Eugene "Gene" Joseph Bruno

One year ago, Saratoga Springs lost a larger-than-life man when Eugene Joseph Bruno (“Gene”) passed away suddenly on August 20, 2025. He was surrounded with love by his three favorite people: his wife, April, and their children, Joseph and Justina.

Born on January 27, 1951, in Kingston, New York, to Italian immigrants Joseph and Marie Bruno, Gene was a proud first-generation American. He played basketball at Kingston High School and spent much of his childhood at his grandparents’ restaurant, The American Italian Restaurant - perhaps an early glimpse of the life he would eventually build for himself. After graduating from Kingston High, Gene attended St. Lawrence University before earning his master’s degree in education from the University at Albany.

Gene remained in Albany, working as a substitute teacher by day. By night, he traded the classroom for his signature polyester bell-bottoms and low-cut shirt while working at the local nightclub - Hobos Discotheque. A highly popular, legendary nightclub located in the basement of The Golden Fox restaurant. It was during that time that the most important chapter of his life began: he met - and charmed - April. The two built a life together that would span nearly 45 years of marriage.

In the late 1970s, Gene and April made their way to Saratoga Springs with plans to take on a small business and start a family. That small business became Jo-Ann’s Candy (Nut) House, a beloved “sweet” staple of the Saratoga community since 1978 and, ultimately, the heart and soul of the life they built together.

Gene also dedicated many years to teaching at Saratoga Springs High School, BOCES and Washington County Correctional Facility. He treasured the friendships he formed with fellow educators and took tremendous pride in the relationships he built with his students. Gene believed in encouraging every student to reach their potential, touching countless young lives with his patience, humor, and kindness. Those same qualities were familiar to the many employees who worked alongside him at the candy store throughout the years.

Among all of Gene’s accomplishments, none meant more to him than becoming a father. He and April first welcomed their son, Joseph Eugene, and later completed their family with their daughter, Justina Rose. Gene was a wonderful father, and some of the simplest memories became the most lasting: countless games of “ball tag” in the pool, sledding at the McGregor hill, “paying for tickets” at the swing set, looking up at the stars while soaking in the hot tub and many bike rides.

Together, the Bruno family continued building a successful business and a beautiful life in Saratoga Springs - a community Gene loved deeply and was proud to call home.

Whether meticulously tending to his lawn or greeting customers from behind the counter, Gene took pride in everything he did.

He was the kind of neighbor everyone hopes to have: always ready to lend a hand, share a smile, or stop for a conversation. More than anything, Gene had a remarkable gift for making people feel welcome. Whether someone walked through the doors of Jo-Ann’s Candy House or simply crossed paths with him around town, he had a way of greeting them like an old friend.

Gene will forever be irreplaceable to the people who loved him most: his beloved wife, April; his children, Joseph and Justina; his aunts, Rose and Louise; his brothers, Tony, Louis, and Ronald; and his many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

And, of course, his many “little people,” whom he loved like grandchildren and who adored their “Gigi”; the countless friends, neighbors, employees, and loyal customers whose lives were made brighter by knowing him. His confidant, John Franck (and Kathy!) - the only two people he trusted completely with his affairs. Lastly, one very important little dog named Stanley.

One year later, the absence Gene left behind is immeasurable - but so is the legacy he left in its place. It lives in the business he spent nearly five decades building, in the students and employees he encouraged, in the neighborhood he loved, and in the countless people who still have a “Gene Bruno story” to tell.

As the next generation, Justina now carries Jo-Ann’s Candy House forward - a responsibility she considers both an honor and a life’s mission. After years spent working beside her dad, learning from him, and earning his trust in the business, she is committed to preserving the same integrity, pride, and care he built it on.

One of the greatest ways Gene’s memory can be honored is through the continued love and support of the business he spent so much of his life building. Anyone who knew Gene and Justina knew the apple never fell very far from the tree - and they wouldn’t have had it any other way.

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SARARTOGA SPRINGS, NY- Eugene Joseph Bruno (Gene), of Saratoga Springs, passed away on August 20th, 2025 after a sudden medical episode. He was surrounded by love from his three favorite people: April, Joseph, and Justina.

Gene was born on January 27th, 1951 to Joseph and Marie Bruno in Kingston, NY. Gene played basketball for Kingston High and loved spending time at his grandparent's restaurant, The American Italian Restaurant. After graduating from Kingston High, he went on to study at St. Lawrence University and UAlbany, where he received his master's degree in education.

Gene stayed in Albany, where he worked as a substitute teacher by day and wore his signature polyester bellbottoms and low cut shirt to work at a local nightclub called Hobos. It was then that his life truly began - when he met and charmed his soulmate April. They would have been married 45 years this November.

Gene and April moved to Saratoga to take on a small business and start a family. That business grew to become the heart and soul of their lives - Jo Ann's Candy House, a "sweet" staple of the Saratoga community.

In 1983, they welcomed their son Joseph Eugene and later completed their family with their daughter, Justina Rose.

Together, The Bruno Family built a successful business and had a wonderful life in Saratoga - a community Gene loved and was proud to be a part of. When he wasn't tending to his lawn, he was the best neighbor anyone could ask for. Always ready to lend a hand or share a smile. He had a genuine connection with everyone who walked through his doors and welcomed them like old friends.

Gene is survived by many people for whom he is simply irreplaceable; his wife April, his children Joseph and Justina; His aunts Rose (Nick) and Louise (Bob); His three brothers, Tony (Deborah), Louis (Gina) and Ronald. Several cousins, nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind his many "little people" whom he loved like grandchildren and who adored him as their "Gigi"; countless friends, neighbors and customers whose lives were made better by knowing him. And lastly, a very important little dog named Stanley.

Please join us for calling hours on Sunday, August 24th, from 1 to 4pm followed by a time for remembrances at William J. Burke & Sons/ Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Home, 628 N. Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Saratoga County Children's Committee, P.O. Box 1254, Saratoga Springs, NY, which the family has supported for many years. And in Gene's memory, please continue to support the family legacy at Jo Ann's Candy House. A place filled with love, laughter and a sweetness Gene shared with all who knew him.