David Bruno, J&D Plumbing
March 26,1945-Jan. 29, 2022
John David Bruno, 76, of Montara and La Quinta California, passed away Jan. 29. He was born in San Francisco and graduated from Archbishop Riordan High School before enlisting in the U.S. Army where he served for two years. Returning to San Francisco, he joined UA Local 38 Plumbers and Pipefitters Union in San Francisco and went to work for his father in the family business. After his father’s death, J&D Plumbing continued doing commercial and residential plumbing along with a unique niche of tradeshows and conventions. Bruno enjoyed a good restaurant and a good bar, cooking, crashing swimming pools, skiing in Tahoe, boating in the late summer and working on house projects. More than any of those he loved people. He had a unique magnetism and made a friend wherever he went. In 2013 he retired and moved to La Quinta for warmer weather and a world of new friends. Bruno connected to people—being an inspiration, fun-mate, someone to always sit at lunch with, cheerleader in all endeavors, get-into-trouble-mate, teacher of life lessons that could only be learned from him. Most of all he was a devoted Dad, reveling in the lives of his four children, and a genuine friend and mentor to many young people who worked for him over the years.
His colleagues in the industry shared on Facebook: Another GES friend is gone. Dave Bruno (J&D Plumbing) recently passed away. he was a truly kind and generous (to a fault) man and will be missed. —Ellen Minucciani
He was one of the best! Love you Mr. Bruno! —Susan Love Kranzke
One of the kindest, most generous persons I’ve have the privilege to know! RIP, Dave. —Tina Anson
So very sad to hear this. Bruno was a great person. Loved working with him.—Aleksandra Kyung A Jhun
Dave Bruno was a hell of a person. I remember him on the show floor when I first met him at Greyhound and United Wesco. He was a hell of a plumber. Rest in peace my dear friend until we meet again in Valhalla. —James Moxley
He always thought of everyone else before himself. I will miss you Dave Bruno.—Paul Allen
He sure did! Amazing man!… RIP Dave..—Ray Devine
One of the good guys of our industry. Rip Dave—David Dillard
Ugggh,Great guy! RIP BRUNO—Mark Rodrigues
So sad to hear this, he was such a nice man. Prayers to his family —Theresa O’Brien
I´m a retired electrician who met and worked with Dave on the shows. It was a privilege knowing him. He was a class act! At the end of my retirement party at a restaurant, he had a tow truck take my vehicle and myself home so I wouldn’t get a DUI. His theory was that when you wake up the next morning your vehicle and you are safe. RIP Dave. My condolences to his family and all who loved him.—Dan Whooley
Bruno was the consummate bon-vivant. His parties are wonderful moments lodged forever in my memory bank.—Marjolaine Avery
It is said that on silent San Francisco nights if you stand near the corner of Third and Howard you can hear the pipes of Moscone Center singing his name. Loved by all, Bruno will be forever in their hearts.
He is survived by his wife, Sheila (Brogna), and their children, Karen Giannakopoulos (Nelson), Gina Bruno, Jenni Giannini (Mike) and Chris Bruno (Erica Hamilton); and his sister, Claudia Portacarrero ( Luis Oliva). He was preceded in death by his parents John and Effie Bruno. One of Bruno’s greatest joys was his grandson Carson Giannakopoulos, age 5.
The family held a private service last February. Portions of this obituary were published by San Francisco Chronicle. To share a memory or send condolences, visit his online guestbook at https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/sfgate/name/john-bruno-obituary?id=32900417
