Anthony Bruno

Anthony Joseph Bruno (born January 26, 1927; died February 16, 2019) was a former Senior Vice President of Bruno's, his family's grocery store change, and the former Chairman and CEO of Big B, Inc.

Bruno, known as "Mr. Anthony" to many, was a younger brother of Joe Bruno, founder of the Bruno's grocery store that would go on to become the state's largest grocery store chain. Bruno served in the U.S. Army in World War II.

He was a World War II Army Veteran, a long-time member of St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church, and a member of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulcher of Jerusalem.

Anthony or "Mr. Anthony" as many called him, along with his siblings was raised working in a small grocery store founded by his oldest brother, Joe. After being discharged from the Army, Anthony, alongside his brothers began expanding their business, which ultimately became the dominant grocery store chain in Alabama and one of the largest private employers in the state. Anthony served as Senior Vice President of Bruno's Inc. overseeing store operations and real estate development. In 1976 Bruno's expanded their drugstore concept with the creation of Big B Drugs, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Bruno's, Inc. Anthony served as Chairman and CEO of Big B, Inc., after its public offering in 1980, and grew the company to almost 400 stores in five southeastern states. Propelled by Anthony's entrepreneurial spirit, strong work ethic, and natural leadership abilities, Big B Drugs became a powerful and innovative force in the drugstore industry. In 1997 Big B, Inc. merged with one of the largest drug store chains in the country, and Anthony embarked on an active retirement dedicated to family and friends.

He continued to serve on several corporate and philanthropic boards, staying in touch with many of the people who had worked for him. He took great joy in those relationships and continued to be a valued mentor and guide. As much as Anthony enjoyed business, what he loved most was his family. He kept his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren close, always taking part in the activities surrounding them. He had a quick wit, an infectious smile, guiding wisdom, and a loyal and compassionate heart. He will be deeply missed. The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the dedicated caregivers for their compassionate care and support in his final days. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, February 19, 2019 from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. at St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church in Hoover with a Funeral Mass following at 10:00 a.m. Burial at Elmwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to St. Peter's Building and Maintenance Fund.

Anthony is preceded in death by his wife of 58 years, Marianne Timbrello, his parents, Vincent and Maria Theresa, his sisters Theresa and Mary, and his brothers Joe, Sam, Lee, Ben, and Angelo. He is survived by his son James (Theresa), three daughters, Donna, Deborah, and Elizabeth Folsom (Drew); six grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren.

Published in The Birmingham News on Feb. 20, 2019