He was born October 18, 1945 in Waterbury, Connecticut to the late Anthony and Jane Bruno; he moved to Lake wales from his hometown in 2007. Rich was a letter carrier for the United States Postal Service for 32 years. He attended Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Lake Wales, and was a member of the VFW in Waterbury, Connecticut, and of the DAV in Waterbury, Connecticut and St. Petersburg.

Rich was preceded in death by his wife of 45 years, Rosalie A. Bruno; and son, Richard Bruno. He is survived by his daughter, Lori Bruno of Mebane, North Carolina; brother, Anthony Bruno of Waterbury, Connecticut; and grandson, Richard Bruno, Jr.

Services are pending at this time. In lieu of flowers, the family requests for donations to be made to the DAV in Waterbury, Connecticut (P.O. Box 206, 103 Green Street, Waterbury, CT 06720).