The Peru Gazette

John Bruno on September 25, 2014

John T. Ryan

The Peru Gazette planned to make a phone call to John Bruno this morning to ask a few follow-up questions before publishing an article about his service to our community. Bruno’s Ford tractor pulling his red wagon filled with Valehaven Adult Home and Assisted Living residents has been familiar sight in Peru’s neighborhoods for several years. Unfortunately, John Bruno was not able to answer our questions. The 80-year old Schuyler Falls farmer passed away yesterday. A story about his life appears on today’s Press Republican obituary page.

Valehaven residents accompanied by Living Coordinator Debbie Pierce (3rd on left)

Last Thursday, September 25, 2014, John Bruno was sitting in his truck outside Valehaven while he waited patiently for residents to finish lunch. He pointed out the dog bed on the truck’s front seat and explained how is dog “Georgie” loved that bed. Asked why he came to Valehaven, Bruno responded, “One time years ago I was in the hospital for several weeks. I know how much people need visitors and to get outside. Today I’m taking them through those neighborhoods over there (Button Brook) and then down the Mannix Road.”

John Bruno in the September 20, 2014 Applefest Parade

This morning Valehaven’s Resident Care Coordinator Lindsey Ashline wiped away tears as she said, “It’s heart-breaking. John was here on Saturday. He visited us three times a week. Everyone looked forward to his visits and the residents loved Georgie.” Ashline said staff members and many Valehaven residents plan to attend the celebration of John’s life at his Schuyler Falls home tomorrow afternoon.

John Bruno departs from Valehaven for his last wagon ride for residents

While some people describe John Bruno as being outspoken and not afraid to speak his mind, the people at Valehaven remember him as being soft-spoken, warm-hearted and humorous. He brought a sense of joy each time he visited. When interviewed by The Peru Gazette John Bruno did not boast about many of the things mentioned in his obituary. He appears to have been a man who loved and served his neighbor. His actions spoke louder than his words. He will be missed by many people in this community.

Here is his obituary.

SCHUYLER FALLS – John Albert Bruno, 80, of Route 22B, passed away Monday, Sept. 29, 2014, at his home with his loving family by his side. He was born July 2, 1934, in Schuyler Falls, the son of the late Clarence C. Sr. and Florence A. (Brelia) Bruno.

John has always been well known throughout the community. He was an accomplished horseman who was well known in many states for draft horse pulling. In his later years, he moved on to antique tractors. For several years, he held annual horse- drawn sleigh rides with Santa; all proceeds going to the ARC. He gave wagon rides for many years to senior citizen homes throughout the North Country Community, most recently Valehaven Home for Adults. John was always a kidder and loved to wind people up and tell some wild stories! He had a huge generous heart for everyone he met.

John is survived by Joan Bennett and his loving side-kick Georgie; his aunt, June Bruno; sister-in-law, Theresa Bruno; his brothers, Clarence Jr. (Joyce) Bruno, Gerald “Joe” (Ellen) Bruno; sister, Shirley (Ralph) Bowman; his children, Barry (Amy) Bruno, Vicki (David) Clum, Martha Westerdahl, Mary Rock, Edward (Annika) Bennett, Steven (Michelle) Bennett; daughter-in-law, Nancy Bennet; and acquired sons, Darryl (Diane) Martin, Donnie (Dawn) Smith; his grandchildren, Micki (Jarrod) Feil, Casey (Bobbie) Wyatt, Baylee Bruno, Kristi (Samuel) Gendreau, David (Sammie) Gendreau, Kevin (Lyndsay) Gendreau, Kristopher Rock, Jerry (Lisha) Rock Jr., Alyssa (Mike) Bennett, Ashlee Bennett, Abigail Bennett, Elizabeth Westerdahl, Tevin Bennett, Adriana North, Topaz Kitonyi; his great-grandchildren, Rylan, Caylen, A’Mari, A’Mayah, Aayden, Zaviair. John was Godfather to Todd Bruno and Brooke Smith, also many, many nieces, nephews and cousins, as this family is huge!

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by brother, Melvin “Bob” Bruno; sister, Beverly Varano; and sons-in-law, Eric Westerdahl and Jerry Rock Sr.

John had chosen to donate his remains to the anatomical gift program for medical research at Albany Medical University. His family has granted his request and will not be having a funeral or service. However, the family will have a Celebration of Life on Thursday, Oct. 2, at the farm on the corner of Route 22B and Salmon River Road. The family will except visitors beginning at 1 p.m. and will have a short memorial from 3 to 4 p.m. The family asks for people to come as you are or in casual attire. Address for the Celebration of Life is 1002 Route 22B Plattsburgh, NY 12901 for anyone wishing to attend.

The family has asked in lieu of flowers that you make a donation to the Mother Cabrini Shine in Peasleeville, Hospice of the North Country, or a charity of your choice.

Arrangements are in the care of Hamilton Funeral Home, 294 Mannix Road, Peru 643-9055. To light on online candle and offer condolences in the memory of John Bruno, please visit www.hamiltonfuneralhome.com