Donald (“Don”) Joseph Bruni, 96, a beloved father, grandfather, husband, and friend, passed away on May 5, 2026, after a full and remarkable life. He was born on February 27, 1930, in Gloucester, Massachusetts, one of seven children of Antoinette and Emidio Bruni, who emigrated to the United States from Italy through Ellis Island. Don grew up in Gloucester and graduated from the University of Massachusetts in 1953 with a degree in physics. While there, he participated in the ROTC program and later served as a lieutenant in the United States Army at Fort Dix, New Jersey, from 1953 to 1955.

Don was a caring and adventurous father to his children, Stephen, Donna, Scott, and Mark, who were raised in Yardley, Pennsylvania. The family enjoyed summer trips to Cape Cod and Gloucester, reflecting Don’s lifelong connection to the New England coast. Later summers were spent at the Jersey Shore, where boating and sailing on Barnegat Bay became part of family life. A natural problem solver and entrepreneur, Don built and led several businesses, including NJE Corporation, and was a partner in Technology Development Corporation in New Jersey. He founded Bruni Associates in Boca Raton, Florida, specializing in printing services, where he remained actively involved well into his 90s.

In 1976, Don married Joyce Hall MacDonald, and together they created a life centered on their large, extended family, friendships, and shared passions, including boating, skiing, sports, and especially golf. They traveled throughout the United States and to many countries in Europe, including Italy. They always looked forward to welcoming visitors to Florida during the winter and returned often to Gloucester in the summer. They were fortunate to have their sons and their families nearby, making their home a constant hub of activity. Don and Joyce made Boca Raton their home for fifty years, and shared a close circle of friends at Boca Del Mar. A proud grandfather, Don loved spending time with his eight grandchildren. He and Joyce never missed a family gathering or celebration, attending countless games, performances, events, graduations, and milestones in Florida, New Jersey, Minnesota, New York, Boston and Chicago. They embraced life fully—and always together. Don’s energy, enthusiasm, and genuine sense of humor touched everyone who knew him and will be fondly remembered.

He is survived by his children, Stephen Bruni (Marcia); Donna Bruni Cox (Charlie) and their children, Amy Joiner and Sean Cox; Scott Bruni and his daughter, Julia; stepsons, Jeff MacDonald; Scott MacDonald (Deb), and their children, Caitlin Sheets, Cole, Scott, and Keagan; grandson, London Bruni, son of Mark Bruni; his sister, Marilyn Beard; and four greatgrandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Joyce Hall Bruni; his son, Mark Bruni; his parents, Antoinette and Emidio Bruni; and five siblings.

A memorial service for friends and family will be held at Glick Funeral Home, 3600 N. Federal Highway, Boca Raton, Florida, on Friday, June 5th, 2026, at 11:00 a.m.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Donald Joseph Bruni, please visit our floral store.