header 1
header 2
header 3

In Memory

David Bruno

David Bruno

David A. Bruno

January 17, 2018

David A. Bruno (69) passed from earth peacefully to God's arms in early hours of Wednesday January 17, in his home. He was being lovingly cared for by his wife Paula and his daughter Kate, with the wonderful guidance and assistance of Hospice of the Valley. David also leaves behind his son David Jr. (Molly) and grandson Oliver, who was the best medicine when they made the trip from NYC to Phoenix each of the first 3 weekends in December!

In addition to his beloved wife of nearly 43 years, children and grandson, David is also survived by two brothers - Louis Jr. of Larchmont, NY and Robert of Fairfield, CA. Many nephews, a niece and their children are also in the extended family in WI, NY and CA.

David was born in Youngstown, OH, on November 1, 1948 to parents Louis and Rose Marie Bruno. David lived in Ohio until leaving to attend Marquette University in Milwaukee, WI. Upon graduation, he worked in retailing for many decades (Federated, May Department Stores, Kohl's, The Limited). He ultimately ended up in Phoenix and entered the second phase of his life as a well-renowned Executive Search guru. He loved the connections made in Phoenix, but even more loved helping candidates find new opportunities to help them grow personally, professionally and benefitted entire families! It wasn't just business, it was relationships.

David ended his career with ZRG Partners, where he was known for kindness, compassion, being a team player, driving a positive culture and, above all, being willing to help others at the drop of a hat. CEO Larry Hartmann has declared that there will be an annual award honoring David's legacy that will be presented to one Managing Director who brings the elements of David Bruno to ZRG. The "David Bruno Award" will ensure that David's values and spirit continue to brighten the lives of others.

David lived life with enthusiasm. He loved being a soccer coach and swim team judge for his children's many activities--always travelling hither and yon for various competitions. He also truly loved his association with the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and what he could do for the Valley! Those used to seeing him in a suit would marvel at his love for Montana - chopping wood, boating, watching bears swimming in the lake, and bald eagles flying in the sky!

David touched countless lives, and was adored and regarded by all who knew him as a leader, a mentor, and a friend.

A celebration of David's life will be planned for a future date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in memory of David can be made to:

Egyptian Mau Rescue, where the family's beloved cat Neffy came from - https://donate.rescueme.org/egyptianmau

First Place Phoenix, whose mission was dear to David's heart and where he and Paula did pro bono work - https://www.firstplaceaz.org/join-us/donate/

Mayo Clinic - https://philanthropy.mayoclinic.org/donatemc (Please choose "other" under designation and type in Pancreatic Cancer)

From Paula...........

Executive recruiter David Bruno loses battle to pancreatic cancer

David Bruno, a high-end executive recruiter and a former chairman of the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce, has lost his eight-month battle with pancreatic cancer.

"He was glad to leave it here and go with God," said his wife Paula Bruno, who worked with him as his senior consultant at ZRG Partners LLC.

In 2015, Bruno opened a recruitment office for ZRG Partners in Phoenix, taking on the role as managing director.

Last summer, Bruno was recognized by the Phoenix Chamber with the President's Award for Distinguished Service for his passion and servant leadership on behalf of the chamber.

He served on the board for several years, and was chairman of the board in 2012-2013.

His wife said Bruno didn't want a funeral, but rather a celebration of life when the dust settles — which she said could happen in the fall.

Diagnosed with pancreatic cancer last May, Bruno died Jan. 17 at the age of 69. The couple would have celebrated their 43rd anniversary on May 31.

"He was a wonderful father," she said. "He loved his children tremendously."

She said he was an Italian who loved to eat, but lost his sense of taste with chemotherapy.

"That was tough for him," she said.

He also was a top-notch executive recruiter.

"To him, it was more than filling jobs," she said. "It was finding positions that would enhance someone's life professionally and personally and be good for their families and good for the company they were going to. It wasn't just putting a fanny in a seat. It was a relationship."

She said she's not sure what she'll do next, but is in the process of selling their second home in Montana.

"I'm looking at buying a smaller place out on a lake that I can manage by myself," she said. "That place we had up there is huge."

 
go to bottom 
  Post Comment

02/02/18 05:23 PM #1    

Michael Moran

I have know Dave since the 7th grade. He was one of those guys that you wanted to be like. Always a scholor, a good classmate and friend to all, Dave was destined for success. I am touched to read of his lovining family, his kindness to those who sought his counsel and how much he gave back to the community. We were lucky to have known him, David, rest in peace, A  well lived life. God Bless You and those who loved you

 

Mike Moran


02/03/18 08:48 AM #2    

Susan Anzivino (Slosky)

Mike, you described David perfectly! We had a wonderful group of classmates at St. Casimir's in 7th and 8th grade. David definitely was a great classmate--he will be missed.


go to top 
  Post Comment