Mr. Nino Ernesto Bruno, age 71 years, Patriarch of Donato’s Bakery, passed away peacefully at St. Joseph’s Care Group on Friday, August 11, 2017, surrounded by his loving family.
Born on January 4, 1946 to parents Emilio and Filomena Bruno in Rende, Italy. As a young boy, Nino completed school and quickly became an apprentice barber at the Armory in Consenza, Italy. Shortly after, he moved to Germany briefly then had immigrated in 1966 to Canada to join his brothers and sisters. In 1970, Nino married Caterina Donato and together they had 3 beautiful sons; Emilio James, Donato G. and David R.
Nino was employed as a barber at the Intercity Barber Shop. Nino had an eye for business having owned Nino’s Sports Bar for many years; in 1978 he worked at the Mill until his retirement. Nino was very proud of his strong work ethic in which he instilled into his sons, providing them with a business of their own.
In 1994, the bakery of Thunder Bay was founded where they were able to continue a long standing family tradition of bakers. Nino was an early bird, being the first at the bakery every day. It brought us great comfort to know that Nino had many lifelong friends in his life; you would often hear him say “Oh my buddy”. When Nino wasn’t at the bakery you could find him at the casino, especially in Grand Portage playing Keno.
Nino is survived by Caterina Bruno, his sister-in-law Rosina, his sons James (Joanne), Donny (Francesca) and David, his grandchildren Giulia Ilaria and Luca Nino Bruno, his siblings Ida, Mario (Rosa), Vittoria, Alfredo (Lina), in Italy Antonio (Annamaria) and Sarina (Francesco) as well as numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives in Thunder Bay and Italy.
Nino was predeceased by his son in infancy, his parents Emilio and Filomena Bruno, son in infancy, sister Franca and brothers-in-law Vittorio Pucci and Nick Bloom.
A special thank you to St. Joseph’s Care Group for all of your care and compassion.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, August 17, 2017 when family and friends will gather for a Funeral Mass in St. Anthony's Church at 11:00 a.m. celebrated by Rev. Luigi Filippini. Interment will follow at St. Andrew's Cemetery. Visitation will take place Wednesday, August 16, 2017 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Sargent and Son Funeral Home, 21 N. Court Street with prayers beginning at 7:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Joseph’s Hospice or to the Diabetes Association. Online condolences may be made at www.sargentandson.com.
