruno is survived by his sons: Vito Campisano and his wife Brenda, Palmyra; and Francesco Campisano and his wife Catherine, Round Rock, Texas; and by his grandchildren: Ella, Nicholas, Christopher, Sophia, Gianna, and AJ; brother, Francesco Campisano, Swoyersville; sisters: Filomena Aiello, Wilkes-Barre; Vittoria Rondinelli and her husband Bruno, Norwood, Mass.; Maryann Fannick and her husband Demetrius, Dallas; sister-in-law, Angela Koval and her husband Paul, Mountain Top; and by his nieces and nephews; and numerous family members in Italy.
Funeral service will be held on Saturday, Feb. 24, at 9:30 a.m. from the Nat & Gawlas Funeral Home, 89 Park Avenue, Wilkes-Barre, with a Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 10 a.m. in St. Andrew Parish, 316 Parrish Street, Wilkes-Barre. Entombment will be in St. Mary's Cemetery, Hanover Township. A visitation for family and friends will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 23, at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bruno's memory to the American Cancer Society.
Condolences may be sent by visiting Bruno's obituary www.ngjfuneral.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Bruno Campisano
George Smith
February 23, 2024
I worked with Bruno for 9 yrs in the banquet kitchen at Genetti's hotel back in the late 80's to about 1997. He was the best person you would ever want to meet. Great chef and a great human being. The world will not be the same without him in our presence. My sincere sympathy to the whole Campisano family!! Rest in peace Bruno
Jim Phillips
February 23, 2024
I had the distinct honor of working with Bruno for 5 years. Bruno was my first boss. I want you to know what an amazing person he was. He was a powerful force in the kitchen. He truly was a leader. He truly was a great Chef. Those of us who knew him and worked along side of him know that he was and will always be a driving force in our lives. He was a rock for me, stable under pressure, funny when I needed it but above all he was one of us. He taught me to be respectful. He taught me to listen. But above all he taught me to love what I did. Now after almost 45 years later I still love working in a kitchen. You taught me well Bruno. I would not be who I am today without his belief in and support of me. He encouraged me. He trusted me and for that I will be forever grateful. He was a great man. He was a great Chef....Bruno ..."I will be forever in your debt for the gifts you have given me, Thank you Chef."
Jim Phillips
AJ Kovalchik
February 21, 2024
Sincere condolences to your beloved father. I will always cherish the decades of memories I have of your Dad (and Mom) while growing up on Anthracite St. in the 70´s & 80´s. There wasn´t a time I walked past your Dad´s beautiful garden (as I always cut through all the yards) that he didn´t hand me a bag of vegetables. God Bless him and may he rest in peace
Gary Griffin
February 21, 2024
Campisano Family:
I worked with Bruno as a teenager and young man at Genetti's in the 1980's.
He was my boss and he balanced his responsibilities as chef, boss, father, husband and mentor flawlessly despite the great amount of pressure he was under on a daily basis. I would see his sons Vito & Frankie daily in dry storage as they did their homework. I ran into Bruno a few years ago on 'the square'. When I asked him about his sons he immediately perked up as even a blind man could see the immense pride that filled inside of him as he related their successes to me. Clearly he was thrilled to relate their achievements to me. Vito & Frank: Your Dad is looking down upon you both now, St. Peter at his side, as he again tells of his pride in you both.
Gary Griffin
Jerry Flora
February 21, 2024
Bruno, coming from Italy and speaking very little English, set the standard for all immigrants coming to our community. I spent time with Bruno to learn English. He was a first class, humble gentleman with a winning personality, second to none.
He was the Best Chef in the area, as Gus Genetti quickly hired him , as his Head Chef for 50 years.
RIP my friend.
Jerry Flora, Lauderhill, FL
Cindy Collura
February 21, 2024
I remember Chef Bruno as a teenager when I was a coat check girl at Genetti´s. We were always afraid to go into the kitchen because it was always so hectic but Bruno was always kind when others would yell at us to "get out"! lol
RIP Chef Bruno, heaven will be eating well!
Emma Jean & Blaise Alan Dente - Ft. Myers, FL
February 21, 2024
To the Campisano Family....We extend our deepest sympathies on the loss of our beloved friend and colleague Bruno. He was always a warm and kind individual. We share so many fond memories with him for many years in our local chefs association. Our Biagio will be welcoming him in heaven. - The Dente Family (Dente's Catering)
A true feind that worked with Bruno for years
February 21, 2024
Aww Bruno you were a loving freind..Ill.miss you forever.
I'm so very sorry to his family..God speed..big hugs always..rip peace
Michael Khalife
February 21, 2024
I am very sorry for your loss.
Michael Khalife
Henry and Betty Harrison
February 20, 2024
It is with great sadness that this world has lost such a precious man. We grieve with our children Catherine and Frank and our grandchildren, Sophia, Gianna, and AJ. Bruno will be greatly missed.
Robert J. Miklas, AT2AC, USN, 1963-1967.
February 20, 2024
You have made your final march down the lonely dusty trail. You are now relieved from your post. A job well done fellow veteran. America thanks you for your service to our country in the defense of freedom and democracy. The final battle is now over and peace has been restored. The final bugle has sounded and taps is about to sound ending a successful career as a nation´s defender. Farewell fellow veteran. A Navy Vietnam Veteran.
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Memorial Events
for Bruno Campisano
Feb
23
Visitation
5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Nat-Gawlas-Jordan Funeral Home - East89 Park Ave, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702
Feb
24
Funeral services provided by:
Nat-Gawlas-Jordan Funeral Home - East89 Park Ave, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702
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