Charles Robert “Bob” Bruno, 96

February 24, 2024

Charles Robert “Bob” Bruno, 96, passed away at Willow Valley Retirement Communities in Lancaster, PA, on Saturday, February 24, 2024, with his loving family by his side.

Bob was a remarkable man with a very big heart. He truly cared about the well-being of others in a humble, selfless, and respectful way. He shared his kindness and positivity with all. Bob had a strong determination to support others, especially in their times of strife. His quick wit and humor were legendary. Even on his deathbed, he tried to help his family feel better by joking with them in a lighthearted way.

Bob touched hundreds of lives with inspiration and was a blessing to all who knew him. He left many people with fond memories and was deeply loved. He will be dearly missed in this physical world. His spirit will live on in our hearts and in heaven. Bob was married to his beloved wife, Jean Marie (Sova) Bruno, who stood by his side for 54 years of marriage before passing away in 2007.

He was born on April 5, 1927, in Irvington, NJ, to Charles C. Bruno and Mae J. (Taggart) Bruno. Along with his parents and his wife, he was preceded in death by his sister, Jean (Bruno) Stillwell. Bob was president of his high school class, and then he enlisted in the United States Navy and served in World War II aboard the USS Tidewater as a Seaman First Class. After graduating from Yale University in 1949, where he majored in Industrial Administration, Bob became a managerial pioneer in the computer industry. During his professional career, he was employed at Metropolitan Life and Nestle Corporation in NYC, General Electric in Pittsfield, MA, and Air Products and Chemicals in Allentown, PA. Later, he concentrated his professional skills in analytical strategic ventures. Bob loved playing bridge with his wife and neighbors, golfing with friends, fishing with his son, watching his favorite sports teams on TV, writing, and telling the best stories.

He was active in the Allentown community as an original member of St. Thomas More Catholic Church and a founding member of Trident Swim and Tennis Club. After moving to Ocean City, NJ, he founded the Beach Creek Association, was founder and director of the Ocean City Golf League, the Ocean City Senior Couples Golf Group, and the Ocean City Snowbirds Golf League. He often wrote about his golf leagues in the Ocean City Sentinel. In the 1980s and 1990s, Bob was a member of the Ocean City Zoning Board. After moving to Linwood, NJ, he served as treasurer of his homeowners’ association. Willow Valley Communities in Lancaster, PA, was his home for the past 17 years. There he made many very good friends, joined a bridge group, and started a Willow Valley Golf Club and the Willow Valley Sports Lovers Club.

Bob is survived by his five children: Barbara Harper and her husband James of Allentown, PA, Carol “Katie” Adams and her husband Barry of Mechanicsburg, PA, Amy Shisslak and her husband Edward of New Bern, NC, Paul Bruno and his wife Bella of Plattsburgh, NY, and Judith Switick and her husband Kevin of Dowell, MD. In addition are his eleven grandchildren: James Harper, Lori (Harper) Kulik, Stephen Adams, Brian Adams, Edward Shisslak, Faye (Shisslak) Hall, Holly Shisslak, Irish Bruno, Eric Switick, Matthew Switick, and Megan (Switick) Hudson, along with 19 great grandchildren.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00AM on Tuesday, March 5, 2024, at St. Philip the Apostle Catholic Church, 2111 Millersville Pike, Lancaster, PA 17603. Family and friends will be received from 10:00AM until the time of service. Interment will be held at 11:30AM on Wednesday, March 6, 2024, at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Salvation Army www.salvationarmy.org, Hospice and Community Care www.hospiceandcommunitycare.org/, or to a charity of your choice.