William Salvatore Bruno

William Salvatore Bruno passed away on July 30, 2025 at the age of 91 at his home in Mattapoisett, MA, surrounded by his loving wife of sixty-two years, Ann (McMorrow) Bruno, and their five children, Julie (Bruno) Vasil, Beth (Bruno) Oberlander, Paul Bruno, David Bruno, and Maria Bruno. William is survived by his wife and children, their spouses Steve Vasil, David Oberlander, Ann Lightcap Bruno, and Caroline (Gallagher) Bruno, his grandchildren Henry Oberlander, Cal Oberlander, Oscar Bruno, Isabella Bruno, Ada Bruno, Lucy Vasil, Juliana Bruno, Clara Bruno, and William T. Bruno, as well as many nieces and nephews.

            Born in Mansfield, MA on February 19, 1934, William was the youngest of seven children born to Salvatore and Orsola (Cutillo) Bruno who immigrated to the United States from Candida, a village in the province of Avellino, Italy. He is preceded in death by his parents, his siblings, Madeline (Bruno) Galvani, Francis Bruno, Carmella Bruno, Christina (Bruno) Salachi, Clara (Bruno) McClellan, and Anthony Bruno. He had a long career working as an elementary school teacher and principal at the Assawompsett Elementary School in Lakeville, MA, the Lillie B. Merrill Elementary School in Raynham, MA, and the Holy Name School in Providence, RI. After his years as an educator, William worked as a textbook sales representative and was a fixture at the Bay Club in Mattapoisett, doing all manner of jobs from driving golf carts to shining shoes.

            Over the years, William enjoyed mentoring young athletes as a coach and referee, singing in the choir of the First Congregational Church in Marion and the Harpoon Harmonizers of New Bedford, volunteering at Damien’s Food Pantry and serving as a eucharistic minister at Tobey Hospital. William’s greatest joy in life was gathering with his large, spirited, close-knit family. He cultivated the importance of gratitude, hard work, faith, and food, all of which were central to the Christmas Eve Vigilia celebrations he and his wife hosted for years. An excellent cook, he regularly put together sumptuous pasta dinners and pizza parties for his family, and also for his faculty and staff; upon his retirement, it was fitting that the Merrill School cafetorium was named in his honor.  Beyond food-related gatherings, William loved cheering on his grandchildren at sporting events and writing them notes of encouragement, as well as slipping them each a dollar at family events. As “Dad” and as “Nonno” he loomed large in the lives of his children and grandchildren, creating a legacy of goodness, meaningful work, and devotion.

            William’s oft-quoted sign-off was “Peace and love.” Another favorite was, “Just be kind and love one another.” To William, these expressions, though simple, were the essence of who he was and how he lived his life.

            In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Nativity Preparatory School of New Bedford, 66 Spring St. New Bedford, MA 02740, or to Community Nurse, 62 Center St. Fairhaven, MA 02719 or at CommunityNurse.com.

            Relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend visiting hours on Thursday, August 7th from 4:00-7:00 pm. at the Sherman & Jackson Funeral Home, 55 North Main Street, Mansfield.

            His Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, August 8th at 11:00 am in Saint Mary’s Church, 330 Pratt Street (Route 106) Mansfield. Burial, accompanied by military honors will follow at Saint Mary’s Cemetery in Mansfield.

            In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Nativity Preparatory School of New Bedford, 66 Spring St. New Bedford, MA 02740, or to Community Nurse, 62 Center St. Fairhaven, MA 02719 or at CommunityNurse.com