In Memoriam: Red Bank-Raised RBC Grad, Karen Bruno, 57

Red Bank-raised Red Bank Catholic High School (RBC) graduate, Karen Bruno, passed away, after a long illness, in hospice in Naples, FL, on Nov. 16, surrounded by her loving family. She was 57.

“Karen was a loving, kind and outgoing person. Her beautiful smile would light up any room she entered, and her fun loving personality was a welcome embrace to everyone. Because of her easygoing and kind nature, Karen easily made friends wherever she went. She was especially close to her three siblings and enjoyed being a doting Aunt to her five nieces and nephews. Before her illness, Karen enjoyed life to the fullest! She loved being with her numerous friends. She loved the beach, walking and biking in the sunshine, going to the gym especially with her spin group, and she cherished her dog Jordan. Karen, a Jersey girl, loved the music of Bruce Springsteen whom she called a special gym buddy. She loved dancing and her family visits to St. Croix. Karen loved spending time with her family and family dinners. Her infectious laughter and kind loving spirit will be deeply missed.”
Loved ones of Karen Bruno in her obituary

She was born on the Fourth of July, 1967, in Red Bank N.J. to Barbara Beam Bruno and the late Dr. Anthony J. Bruno. The youngest of four, she was a lifelong resident of N.J., until her last years where she resided in Naples, Florida. Karen grew up in Lincroft, N.J. and then settling in Red Bank.

A 1985 graduate of RBC, she graduated from Wesley College in 1989 with a degree in business. After working for several years in the business world, Karen went on to pursue her true passion and earned her master’s degree in education at Monmouth University.

She spent the rest of her professional career as an elementary and high school special needs teacher within the Keansburg School District, leaving a legacy of helping students in need.

Karen is survived by: her loving mother, Barbara Beam Bruno, of the Lincroft section of Middletown, and Naples, FL; her adoring siblings, Jamie (Vince) Lombardo, of Camp Hill, PA, Michael (Bridget) Bruno, of Rumson, and Bill Bruno, of Naples, FL; her nieces and nephews, Ryan Lombardo (Erin), Brad Lombardo, A.J. Bruno, Brittany Bruno and Brooke Bruno.

A celebration of her life will be Friday, Nov. 22, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the John E. Day Funeral Home, 85 Riverside Avenue, Red Bank. A mass of christian burial will be at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 23, at St. James R.C. Church, 94 Broad Street, Red Bank, with interment immediately following at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, 100 Chapel Hill Road, Red Bank.

Donations in honor of Karen A. Bruno can be made to Avow Hospice, 1095 Whippoorwill Lane, Naples, FL 34105 or Alzheimer Support Network, 1421 Pine Ridge Road, Suite 100, Naples, Florida 34109.

— Edited obituary prepared by family via John E. Day Funeral Home