Nicholas F. Bruno formerly of West Chester Nicholas F. Bruno, 98, of Willow Valley, Lancaster County, formerly of West Chester, died Thursday, April 21, 2011, at Willow Valley. He was the husband of the late Clara "Dot" Gilham Bruno, who died in 2004. Born in West Chester, he was the son of the late Salvatore and Philomena Bruno. He graduated from West Chester High School in 1933, where he earned four letters each in football, basketball and track. He also held the school pole vault record of 11'3-1/2" for many years. He attended Malvern Prep, where he lettered in football, basketball and track. He also played football in the semi-pro Eastern Professional League with the Norristown LAM, with brothers Tony and Paul. Later he attended West Chester State Teachers College and the University of Pennsylvania Wharton School. During World War II, Nick served with the 955 Field Artillery Battalion, stationed in Europe and participating in the Battle of the Bulge. After serving his country, he associated with the Metropolitan Insurance Company as one of their top agents. He was a member of St. Agnes Church, West Chester. He was a member of the West Chester Golf & Country Club, Italian Social Club, Sons of Italy Lodge Guido Bacelli Lodge, Fame Fire Company and the Elks Lodge 853 (past Exalted Ruler). Nick was inducted into the West Chester University Football Hall of Fame in 1992, was a recipient of the West Chester University President's Award for leadership and service in 2003, and inducted into the Chester County Sports Hall of Fame in 2010. In addition to his wife, Nick was preceded in death by a daughter, Bonnie Claire Bruno; two brothers, Anthony and Paul; and a sister, Mildred Porco. A Memorial Mass will be held at 10 a.m. on Monday, May 9, at St. Agnes Church, 233 W. Gay Street, West Chester. Interment will be in St. Agnes Cemetery.
