Obituary: Cliffwood Resident With Accomplished Professional Boxing Career Dies

Rudy Bruno passed away on Feb. 17 at home surrounded by his loving family. Rudy fought a courageous battle with the disease of Alzheimer's. He truly defied nature to the end with the incredible strength he possessed.

Born in Perth Amboy, he lived in Cliffwood for over 65 years. The seventh child of immigrant parents, Assunta (Susie) and Guiseppi Bruno, Rudy quickly learned and developed a strong work ethic at a very young age.

Mr. Bruno was as parishioner of St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church in Keyport where he served for many years as an usher. With his brother Frank, he owned and operated the B&B Bar in Perth Amboy until his retirement 25 years ago. His reputation in that town preceded him, a straight talking and very tough man. He was revered and respected by all who knew him.

In his youth he was an accomplished professional boxer and Golden Gloves champion. He boxed at Madison Square Garden and his career highlights can be found on the boxing website. His career was cut short when he was drafted and served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. In the service he was an MP and promoted to Sergeant where he made lifelong friends.

Mr. Bruno was a devoted family man who spent much of his time enjoying the company of his wife of 60 years, Theresa, his children Brenda, Donna and Rudy Jr., and his 7 grandchildren.

He was known for his sense of humor and the ability to strike up a conversation with virtually anyone.

He was most proud of his children and never hesitated to talk about their achievements.

He was a wonderful father and loving husband. He is predeceased by his father and mother, Joseph (Guiseppi) and Susie (Assunta) Bruno, his brothers Frank Benanito, Louis Benanito, his sisters Anna Grant and Mary Lembo and his precious daughter Brenda Bruno White.

He is survived by his loving wife Theresa, daughter Donna Bruno, Holmdel, NJ, son Rudy Bruno and his wife Ericka, Rumson, NJ, his son in law Tim White, a sister Lucy Brown, Wayside, NJ, his grandchildren Adrienne White, Emily Conlon, Natalie, Estelle, Jonathan, Ava and Miles Bruno, and many nieces and nephews. He will be missed dearly and his absence will leave a huge void in his family's life.

Family and friends are invited Wednesday, February 20, 2013, 2-4 & 7-9PM at Day Funeral Home, 361 Maple Place, Keyport, NJ  07735; and Thursday, February 21, 2013, 9:45AM at the funeral home, with a 10:30AM Mass of Christian Burial at St. Joseph RC Church, Keyport. Entombment to follow at St. Joseph Mausoleum, Keyport. To offer the family online condolences or for directions to the funeral home, visit www.dayfuneralhome.com.