Anthony J. “AJ” “Tony” Bruno, Jr.
Anthony J. “AJ” “Tony” Bruno, Jr., age ??, of Wilmington, DE, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 26, 2024.
Born in West Chester, PA on August 12, (Age to him was always a big secret. He is famous for saying, “you’re only as old as the ‘person’ you feel”). This was his best one liner. We want to honor his sense of humor, so we are going to keep this secret going… he was a son of the late Anthony J. and Phyllis (Block) Bruno, Sr. AJ/Tony had an exciting childhood and later enlisted in the United States Navy, serving on the USS Oriskany as a Radio Operator RM3 (Dec. 1960-1964). After his adventures in the Navy, he graduated from West Chester University and started his career in Delaware teaching everyone’s favorite subject: Driver’s Ed.
After he retired, AJ/Tony enjoyed traveling the world, scuba diving, and learning how to fly a plane. He spent many years as a snowbird in Bradenton, FL and enjoyed spending time with his poker buddies and being with his family. AJ/Tony was always the life of the party. He was a jokester and always had a quick wit which was funny and sometimes NOT. He wanted everyone around him to be happy and enjoy life to the fullest.
AJ/Tony is survived by his daughters, Kellyann, Shannon and Ashleigh Marlar; grandchildren, Kailyn Bruno, Hailey Rissolo and Brody Caldwell; brother, Phil Bruno; and his extended family in Massachusetts and Connecticut.
AJ/Tony’s final wish was to be buried at sea by the Department of Defense, Navy. A memorial plaque will be placed in Quantico, VA. All services will be held privately.
In lieu of flowers and cards, AJ/Tony would want you to love your family, be happy and enjoy life to the fullest.
Sheryl Palacio-Davis
I feel as if though I have met Mr. Bruno, for I have heard some very wonderful stories from his beloved daughter, Ms. Kellyann.
May him rest in Peace, and let the Perpetual light shine upon him.
Sheryl
Tien Nguyen-Tu
Dearest Kellyann and the Bruno Family
You have my deepest condolences for the loss of someone so dear. A loss of a parent is something that cannot be easily put into words and a feeling that only those that have gone thru it will ever understand. I understand. All I can say is that I am extending my deepest sympathies for the loss of your father. He sounds like a wonderful man to have in one’s life. May loving memories of him help you find peace.
Sincerely,
Tien Nguyen-Tu
NCA Family
Joselitio Roman
My condolences. Be happy and enjoy life to the fullest, awesome way of living.
Roslyn Bruno
Tony, you were a wonderful father to your daughters since they were born and to Ashleigh when she became part of the family.They all loved you very much and so enjoyed being with you. Also, being Poppi to your grandchildren was something you treasured. So did they.
I’m thankful you were their Dad! I’m happy we could share some time together with them . You will truly be missed by all of us !!!!!
Roslyn B
Art Adams
AJ was usually the life of the party. I enjoyed several interesting trips with him: Nola, golf, Fla, etc. He and we did some outrageous things but he insisted that he was never there. AJ was a unique character and we will miss him. My condolences to all his daughters and family . He was my friend!!
Weston Worsham
So sorry for your loss. May God give you comfort and peace during this difficult time.
Ronald Hirtle
Kellyann and family, you are in my and Laura’s thoughts and prayers. Your Dad sounds like an incredible man and father. May the Lord comfort and give peace to you and your family
Ron
LeAnn Power
Cherie and Kevin and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. I have heard many stories about your uncle and I know how much you loved him. I am sure your memories of him will stay with you forever.
Love,
LeAnn
Joe Carr
Sincere sympathies to all in this wonderful family. It was an honor to meet and become a friend to AJ. You absolutely knew when he walked into a room. He definitely was the life of any party. Will miss our conversations. Til we meet again
Joe and Cindi Carr
(aka Lonesome Joe)
Loved reading this obituary, you have certainly kept his humor going!
Jane Burton
So very sorry for your loss!
Larry Walker
RIP Tony. Always enjoyed being in your company. Such a cool dude. I’m saddened by your passing.
Eric Keresty
I have such fond memories of “Big Tone” , a larger than life fixture in the neighborhood and loving father of my “besties” accross the street (Kelly and Shannon). I am saddened to hear of his passing from this life, yet comforted by the knowledge that the endless memories he has left us all will keep him here in this moment for years to come.
Enjoying life to the fullest… as directed Tony.
Eric
David Hopkins
Real sorry to hear of this…sincerest condolences to his daughters n family n friends. Rich Mark n Dave Hopkins. 🙏
Robert Corradetti
My condolences to AJ and family. I knew him when we were both very young. AJ was a great guy with the biggest smile. He was always the funniest person in the room.
I will remember him that way and I do know his age but it’s a secret.
Robert Corradetti
Alex Faircloth
The first and most important signature I ever received was on my blue driving slip. I’m amazed I still have that paper. Always enjoyed talking with Mr. Bruno through my high school years. My deapest condolences.
Jack Evancho
Great guy, great friend, I will miss him and our chitchats! Rest in peace, Tony!
Auvorie Benson
My thoughts and prayers are with the Bruno Family. Kellyann spoke highly of her father that left an impression on many of us who had never met him. Be at peace that he is no longer suffering and that he has left a legacy to be told by those who knew him well.
Shawn Money
My prayers are with you and your family at this tragic time. Mr. Bruno was a good man. I can still here him say, “com’on Easy”? Referring to me as “EASY MONEY”!lol He had his own sense of style when it came to people. I appreciate the interest he took in me!
Thank you, Sir!
Steve Santos
Thoughts and Prayers to the entire Bruno Family. Had the privilege of hearing many great stories from Kellyann, that it feels like I personally knew Mr. Bruno at times. May the family find comfort and peace during these difficult times. “love your family, be happy and enjoy life to the fullest.”
Lisa Warner
Prayers and condolences to his family.
I met AJ in Florida and we became friends. What I remember the most from AJ is that he said that he lived life and had no regrets. I thought wow, no regrets thats really great and I don’t know too many people who could say that. AJ was a great person to talk to and was really funny. I will miss him.
Lisa Warner
Victoria Acton-Serwinski
My condolences to Mr. Bruno’s family, children, grandchildren and immediate family and friends! I knew Mr. Bruno when I went to Claymont High from 1973 to 1977. It was great to know him. And I’m so glad that he was able to do the things he did into retirement and traveling and seeing the world. They gotta be with you all through this time of sorrow and loss. God bless
Victoria Acton-Serwinski
Spicer Moeller funeral home, could you please fix the last sentence of my condolences message. It should have read:
The last sentence of my condolences to Mr. Bruno family, friends. Should have read “May God be with you all”. God bless
Thank you for making that change.