William M. ((Billy Martin)) Bruno

William M. Bruno (Billy Martin) 87, of Shelton, passed away on Saturday, July 6, 2024 after a long illness.

Son of the late Nicola & Jenny Fazio Bruno, Bill was the youngest of nine children.

He served in the Connecticut National Guard for 9 years and then went on to earn his degree in Education from Southern Connecticut State University.  Bill was a middle school teacher at the Prendergast School in the Ansonia School system for over 30 years. However, it is his artistry as a jazz pianist for which he will be fondly remembered.  Under his stage name, Billy Martin, and with his band, The Bill Martin Trio/Quartet, he worked at many New Haven area restaurants of the time including DelMonaco’s, Poor Lads, The Park Plaza, Les Shaws, House of Cards, and the Seven Gables.  Bill was a fixture at the former 500 Blake Street restaurant piano for 20 years up until his retirement. In his later years, Bill joined his talents with other musicians of his era to form the band, The Ovations.  Playing the piano was not only his gift, but a gift to all those who were lucky enough to hear him play.

Bill is survived by his son, William (Diane) Bruno, grand-daughter Domenica Bruno, his longtime partner, Barbara Cervero, her children Jesika (Michael) DeMatteo, Gabrielle (Paolo) Sellari and Kristopher (Mandy) Bekalowicz; grand-children, Tyler Willoughby, Daniella DeMatteo, Matteo and Gianluca Sellari, and Blake and Bailey Bekalowicz, as well as many nieces, nephews and friends. He was predeceased by his wife, Maria Bruno, brothers, Nicholas, Harry, Fred, John, and Buddy, and sisters, Rita Clark, Teresa Bruno, and Marie Marchitto.

The family would like to thank Bill’s caregivers, especially George Onuegbu and Claudine Thermidor for their painstaking care, friendship and support.

 A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday July 12, 2024, in St. Joseph’s Church, Shelton. Interment of cremains will follow in St. Lawrence Cemetery. Friends may greet the family at church from 8:15 to the time of Mass.

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