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Saratoga Springs, New York
Eugene Bruno Obituary
SARATOGA SPRINGS - Eugene "Gene" Joseph Bruno, of Saratoga Springs, passed away on August 20, 2025, after a sudden medical episode. He was surrounded by love from his three favorite people, April, Joseph, and Justina.
Gene was born on January 27, 1951, to Joseph and Marie Bruno in Kingston, N.Y. Gene played basketball for Kingston High and loved spending time at his grandparent's restaurant, The American Italian Restaurant.
After graduating from Kingston High, he went on to study at St. Lawrence University and UAlbany, where he received his master's degree in education.
Gene stayed in Albany, where he worked as a substitute teacher by day and wore his signature polyester bell-bottoms and low cut shirt to work at a local nightclub called Hobos. It was then that his life truly began - when he met and charmed his soulmate, April. They would have been married 45 years this November.
Gene and April moved to Saratoga to take on a small business and start a family. That business grew to become the heart and soul of their lives - Jo Ann's Candy House, a "sweet" staple of the Saratoga community.
In 1983, they welcomed their son, Joseph Eugene; and later completed their family with their daughter, Justina Rose.
Together, the Bruno family built a successful business and had a wonderful life in Saratoga - a community Gene loved and was proud to be a part of. When he wasn't tending to his lawn, he was the best neighbor anyone could ask for. Always ready to lend a hand or share a smile. He had a genuine connection with everyone who walked through his doors and welcomed them like old friends.
Gene is survived by many people for whom he is simply irreplaceable, his wife, April; his children, Joseph and Justina; his aunts, Rose (Nick) and Louise (Bob); his three brothers, Tony (Deborah), Louis (Gina) and Ronald; several cousins, nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind his many "little people" whom he loved like grandchildren and who adored him as their "Gigi;" countless friends, neighbors and customers whose lives were made better by knowing him. And lastly, a very important little dog named Stanley.
Please join us for calling hours on Sunday, August 24, 2025, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., followed by a time for remembrances at William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Home, 628 N. Broadway, Saratoga Springs, N.Y.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Saratoga County Children's Committee, P.O. Box 1254, Saratoga Springs, N.Y., which the family has supported for many years. And in Gene's memory, please continue to support the family legacy at Jo Ann's Candy House. A place filled with love, laughter and a sweetness Gene shared with all who knew him.
Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Eugene Bruno
Shirley & Edward , family Esposito
August 27, 2025
( memories are one gift of God that death can not destroy ) we will always remember Gene the candy man
Kim Bonitatibus
August 27, 2025
I worked at Friar Tuck bookstore at the old Pyramid mall- I would make lots of trips to Jo Anns for milk chocolate chunk!! Also visited the new sore on occasion for just one chocolate covered Oreo.. Gene was a fixture in my young adulthood, learning of his passing brought back a lot of pleasant memories. Praying for his family
Melinda Stewart
August 26, 2025
Sorry for your loss. He was a great person and a very loving man. He was great with everyone.
Barbi Malone
August 26, 2025
I am so sad to hear this news. It caught me completely off guard. I never got to actually meet him in person but I sure did get to know him over the phone. We had a working relationship helping with Joann's Candy House. We came to know each other as 'my and your favorite client'. He loved his business and his family and was an absolute joy to talk with over the phone. See you in Heaven Gene :)
Car
August 25, 2025
I was so saddened to hear about Gene´s passing. He was a truly genuine person and loved his family and friends . He lit up a room with his personality and positive energy. RIP Gene , you were such a joy to know !
Carole Schiraldi
Ronnie Yacur
August 25, 2025
My thoughts and prayers are with April and family. Gene will definitely be missed. He was a wonderful and caring man. Was a great pleasure to have known him.
Rita Debnam
August 25, 2025
It was truly heartbreaking to hear of Gene's passing. I have been a customer for many years and I will never forget his additional kindness when he heard of my sister's passing. He and I enjoyed trading stories of disco music, dancing and clubs (when the store had a lull). He was one of the kindest people I knew, with such a big heart. He will be sorely missed. To his family and loved ones: cherish your memories and know that we grieve with you. Gene was one of the best. Sincerely, Rita Debnam
Judy Cuccolo
August 24, 2025
I saw Gene on Sunday afternoon at Ali´s Send Off to College. He stopped over to wish His best and it meant so much to Ali and Her Family. I had only met Gene once as I was visiting my Grandchildren who continue to be neighbors if April. I was walking my dog with a few of my Grandchildren and We came upon Gene and Stanley. My Grandchildren told Me what a nice, funny man He was and how They lived Stanley. Gene was so sweet and cheerful, I could see how They were fond of Him. To have just seen Him on Sunday and learn of His sudden passing, I am so shocked. My daughter and so. In law were so saddened and so fond of Their wonderful neighbor and friend.
Please accept my sincerest condolences.
Judy Cuccolo
Catherine Provost
August 24, 2025
Joe -
I was saddened to read of your father's passing. Please accept my deepest condolences. I hope that fond memories bring you comfort during this difficult time.
Rich Johns
August 24, 2025
Karen and I are so sorry for your loss. We have known and enjoyed Gene over so many years. Always great going into the store, buying some goodies, but chatting was always the highlight. Our love go out to the family.
Jimmy Scalzo
August 24, 2025
It is with sorrow that I learned of Genes passing. I worked with Geno at Hobos in the 1970s.A hardworking,gentle giant of a man.A true gentleman. My sincere condolences to Genes family.And a prayer for a peaceful journry to everlasting life
tom Marino
August 24, 2025
I’m so so sorry Joe sending prayers to you and your family .
Louise Goldstein
August 24, 2025
Bruno Family, Your father was pure joy & lit up every room he entered. He will be sorely missed. So sorry, Joe. Louise, Andrew, Tom
Save the Victoria Pool Society
Dave Patterson
August 24, 2025
So sorry to learn of Gene's passing. My condolences to his family and friends. He was a very good man.
Ron and JoAnn Taylor
August 23, 2025
We feel such sincere sorrow and grief for the loss of your wonderful Husband, Father and our beloved friend Gene.
He was a genuine, smart, and kind man! He will always be remembered as such. We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of our dear neighbor and friend. He brought such joy, positivity, energy, and kindness to our neighborhood! Always making everyone feel welcome and at ease he was always up for a heartfelt conversation. Gene truly made a lasting impression on all of us.
His dog, Stanley, brought him so much joy and was a reminder of Gene’s gentle and caring nature.
He will be truly remembered as a special individual to all who had the pleasure of knowing him.
Our heartfelt condolences go
out to his dear wife April and their beloved children Joseph and Justina
God Bless your whole family!
With Love and Prayers
Ornick and Renee Linton
August 23, 2025
With our deepest sympathy and condolences with send love and prayers to April, Joseph and Justina. We love you and we will miss Gene so much!
August 23, 2025
Our sincere sympathies to the Bruno family. Gene was a kind man and so very appreciative of things done for him. We had several good “shop” talks! Bob,Donna and Brad Pikcilingis (Candy Kraft Candies) Guilderland
Donna Gilligan and family
August 23, 2025
My deepest sympathy April, Joey, Justina. So sad to hear this, we go back a long way. Always the kindest person to our family. All our love.
Denise Dupras- Lucaroni
August 23, 2025
April and family, I am so saddened by Genes passing. I've known you both since the shop opened in Northway mall. He truly was one of a kind with his warmth and smile feeling like you're one of his family. He will be sorely missed.
Linda & Ashley Crawford
August 23, 2025
My most sincere condolences to the entire Bruno family. Our first memories started at the mall & continued with frinds of the kids. My mother had a tradition of giving my daughter, her granddaughter, truffles for holidays & just because. Gene & the rest of the staff would take time with her to pick out her favorites. It was comforting to know that Momma could go in & be treated "special". Just like Gene did the first visit. There will be an empty space at your place but your hearts will always be filled with the wonderful memories he made with everyone he has met.
With our deepest sympathy,
Bonnie Haskell
August 23, 2025
My deepest sympathy and prayers to April, Joe, Justine and the entire family. Gene was the sweetest man I have ever meant. My late husband Al absolutely loved him. I remember going to the candy store with Al and he couldn't wait for me to meet him! Now he is with Al and they will both watch over all of us. I am so sorry for your loss.
Love, Bonnie Haskell
Don Wemple
August 23, 2025
I first met Gene and April in the late 80's.
Not quite sure the exact year....it was the 80's.
Hired by Scott Bobrow as a confectionary transporter (delivery guy),
Jo Ann's Candy House was a weekly joy to deliver to.
From April's brownies to Gene's discussions of The Knicks' and the mysteries
of ribbon candy...(Joe knows)...
Always fun.
Some people in this world make you smile when you see them.
Gene was one of those people.
Top of the list.
Brittany Denison
August 23, 2025
Gene was a very special person. When my son got his first hair cut he was so nervous, Gene told him to go visit the candy store after. This was Charley’s first time meeting Gene and he was instantly comfortable. He will never forget his first hair cut, Gene made sure it was memorable. I worked a few Valentine’s Days dipping strawberries. Watching Gene treat every person that stepped through that door like family was something I will never forget. Those Bruno kids got the best of the best. My deepest sympathies go out to all of his loved ones.
FLOYD LADD
August 22, 2025
I met Gene in 1994 when I opened up the Taco Bell Express in the Saratoga Mall. I enjoyed many hours of conversations with him and his family, and my boys were raised on the candy from the store in the mall. When the mall closed we lost touch but when he opened the new store I was overjoyed and whenever I went into the store, no matter how busy, he always came out to shake my hand and greet myself as well as both of my boys. I will always cherish his memory as well as his friendship.
Kayla Broadus
August 22, 2025
Mr. Bruno was one of the most sincere and warm hearted people I have ever met. My mom started visiting the store in 1996 and we were regulars ever since. Justina and Gene even helped me with favors for my wedding. He always remember every detail of whatever season of life I was in. He will be so missed and irreplaceable.
Cheryl Broadus
August 22, 2025
My sincere condolences to your family. The first time I went to the candy store was in 1996, I was pregnant with my daughter and living in Gloversville, I´d drive in just for the Bon Bon´s he was always kind and made my trip worth the drive ! We´ll miss him.
Trina Hamm
August 22, 2025
April my sincere sympathy to you and your family.The 3 of us worked in the old mall
Derek & Tanya G
August 22, 2025
My most sincere condolences to the entire Bruno family. I first met Gene as a very young man when the shop was in the Pyramid Mall. He welcomed us with a smile on every trip to the mall to visit the ship before a movie in the theater, school shopping, and every other occasion. The world has lost an amazing man that my entire family and I have cherished for decades. We visit the shop all the time and we have missed seeing him on our latest stop. Thankfully his smiling family has always been there to brighten our days, stuff our Christmas stockings and inviting nostalgia after such an amazingly long relationship. He never forgot a face, I'm not even sure how that's possible with the thousands of lives he has touched. He will surely be missed, thanks so much for the memories old friend.
Joan Lambert, Rininger
August 22, 2025
April, I'm so very sorry for ur loss! Lost contact, but thought of u both often. We did have a few good times. Brad & I & you & Gene. Respect to u & ur children & family.
Loving thoughts & memories!
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