The earthly world lost a man last week who was an artist, world traveler, explorer, storyteller, comedian and a member of the Greatest Generation. For those who knew him, they would add: father, grandfather, uncle, relative, friend and overall kind soul.

Alex Bruni, of Menomonee Falls, died peacefully with his loving family around him on August 9, 2023 just three weeks shy of his 96th birthday.

Alex was born and raised in Kenosha, WI and was the youngest of two siblings. He served in the United States Army as an MP and in his later years shared hundreds of stories about his days in the service. One such story included a “secret mission” where he waited all day long on a base in New Jersey (saying goodbye to all his fellow soldiers waiting for further top-secret instructions) only to board a bus and be transported to another base across the street. Of course, Alex would tell the story with the humor and drama and irony that it deserved.

Always the artist and world traveler, Alex went on to pursue his love of art, studying and graduating from the American Academy of Art in Chicago before venturing off to New York. Before the start of his illustrious career in advertising, Alex started his exploring by taking a trip to Europe by himself. His adventures took him through Germany, Austria, France and Switzerland, meeting many new people. He eventually arrived in Rome and stayed with friends of the family. This adventure also had him serving as a translator on the ship back home to the United States, talking to Italian immigrants, many of whom could not speak any English. They thought they were dying, due to the high seas, sickness and terrible ship conditions. It was simply normal and just one more adventure for Alex. He told stories (with new insights) about that trip for years, even recently.

The artist and explorer in Alex had him pursue a career in advertising and printing. He worked for W.A. Krueger, The Berker Agency and ended his storied career with William Eisner & Associates as the VP of Production. As a testament to his skills and overall likeability, Alex was often asked to go to work for colleagues who had ventured out on their own. Of course, he (Alex) never did, as he was always loyal to his employers.

Alex enjoyed golf, travel (home and abroad), casinos (some favorites were in Laughlin, Reno, Hinkley, MN), biking, any kind of painting, drawing or sculpting. In his later years you could find him watching TCM and many favorite old movies. One movie he could relate to was Marty, where the main character was often long winded with his friends. This spurred many funny and interesting stories which Alex would later name, “Marty stories.” In fact, many times Alex would be chatting with family members and simply state, I am being Marty, and then go on to tell three more stories. Family members would marvel at his ability to tell an endless story, including laughing at his own story, trying to finish it. Often those family members had more fun watching Alex tell the story than the actual story itself. One thing that many may not know about Alex is that he was a wonderful imitator/impersonator. He regaled the family and audiences alike with some of his famous imitations of co-workers, friends or celebrities.

A significant party in heaven awaits Alex as he meets his God, and is reunited with his parents Luigi and Amedea (nee Quintarelli) Bruni, his first wife, Joan (nee Spencer) Bruni, to whom he was married for 25 years and passed away too early from cancer in 1981, his brother Leonard Bruni, his second wife, Lois Thalman (nee Lustig) with whom he spent almost 25 years of marriage in a second act love story, and his special cousins and family.

He is survived by his children Timothy Bruni, Glendale, WI, Gail (Robert) Prusinski, St. Francis, WI, Jan (Bill) Lowell, Eagle, WI, Jean (Dr. Tim) McNamara, Bonita Springs, FL, Jill (Peter) Marshall, Bonita Springs, FL and the apple of his eye, his only grandchild, Nikolaus Prusinski of Pasadena, CA. Alex will also be deeply missed by loving nieces and nephews, brothers and sisters-in-law, friends and the owners of his favorite breakfast diners.

A heartfelt thank you to Pastor Andy of Holy Cross Lutheran Church for coming to see Alex in the hospital and all the caring people at Froedtert Hospital in Menomonee Falls and the Horizon Hospice who took care of Alex in the end.

Friends and relatives are welcome to visit with the family on Friday, August 18, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, W156 N8131 Pilgrim Road, Menomonee Falls, WI 53051 which will be followed by a funeral service at 11:00 a.m. A private burial (family only) will follow the service.

Memorials and contributions are being accepted in Alex’s name in lieu of flowers to one of his favorite charities:

American Cancer Society

Disabled Americans Veterans (DAV)

St. Jude’s Children's Hospital

Or the charity of your choice.

As we mourn and say “Ciao” to a family member and valuable friend, it is important to recall that Alex was a wonderful and kind father, “always there for us,” a one-of-a-kind grandfather, a special friend, relative and a loving person. He will definitely be missed!! He lived a good life! The only thing Alex would add to this commentary is the word “Exactly!!!”