Dominic Bruno, third-generation farmer at Manorville’s Lenny Bruno Farms, dies

Steady, devoted and deeply rooted in the land he loved.

Dominic Michael Bruno, a third-generation farmer whose family built Lenny Bruno Farms on Wading River Road as a longtime fixture in Manorville, died peacefully Feb. 21 surrounded by his family. He was 71.

For many decades, the Bruno name has been tied to one of the area’s remaining family-run vegetable farms — a business founded by Dominic Bruno’s parents, Leonard, a World War II Navy veteran, and Mary, that grew from a traditional produce operation into a well-known farm stand and seasonal destination for East End families.

Born March 7, 1954, Bruno remained involved in the farm’s daily operations from childhood through his final days. The farm was central to his life and to the Bruno family for four generations.

Bruno attended LIU Post (formerly C.W. Post) and earned his MBA. He went on to build a career in the aerospace industry that spanned more than 40 years.

Yet even while working full time in aerospace, he remained active in the family farm’s operations, helping guide its growth and maintain its agricultural roots.

Others remembered Bruno’s personality and warmth.

“He was a great man and will be so missed,” wrote Janine Bliablias.

“We are so sorry for your loss — such a nice man with a beautiful smile and a wonderful family,” wrote Lucy Nowicki Sinacore of Stony Brook.

Among those offering condolences was Brookhaven Town Supervisor Dan Panico, who described Bruno as “the salt of the earth” and “a throwback in many ways.”

“He was the patriarch of one of the last local vegetable farming families that certainly took pride in his work,” Panico wrote. “He was a genuine man, a good man and a friend to so many people and the community.”

Over the years, Lenny Bruno Farms expanded beyond rows of vegetables to include greenhouses, seasonal flowers and fall offerings that became part of many local families’ traditions. Even as the region saw increasing development, the farm sustained a visible reminder of Manorville’s agricultural roots.

Dominic Bruno is survived by his wife of 46 years, Teresa; his children, Dominick, Anthony and Danielle; and his son-in-law, Rob. He was grandfather (“Papa”) to Frankie, Giada, Iyla, Lorenzo and Tony.

Bruno is also survived by his brother, Dana; his sisters, Debbie and Donna; and their spouses. He was predeceased by his parents.

Visitation honoring Bruno will be held Friday from 2-4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. at Moloney-Sinnicksons Funeral Home, located at 203 Main St. in Center Moriches. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Saturday at St. John the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church, 25 Ocean Ave. in Center Moriches.

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