[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 146 (Monday, October 3, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1739]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING MATHEW A. BRUNO

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JEFF DENHAM

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, October 3, 2011

  Mr. DENHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge and honor the 
life of a beloved leader in the Modesto community, Mathew A. Bruno. 
Matt was born in Akron, Ohio, on December 25, 1943, and passed away 
surrounded by his family on September 19, 2011, in Modesto, California.
  In 1946, at the age of 3, he and his family moved to Ripon, 
California. Growing up in Ripon he farmed peaches, almonds, and grapes 
with his father Tony and his two brothers Joe and Ed. Matt graduated 
from Ripon High School in 1961. In 1966, he left the family farming 
operation, and bought La Loma Liquors in Modesto.
  Matt married Barbara Claypool in 1967, and together they owned and 
operated La Loma Liquors until they sold the business in 1972. Matt 
then purchased Turlock Appliance Center, and one year later purchased 
Miller Dairy Supply. In 1974, he merged the two companies to form 
Turlock Dairy & Refrigeration, Inc., a 65-employee company on South 
Walnut Road that played a key role in the expansion of dairy farming in 
the area. With Turlock Dairy & Refrigeration, Matt focused the business 
on dairy construction, dairy equipment, and dairy refrigeration. Matt 
loved all things agriculture and owned several other agriculture-
related businesses through the years.
  ``He always put his customers and employees first,'' said son Tony 
Bruno. ``He always told my brother and me that the only thing we could 
offer as a company is to have good service.''
  Throughout their 44 years of marriage, Matt and Barbara enjoyed 
traveling together and entertaining their many friends at their home. 
Matt loved tending his garden at home and sharing the bounty with 
anyone and everyone. He was very generous in every aspect of life; 
always ready to give to someone in need, whether they be in need of 
money, food, time, or a drink. ``You can't walk on one leg!'' is what 
Matt would say if you tried to leave after having only one glass of 
wine. He was the most gracious host and loved being surrounded by 
people. In fact, Matt's greatest joy was spending time with his family 
and friends, especially his three grandchildren.
  Mr. Bruno and his wife, Barbara, often held a fund-raising dinner for 
the Education Foundation of Stanislaus County. He also was involved 
with the Center for Human Services, the Memorial Hospital Foundation 
and other causes.
  Matt is preceeded in death by his parents Tony and Martha Bruno and 
his brother Joe Bruno. He is survived by his wife Barbara Bruno, his 
son Tony (Gretta) Bruno, his son Mathew (Natalie) Bruno, and his three 
grandchildren Francesca, Matteo, and Rocco.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring Matt Bruno for his unwavering 
leadership, and recognizing his accomplishments and contributions. The 
life of Matt Bruno serves as an example of excellence to those in our 
community, and his legacy will not be soon forgotten.

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