Obituary of Jordan Stephan Bruni

Jordan S. Bruni   

On 12/2/22 Jordan Stephan Bruni of Forest, VA rested in eternal peace after a long, hard-fought battle with Lewy Body Dementia. Jordan was born in North Tarrytown, NY on October 13, 1937, as Giordano Stephano Valentino Bruni, to Italian immigrants Salvatore Bruni and Santa Favilla Bruni. Jordan’s name became Americanized before entering school. Raised in the Catholic faith, he served as an Altar Boy during childhood.

Jordan grew up in Irvington, NY and played football for Irvington High School, earning the nickname, “Jocko.” He enlisted in the US Navy and was stationed in Bainbridge, MD until a knee injury on base forced an honorable discharge. As a young man, Jordan went traveling on a European adventure with his best friend, Nat Galassi (Olga) of Lawrenceville, GA, who would later become his Best Man.

Jordan married Judith Doyle Bruni on September 14, 1968. After sharing fifty-two memorable years, Judy passed away on March 31, 2021. Jordan was also predeceased by his elders, daughter Valerie Bruni, brother Bruno Bruni, sister Bruna Bruni Croese, and niece Lisa Croese Sabour. He is survived by his daughter and son in law Stephanie and James (Jay) Hamilton of Forest, VA, sisters Gloria Bruni of Sun City Center, FL and Betty Bruni of Dobbs Ferry, NY, four grandsons: Patrick Hamilton of Reading, PA, Daniel Hamilton of Chesterfield, VA, Thomas Bruni-Smith, and Michael Bruni-Smith of Wappingers Falls, NY, son in law, Shawn Smith of Wappingers Falls, NY, brother-in-law Rudolph Croese of Sun City Center, FL, brother-in-law and sister-in-law Michael and Virginia Doyle of South Thomaston, ME, three nieces: Kellie Bailey (Bruce) of Northport, ME, Tracy Willey (Jerry) of South Thomaston, ME, Michelle Beal (Troy) of Cherryfield, ME, one nephew: Peter Croese of Sun City Center, FL, his ex-wife, Antonella Croese of Croton on Hudson, NY, his niece Lisa’s widower Dr. Majid Sabour, Los Angeles, CA., six great nieces: Mackenzie, Sadie, Hannah, Leila, Sarah, and Ariana, four great nephews: Tucker, Ben, Doyle, and Kenzy, as well as cousins in both the USA and Italy. Jordan’s special lap-buddy, Buster will miss him tremendously.

Jordan and Judy raised their children in Fishkill, NY. He dedicated forty-three years as a Mail Expeditor for the United States Postal Service, commuting to White Plains and Mt. Vernon, NY. Upon retirement, Jordan and Judy moved to Sun City Center, FL where they resided for many years. In 2016, they relocated to Forest, VA to be close to their surviving daughter’s family. When Judy passed away, Jordan moved into his daughter and son in law’s home, where they cared for him with palliative support from hospice.

Jordan was a great provider and an extremely private man. He took quiet pride in his family, faith, Italian heritage and was known for an amazing vegetable garden and meticulously kept yard. Many remember his dry sense of humor and a repertoire of countless hilarious stories. To Jordan, nothing was better than a delicious family meal, a comfortable chair to nap in, watching a football game or boxing match, a good cigar, fishing, and vacationing by the ocean. He patiently attended both daughters’ yearly dance recitals with a smile. Jordan loved having grandsons. Together, Poppy and Mee Mee made countless memories with the boys, and particularly enjoyed taking them to baseball games. They supported each child at band, sports, and scouting events in person or by phone.

At Jordan’s request there is no memorial service. The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Mark Kleiner and staff at Central Virginia Family Physicians, Dr. Anelyssa D’Abreu and staff at UVA Neurology, Mackenzie Lipscomb, RN, BSN, Breana Rojas, RN, Gwen Mosebrook, CNA, CHPNA, Cassandra Taylor, RN, MSN, FNP-C, Teresa Brown, LSW, and the rest of the exceptional team from Gentle Shepherd Hospice.

In lieu of flowers please consider donating to The Lewy Body Dementia Association www.lbda.org, or an animal shelter of your choice. Diuguid Funeral Home is serving the family.