If You Know Bill Bruno, You Won't Want To Miss This Party

If you are friends with, were a former student, an opposing coach or just someone who wants to wish him well, your attendance is requested at a retirement party for Bill Bruno, according to his longtime friend Dennis D’Andrea.

Bruno is retiring from his position as athletic director at Brick Memorial High School as of Oct. 1 and becoming an assistant director at the New Jersey Interscholastic Athletic Association.

While the Brick Township School District is holding a formal retirement party for Bruno in the coming weeks, D’Andrea -- a former wrestling coach at Brick Memorial and Manalapan and the head coach at St. John Vianney -- said the party he is organizing is one he’s hoping all of Bruno’s family and friends will attend.

“We want to honor Bill for all the years he has given to so many kids and so many fellow coaches,” said D’Andrea, who has known Bruno for 44 years. In addition to his years in the Brick school district, Bruno was at Manalapan, CBA, Asbury Park, Pinelands and Howell, D’Andrea said. “This could easily turn into a roast,” he said.

“Bill Bruno is just a good guy! A tireless worker,” D’Andrea said, noting Bruno’s most recent honor as the New Jersey Athletic Director of the Year for 2014.

D’Andrea said the retirement party is scheduled for 2 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 4, at the Brick PAL building, 60 Drum Point Road.

Dress will be casual. Seating will be determined as you stroll in. There will be a hot and cold buffet, beer, wine and soft drinks along with coffee, tea, and cake. The cost is $35 per person.

If you are a former student, a former athlete, or a friend, you can contact D’Andrea by email at dennydandrea@verizon.net or call him at 732-278-7276, or send a check payable to Denny D’Andrea, 213 Essex Drive, Brick, NJ 08723.