Anthony "Tony" Joseph Bruno

Anthony (Tony) Bruno, age 89, of Merrillville, IN, passed away on July 2, 2024, at his home surrounded by his family, after surviving a lifetime of health issues and 69 surgeries. Tony was proud to serve in the Navy and was an extremely patriotic, loving, kind and spiritual man. Tony's personality filled a room and everyone who met him was better for having known him. He was kind, caring and shared his unconditional love daily with family and friends. Tony was a proud old school Italian who loved a good homemade Italian meal, passing down Italian traditions and respect to his grandchildren, and listening to Andre Bochelli. His talents were endless including his hobbies of golf, model trains, boats, gardening, dancing the jitter bug or his impromptu dances with the love of his life, Barb. There was nothing he could not build or fix, and he was always willing to help. He was known for his often inappropriate but loved stories and jokes. In addition to serving in the Navy, he was President of MAGIC in Dallas, owned several companies, and was the top speaker in the Staffing and Recruiting Profession internationally for over 30 years. His training continues to have a positive impact on the audiences he addressed. He was inducted into the NAPS Hall of Fame. Tony was the #1 fan of his grandchildren, spending most of his free time attending sporting events and never missing special moments in their lives. He created me them, which will last a lifetime. Tony was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Crown Point, IN, serving as an usher and on the Rescue Project. He is a fourth degree Knight of Columbus, member of the Indiana Harbor Mason Lodge, Southlake and Orak Shrine Clubs. Tony loved his weekly Monday morning breakfasts and Thursday lunches with his Shriner buddies. He is survived by his wife Barbara; children: Jodi Svetich (Jim), Nancy Phillips (Jerry), Gina Paris (Greg), Joe Bruno (Donna), and Jennifer Wheatley; eleven grandchildren: Carson Svetich, Jack Svetich, Jayden Phillips, Tyler Phillips, Alex Bruno, Andrew Bruno, Nick Wheatley, Marisa Paris, Lea Paris, Kaylin Contestabile, Amanda Wheatley; and two great-grandchildren: Madi Morrow and Thea Contestabile. A visitation will be held on Friday, July 5, 2024, from 3 p.m. – 8 p.m. at Burns Funeral Home & Crematory, 10101 Broadway, Crown Point, IN. Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Saturday, July 6, 2024, at 10 a.m. at St. Matthias Catholic Church Parish, 101 W. Burrell Drive, Crown Point, IN. Rev. Kevin Huber officiating. A prayer service will be held on Friday at 6 p.m. and a Masonic service at 6:30 p.m. Interment at St. Mary’s Cemetery. www.burnsfuneral.com

Anthony "Tony" Joseph Bruno

March 10, 1935 - July 2, 2024