Thomas F. Bruno, 82, a lifelong resident of Little Silver, passed away suddenly Aug. 3, 2023, with his loving wife Kris by his side. Tommy was born July 19, 1941, to parents Lucy and Thomas Bruno at Riverview Hospital. His birth was a complete surprise to his parents and older brothers Fred and Anthony when he arrived some time after his twin sister Antoinette.
He attended Markham Place School and Red Bank High School before receiving his associate degree from Brookdale Community College and attending Rutgers University.
Tom served six years in the New Jersey National Guard Reserves after training at Fort Dix. His ultimate desire was to become a Little Silver Police Officer and his dream was fulfilled when he was appointed as patrolman. He served 32 years, rising through the ranks to become chief of the department for eight years before retiring in 1995. He also served on the Little Silver Fire Department beginning in 1963, rising to the rank of chief in 1972. At the time of his death, he was an exempt member with over 50 years of service.
With a true calling and passion for helping others, Tom also served on the Little Silver First Aid Squad. His dedication to the betterment of his community was unwavering and inspiring. As the LSPD said, “His impact will be felt for generations to come.” He was a dedicated colleague, caring mentor, and good friend to many, bringing joy on and off duty.
In his spare time, he and Kris enjoyed cruises and loved traveling and spending time with friends and family on trips to Europe, Vermont the North Carolina mountains, and the shores of Hilton Head. Closer to home, “DaBrun” especially enjoyed the waves, shouts and horn honks from his friends and neighbors as they passed by while he was cutting the grass on his John Deere riding mower or sitting on his porch at the corner of Branch and Rumson. His porch visits from neighbor Kevin – part Dachshund, part Jack Russell terrier – were among his favorites and second only to watching his grandchildren Nina and Nicolas (his joys) at their sporting events and seeing them grow into incredible teenagers.
Tommy leaves behind his adoring wife Joanne Kristine Gates Bruno, loving sons Thomas (Inez) and Peter (Melody), cherished grandchildren Nina and Nicolas, and numerous loving in-laws, nephews, nieces, grand-nephews, grand-nieces and friends of a lifetime. To his LSPD brethren – End of Watch, the Shark is no longer in the tank.
Visitation was held Aug. 9 at Thompson Memorial Home, Red Bank. A funeral service was held Aug. 10 at Tower Hill Church, Red Bank. Interment followed at Fair View Cemetery in Middletown.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to a charity of your choice in Tom’s memory.
This article originally appeared in the August 17 – 23, 2023 print edition of The Two River Times.
