Anthony Bruno

DEFOREST- Anthony J. "Tony" Bruno, age 89, passed away at home on May 15, 2026, surrounded by his family. He was born on April 30, 1937, in Madison, WI to Joseph and Anne (Stassi) Bruno. Tony attended St Joseph Grade School and graduated from Edgewood High School in 1955. He graduated from Platteville College in 1959 and received a Master of Science degree from UW Madison in 1966.

He was an avid sportsman, playing hockey for Madison Cardinals and winning the state championship in 1955. He also played semipro football for the Racine Raiders and the Madison Mustangs, winning the league championship with the Raiders in 1964. Tony continued to play hockey well into his 60’s.

Tony married Mary Carberry on June 5th, 1965. Together they raised 3 boys in Madison. Tony coached his boys in hockey, baseball and football.

Tony was very involved with youth sports as a member of the National Youth Sports Coaches Association, coaching countless numbers of youth hockey, football and baseball players with the Madison Laker’s Hockey Association, North Rams Football and Northside and East Madison Little Leagues. He truly enjoyed getting to know his players and finding ways to have a positive impact on their lives.

Tony worked at Southern Colony from 1959-1965. After completing his Master’s degree in Education/Therapeutic Recreation, he became the first park and recreation director for the City of Middleton where he was instrumental in creating Lake View Park. He then went to work for Unicare in Milwaukee for 3 years before returning to Madison to work for the State of Wisconsin Department of Health and Social Services. In 1982, Tony moved to Central Wisconsin Center to become the Director of Resident Services, a position he held until he retired in 1995.

Tony was a lifetime member of the Wisconsin Park and Recreation Association, serving a term as President.

He was also a proud 43-year member of Madison’s Italian Workman’s Club. He served a term as President and spent many years helping to organize the annual golf tournament and Festa Italia. One of his proudest accomplishments was being involved in establishing the Sister City program with Mantova, Italy. He visited Mantova several times and created lasting friendships as a result of this relationship.

In retirement, Tony joined the Town of Burke and helped develop Burke Park. He enjoyed golf and worked as a starter at Yahara Golf Course for many years. Tony loved spending time with his 3 grandchildren. He spent countless hours watching their sporting events and school activities, and was always excited to go Culver’s for custard afterwards. He also enjoyed going to coffee with the guys. He will be missed.

Tony is survived by his wife, Mary; sons, Joseph, Thomas, and Brian (Jenny); grandchildren, Jack, Ben, and Sophia; sister, Joanne (Cliff) Dibelius; brother, J. Michael Bruno (Jim Smith); as well as many nieces and nephews.

He is proceeded in death by his parents, and his aunt and uncle Mary (Stassi) and Harold Borenz.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, May 24, 2026, at Ryan Funeral Home, 6924 Lake Road, DeForest, WI, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Agrace Hospice and the Italian Workmen's Club Scholarship Fund.

The family would like to give special thanks to Dr. Orest Kostelyna, SSM Health, and Agrace Hospice for their excellent care. To view the obituary and leave a memory, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com

Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services
Windsor/DeForest Chapel
6924 Lake Road
608-846-4250