Bruni, Richard A.

DELMAR- Richard Anthony Bruni, 86, of Delmar, passed away peacefully on Friday, July 30 at Albany Medical Center surrounded by his family. Richard was born in Albany to the late Carl and Rose (Marlette) Bruni on April 25, 1935, he grew up in Albany and later moved to Delmar. Richard married his high school sweetheart Sandra (Ott) Bruni and they would have celebrated their 64anniversary in September. Together they raised a family of four children, Richard Bruni (Brooke) of Delmar, Linda Khoury (Mark) of Delmar, Karen Fitzgerald (Mike) of Latham, and Thomas Bruni of Delmar. He is survived by his sisters Eileen (Sue) Coluccio and Debbie Caruso (Pete), and sister in-law Lisa Lynch (Jack) and several nieces and nephews. Richard was predeceased by his two brothers, James and Carl.

Richard is also survived by three grandchildren, Laura Rowe (Greg), Linsey Mazzaferro (Thomas), Franklyn Bruni, and three great-grandchildren, Samantha and Katherine Rowe and Isabella Mazzaferro. He loved having his great grandchildren sitting on his lap and telling them stories.

Richard graduated from the former Philip Schuyler High School in 1954, he was an outstanding three sport athlete in basketball, football, and baseball. He was crowned All Albany three consecutive years and was offered a scholarship to Notre Dame. In his later years he enjoyed spending time periodically with some of his old high school friends reminiscing about their good old days on the basketball court.

Richard started working construction in his younger years and became a foreman in the building of the South Mall. He then spent several years in the bar and restaurant business and retired from the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles in 1997.

“Grampy” as he was known to both family and friends, both young and old, enjoyed watching his beloved Yankees, listening to his favorite Frank Sinatra songs, making sure that the birds in the yard were amply fed and treats were on hand for his grand dogs Cooper, Dante, Brenna and Romeo.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, August 4that 11:30 am in the Daniel Keenan Funeral Home 490 Delaware Ave. Albany. Relatives and friends are invited and may also visit with his family prior to his service from 10- 11:30 am. In the funeral home. Interment will be in Memory Gardens Cemetery, Colonie.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Richard’s name can be made to the Mohawk Hudson Humane Society, 3 Oakland Ave Menands NY 12204.