Leon Harvey Bruno, 93, passed away on December 5, 2023, after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer’s disease. He had multiple visits by his children, their spouses, and his beloved grandchildren in the weeks prior to his death.
Leon was born in North Troy, Vermont, on October 27, 1930, the son of Carmine and Anita (Ford) Bruno. He enjoyed playing basketball and skiing and graduated from high school in North Troy. He attended UVM on a ROTC scholarship and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in education in 1952. He spent his time in the Army in the Counterintelligence Corps and was stationed in New York. In 1954 he met Ellen Oto, his true love and lifelong companion. She would become his wife on February 23, 1957, in North Troy. They lived and worked in upstate New York, Oklahoma, and Vermont while he finished his doctorate in education from Columbia University. They eventually settled in Vermont and raised their three children in Warren, while Leon worked for the Vermont Department of Education and later, Champlain College. The pull of the islands and Ellen’s family brought them to Hilo, Hawaii, in 1982 where Leon reinvented himself as a museum director leading the Lyman Museum until his retirement in 1996. Despite his love of Hawaii, they returned home to Vermont in 2005 to be closer to their grandchildren.
Leon was a dedicated volunteer. His commitment to helping others was fundamental to his personality and perhaps how he will be best remembered. He worked tirelessly for the Mad River Valley and Hilo Rotary clubs, leading both as president. He raised a hammer and his fundraising skills to help Habitat for Humanity in Hilo. His commitment extended to many individuals, as well, who were in need, lending money, muscle, and time mentoring. He loved pastries and coffee more than was prudent and this led to a short-lived bakery, Kay’s Creations, that he and Ellen opened on the Hilo waterfront. He gladly handed down his love for sweet flaky treats to his children and grandchildren. He was also a dedicated member of the Church of the Holy Cross in Hilo and the Warren United Church of Christ, volunteering as a deacon and trustee for both and committed to the help they offered those in their respective communities. Together with Ellen, his last passion project was working with the Warren Historical Society remodeling the Blair barn that is filled with antiques, many from his own collection.
Leon was enthusiastic about everything and remained very active throughout his life. He was an avid skier, loved golf (even making a hole-in-one at the Sugarbush Golf Club), and took up running, participating in many races after moving to Hawaii. He was still able to hike two miles on the trails around Stowe in his final years. He filled every day and expected those around him to keep up. He was a voracious reader and could complete the New York Times crossword in record time. He remained intellectually engaged and was always open to debating the pertinent topics of the day until dementia stole that ability away. He had a true-life partner in his wife Ellen. They worked hard and were fortunate to have many years in retirement together, travelling the world and actively participating in their grandchildren’s lives.
Leon is survived by his wife of 66 years, Ellen; his children and their spouses, Ted (and Lisa) of Niantic, Connecticut, David (and Kendra) of Waikoloa, Hawaii, Kimberly (and Jeff) of Elmore, Vermont, and his grandchildren Geoffrey, Margaret (and Jack), and Will. He was predeceased by his parents and his beloved grandson Jackson.
A celebration of life service will be held in the spring of 2024. Memorial contributions can be made to the Mad River Vally Rotary Club www.MRVRotary.com or the Rotary Club of Hilo www.HiloRotary.org
The family would also like to acknowledge and thank the staff at Crescent Point in Niantic, Connecticut, who provided care for Leon during the last six months of his life.
Thomas L. Neilan & Sons Funeral Home, 48 Grand St., Niantic, Connecticut, is assisting the family.
