Harry W. Bruckno

Harry Walter Bruckno, 82, formerly of Riverton, New Jersey, peacefully passed away on Saturday, August 16, 2025, in Charlottesville.

He was born on March 12, 1943, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to the late Walter Harry and Stella Julia Adulis Bruckno.

Harry graduated from Lincoln High School before continuing his education at Staunton Military Academy, where he proudly played football and remained an active, devoted member of the Academy’s alumni community throughout his life. During his time there, he was a member of the 1961–1962 undefeated team, which was later honored with induction into the Hall of Fame in 2022.

He went on to play football at Memphis University for a season, until an injury brought his playing career to an end. Still, Harry’s love for the game never faded. He carried that passion forward as both a coach and an enthusiastic fan, always cherishing the sport that had been such a meaningful part of his life.

Beyond football, Harry found joy in life’s simple pleasures, which brought him just as much happiness as his accomplishments on the field. Sunday drives with Eileen, trips to Seaside Heights for sausage sandwiches, time on the farm at Wild Toad Stables, beekeeping, and sharing stories around the dining room table.

Harry went on to build a successful career as a sprinkler fitter with Union 692 and later founded his own business, Safe-T Fire Protection.

For nearly fifty years, Harry was a proud and grateful member of the Fellowship of Alcoholics Anonymous. As a Friend of Bill W., he carried the message of hope and recovery to countless others, offering compassion, wisdom, and an unwavering example of living one day at a time.

Harry is survived by his loving wife of forty-eight years, Eileen Bruckno; his children, Kimberle, Gregory, Timothy and his wife, Rachael, Elizabeth and her partner, Troy, and Brigette; his daughter-in-law Rachel; and he was the proud grandfather to Joshua, Grace, Gabrielle, Aubrey, Harrison, Cooper, and Francesca.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his son, Joseph Caione; his brother, Ronald Bruckno; and his in-laws, Terence and Doris McSweeney.

He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who knew and loved him.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105).

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, August 23, 2025, at Henry Funeral Home in Staunton with Reverend Tom Collins officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at 1:00 PM.

Inurnment will be held at a later date.