Anthony F. Bruno, Jr. - Obituary

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Anthony "Tony" Francis Bruno, Jr., who quietly left this world on Friday, October 13, 2023 in his home. Tony was a devoted husband to Janice M. Mariani-Bruno, a reliable provider, and a faithful partner. He was a patient father who provided support, guidance, and friendship to his sons, Jeremy E. Bruno (Heather Ravenscroft, wife) and Andrew P. Bruno (Laura Knox, wife). He was a proud grandfather to Arthur (son of Jeremy and Heather) and Evelyn (daughter of Andrew and Laura). Born in 1943 to Anthony F. Bruno, Sr. and Virginia B. Callies, Tony was a lifelong resident of Maryland, growing up in Silver Spring alongside his siblings: Barbara (deceased), Lawrence, and James. He later lived in Woodland Beach and Annapolis, surrounded by the beauty of the Chesapeake Bay. Tony served his country with honor in the United States National Guard. During the turbulent times following the assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr. in 1968, Tony served in Washington, D.C., contributing to the efforts to maintain peace and order during the riots. For nearly half a century, Tony dedicated himself to his career as a CDL truck driver, specializing in short-haul freight delivery in and around Washington, D.C. He loved trucking and worked for several distinguished companies including Cowan, Halls and Preston. He retired from ABF in 2008. Outside of work, Tony had interests and passions that were narrowly focused but very deep. His love for music was evident through his extensive record collection, at one time numbering in the thousands. He cherished the work of Van Morrison, Yes, Led Zeppelin and Neil Young, using music as a backdrop for his daily life. While smoking his pipe in the cab of his truck, working in the yard on the weekend or sitting outside at his picnic table on long summer nights Tony’s CD player was never far from his side. Tony was an avid science fiction reader whose favorites included Isaac Asimov, Fritz Lieber, Robert E. Howard and Jack Vance. A lifelong baseball enthusiast, Tony was elated when he witnessed his favorite team, The Nationals (formerly the Senators), secure victory in the 2019 World Series. He even joined the welcome home celebration parade, celebrating their triumphant return from their winning away game against the Houston Astros. Tony loved being outside enjoying the scenery in the mountains of Western PA and on the beachfront and tributaries of the Chesapeake Bay, where as a young man he showcased his prowess as an expert water skier. He found solace in fishing and crabbing in Woodland Beach, though he was more inclined to indulge in hamburgers (with mustard and onions) than fish. In his community, Tony served as a Cub Scout Leader, guiding and mentoring the young scouts of his sons' troops. He also dedicated his time to prayer groups at St. Mary's Parish and spent Sundays bringing comfort and companionship to residents at Fairfield Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to Hospice of the Chesapeake, for the invaluable services they provided in the final months of his life. Tony will be remembered for his perseverance in the face of difficulty and his determination to be true to himself. Those who had the privilege of knowing him will forever treasure his dry sense of humor, a skill at which he excelled. Tony had a remarkable ability to keep a straight face, often leaving people wondering. The truth in his clever stories and jokes was always revealed in a sideways look and a smile, shortly followed by a “but seriously…”. He will be deeply missed. Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Saturday, October 28 at 9 a.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 109 Duke of Gloucester Street, Annapolis, MD. Interment will held on Thursday, November 2 at 10:45 a.m. at the Maryland Veterans Cemetery, 1122 Sunrise Beach Road, Crownsville. Online condolences and tributes may be made by using the memories tab on the left.