All stories will be posted here after they have been seen and approved by the Bruno Family

My bishop. He and I learned to trust a bit more because we needed to trust the other when neither wanted to. I learned more deeply that Love always leads because he lead with love. I lost count of the number of pilgrims who walked and prayed in the Holy Land because he made it possible, including me, three of my own children, and so many young adults and teen youth. May the angels greet him.

— Keli Grace Kurtz

A number of years ago during one of my CPE units at Good Samaritan Hospital, one day as I arrived Bishop Bruno was there visiting his sister. He asked me to go to the chapel and bring him the oil of chrism, which I did promptly. I then went to All Soul's Chapel to pray. It turned out his sister passed away later that day. What I remember most is that Bishop Bruno remembered this and thanked me at each of several occasions. He didn't have to do that but I have always appreciated his regard for small acts as well as larger ones. Of course, I also remember fondly the garden parties, his hospitality and good humor, among many other things, some of which many people will have experienced in their own ways.

— Doug Hezlep

Very fond memories of Bishop Jon (then Father Jon) at St. Patrick's church in Thousand Oaks, CA. He lead our youth group with such love, strength and grace. I will never forget during a retreat when I had cut my leg on a bed frame. Before I left to go get stitches, Father Jon carried me up a long flight of steps to the large meeting area. Then he carried me back down when it was time for me to leave. He was always such a caring, thoughtful and gentle man. It was a great retreat, despite the stitches!. About 11 years later, in 1988, Father Jon married my husband and me at St. Patrick's. It was a beautiful service and I will never forget that day. He will always hold a special place in my heart.

— Karen Dickey Kralik

Jon you as my best friend and more like a brother than my own brother. We fish a lot and hunted occasionally. One time we fished at Crescent Lake and got caught n a white out snow storm in the middle of the lake. It snowed so hard that we couldn’t see 5 feet in front of our face, and Jon was so worried about how we were going to get back to camp, until Jon caught a fish and then he wasn’t worried anymore. Another time I took a group of guys, including Jon to fish in Eastern Oregon. We got a late start because of Jon and to make camp at an old Indian encampment called Glass Butte. I had brought a bunch of big thick steaks, and I started a small fire to cook the steaks but it started to rain. Jon said”I can’t wait any longer “ and picked up this 2” raw steak and devoured it with blood running down his chin. The next day we caught our limit of beautiful trout in a small stream. I began cooking them and Jon ate 25 by himself. That man loved his food. With Jon’s passing, I will have an ache in my heart that will never go away. But we all know Jon is in a better place and we will all see him again someday.

— Rick Allison

I must say " we " not I , lost a loving friend, mentor and a Prophetic voice that was needed in our time. Jon was a man for all seasons. We laughed together, cried together and acted upon principles that were not popular. Not only speaking out for LGBTQ issues, but also embracing Palestinians and Israelis in their quest for Peace. He made " good trouble " and his legacy will live on forever. God Bless you Mary. Much love

— Steven Jacobs

+Jon had a huge heart for indigenous ministry, and was quick to make friends with Archbishop Hui Vercoe and Archbishop Brown Turei in their time as leaders of the church in Aotearoa. Because of these relationships, many of us were able to visit and be hosted at the Cathedral Centre in Echo Park over the last two decades and still remember Bishop Jon’s immense hospitality and manaakitanga.

+Jon took a huge interest in the development of young Māori leaders in our Province, and took great pride in being able to host our rangatahi whenever they travelled through LA.

In 2017, on my first visit as a new Bishop, +Jon gave me a gold "healing hands" pin that he said he had worn for the entire 17 years of his episcopacy. I later wore that same pin at the electoral college for Te Pihopa o Aotearoa. He was thrilled when I told him I'd been elected, and insisted that it was because of that pin.

He later gifted me the cope and mitre he wore when he was ordained as a bishop, couriered to me by his great friend and mine, Fr Michael Cunningham. I didn't feel like I deserved that at all, but felt humbled to know that +Jon saw something in me and us that he connected with. He later told me that "Māori are humble, and serving, and fearsome, and strong, and loving. I hope you might see that in me as well."

We saw all of that in you and more, +Jon. It's sad to know that you passed away yesterday. If not for covid, we would have had more chances to visit, and gossip, and plan, and pray. Thank you for all that you gave, and by your inspiration continue to give.

Our hearts go out to +Jon's beloved wife Mary and their family, to the Diocese of LA and our friends +John Taylor, +Diane Bruce and their families, to Fr Michael Cunningham and all our friends and whānau who were raised, supported, and empowered by the ministry of +Jon. He was one of the greats and we're going to miss him terribly.

Moe mai e te rangatira e Jon i tō moenga roa. Moe mai rā i roto i te aroha me te rangimārie.

— Thomas Tipene

I was sorry to hear of Bishop Bruno's passing. I am grateful to have known him these many years. Ironically, he remembered me every time I would show up in LA, and he was not my Bishop. May he rest in the bosom of God in everlasting glory. Pray for his family for peace and comfort during these difficult times of adjustment.

— T Vincent Jang

So many memories with Bishop Bruno! As a young postulant he encouraged me, and I felt him embrace my ministry wholeheartedly as I proceeded to ordination, which helped empower me to truly serve God's people. Thank you Bishop Jon. Rest well, good and faithful servant of God.

— Melissa Campbell-Langdell

Tomorrow, we celebrate the life of the giant of a man – in heart and body – he was a police officer before he was our Bishop, and he visited us at camp one year, towering over even our tallest campers.

He and the two biggest men in the camp (and these guys were BIG) locked arms and showed us how we as the hands of God in this world, when we are united together like the fingers of two hands entwined vs. closed fists, cannot be pulled apart even by the strongest forces.

Many of the campers will remember that lesson forever, and it embodies why Trinity Church Camp exists and why people like Jon were put on this earth with us.

— Steven Austin

Jon was a big man, with a bigger heart, filled with deep compassion, unending love, and heart-filled understanding. He always contributed in a way that he thought was for the highest good for all, leaving the world a little lighter, a little brighter and a little better. I am sure heaven is rejoicing at the return of this beautiful soul.
Sending our deepest sympathy and love to the Bruno family, knowing how much they will miss this magnificent man!

— Rosemary and Glenn Montana and Wiener

My family always knew him as Father Jon, a Catholic tic we could never get rid of, and which he never seemed to mind. There was nothing on earth like being folded in his magnificent embrace: large, comforting, joyous and something I expect heaven will be like. While we did not see him nearly enough in his later years, I’m sure we are not alone in being immoderately grateful for the times we got our share of his glorious energy and grace. I was blessed to be alive at the same time he inhabited this world. My love to Mary and the family, and everyone else who was as lucky.

— David Link

I met you when I was just a kid because you were good friends with my Dad and then when I got older and I had lost my Dad you gave me the memories that I did not have of my Dad and you told me stories of him and told me how much he loved me and what a good role model he was. Then when my girls were about to be 1 you baptized them which meant more to me than you will ever know.

— Cordelia Bohreer

My wife and I are eternally grateful for the love and support we received from Bishop Jon. There are so many wonderful memories that come to mind. The first time we met, which was at the Bishop's Ball, sharing a meal at Taix, an amazing pilgrimage to the Holy Land, his powerful sermon at my ordination and so many more. The story I tell most when I share about Bp. Jon was the time he shepherded me through one of the most difficult times in my life, personally and in my priesthood. Following a difficult call in a different diocese he helped me transition to a new parish and move back to LA. In that same month my daughter was born and my wife suffered a severe stroke. Bishop Jon was enduring his own challenges as he ran the diocese and at the time was quarantined in the hospital receiving cancer treatment. It was a challenging time for both of us to say the least. During the most difficult period of that journey Bishop Jon selflessly called me every day for several weeks from his hospital bed to check-in. It was his love and support that helped me get through. He embodied Christ's love and lived Christ's love and shared Christ's love with me and my family. Because of that I will forever strive to emulate that kind of loving-kindness with others. Thank you.

— Brian O'Rourke

I’ll always remember how Jon reached out to me shortly after my father died. Out of the blue Jon called and asked if I would like to join him for lunch. When we got together we talked about the relationship between fathers and sons and the shared expectations in those relationships. He assured me of the love my father had for me and how that would never die even though he was no longer physically present in my life. Jon knew how to comfort and offer hope of a brighter day and I was blessed to have had an opportunity to know him.

— Michael Hughes

Jon Bruno was a walking tower of unconditional love.

My family and many friends were blessed to be part of his journey to ordination, from 1977 to his consecration as Bishop of Los Angeles, and beyond. Through it all he was present and willing to participate in the intimate celebrations of our lives. He officiated at my wedding, the ordination and consecration of my brother, Brian Seage, the baptism of my daughters, my parents' 50th anniversary, and more. Quiet moments in private counsel, joyous moments of raucous community.

My fellow YPF members at St. Patrick's Episcopal Church in Thousand Oaks knew, even then, through adolescent cluelessness, how blessed we were to have Jon in our lives. He profoundly impacted our perceptions of ourselves and one another because he was simply present.

We are holding Mary Bruno, Jonelle Bruno, Phillip Bruno and the entire family in our hearts today.

I will love you forever, Jon. Be at peace.

— Leslie Sage

Rest in piece my friend, in my heart you will be remembered as a gentle giant. I just saw you a couple days before, never knowing that God would be calling you this soon. If God grants me heaven, I will see you again.

— Fernando Hernandez

I had the great fortune of meeting Papa Jon in the summer of 2011 when I accompanied him and amazing group of other SoCal teens to the Holy Land. Over the course of several weeks, our little group became a family, with Papa becoming an unofficial grandfather to us all. There are too many wonderful memories from that trip to narrow them down here but looking back almost a decade later it’s hard to put into words how much that trip changed my life, and how much it continues to change me - and a lot of that was due to Papa. He not only helped me find my faith in God but helped me grow my faith in myself. When my own grandfather passed shortly after that trip, Papa was a source of comfort and wisdom and faith again as I navigated the understanding of what comes next for those we love, just as find myself doing again now. My favorite memory of Papa, however, has to be my graduation from Campbell Hall in 2013 when I had the immense honour of receiving the Bishops Award from him. In his presentation of the award he said many many kind things, but the one thing I will never forget was when he said something along the lines of the first time we met I had stolen his heart - because Papa truly had done the same for me. It has sadly been a few years since I last got to see Papa in person, but the best thing about Papa was knowing he was always there, cheering you on even from afar. It was a great privilege to not only know him, but benefit from his wisdom and love. I know he will be waiting for us all on the other side with that iconic big smile and a big bear hug when our time comes. Sending my love and prayers to the entire Bruno family - thank you for sharing Papa with us all these years. His memory will forever be a blessing.

— Caroline Alford

This is a story shared by our friend Jack Plimpton, who preceded Bishop Bruno in death by a few years. Jack was Jon's utmost defender and friend.
Jack's life partner was Bob Kettlehack, the first priest in our Diocese to die of AIDS. Jon came to visit Jack and Bob when Bob was very ill and could hardly stand. As he hugged and greeted them both with loving arms, which did not happen in those early days of AIDS, Bob had to go upstairs to bed. Jon Bruno lifted Bob in his arms, and carried him upstairs to bed. Jack shared this story and said he never forgot the sight of Jon carrying Jack's beloved to his bed. This picture, and this kind, simple act of love has stayed with me more than 30 years since Jack shared the story. Thank God for the life of Jon Bruno and his acts of loving kindness.

— Marsha Van Valkenburg

Bishop Bruno was a man of extraordinary courage, compassion, and faith. He was a visionary who sent me to a transform an empty church into an outreach ministry center at St. Michael's Riverside. He said, "By the way, there is no money for this work. The people you are going to serve don't have any money either, but they need a place to be welcomed. Many of your people struggle to survive without the basics to do so." As a priest ordained only a few weeks earlier, I asked him how he saw this project moving forward. He said to "get in my car, drive out to Riverside, and let the Holy Spirit help me figure it out." It never occurred to me to say no. He made it sound so easy. His faith was mountainous. It has inspired a team of us to spend the last nine years building a new community where everyone is welcome. With god's help, we are about to break ground at the church for a new apartment building with 50 units in it. He was right. When we accept the commission, God provides the way for it to happen. I was so hoping he would be there to see his vision come to fruition. He was not afraid to dream big and to act boldly.I give thanks to God for his life and for his courageous ministry. Many blessings and much love to all the members of the Bruno family.

— Mary Crist

We didn’t know Jon a long time but learned to love he and Mary while being next door neighbors in LaQuinta. We will miss his warm and caring personality and friendship.

— Jim and Carol Wallace

It was a very proud moment in Febraury 2003 to be installed by Bishop J. Jon Bruno as President for Epsicopal Church Women for the Diocese of Los Angeles. Bishop Jon continually gave me strength and confident as a young woman teaching me the power of prayer as a Sister leader for the board of officers then and on today as ECW Provincial and National leader. His advice was not always my first choice. I am not quite sure when it occured, maybe at a Diocesan Council, meeting when he called me the Brat! Boy, he got my attention, and I remember looking right at him with surprise! But then.... I saw that twinkle in his eye. His respect for the women officers serving the Women's Ministries gave them pride and inspiration. What a gift when Bishop Jon and Mary opened their Rectory for beautiful events. When Bishop Jon surprised me as an Honorary Canon, I was sparked through Bishop Jon, with the Grace of God forever.

— Martha Estes

Papa Jon... Where do I begin?

Words will never be sufficient of how much I love and respect I have for you. There are so many great memories with you. I had to narrow down into two of my favorite memories.

I never been to an amusement park and Papa Jon made that happen when i was 12-13 years of age. He took the whole family to Disney Land and it is one of my most cherished memories. My smile was from ear to ear and my mind couldn't process if this is reality or a dream. After this Disneyland trip with my family, this is when i realized what is the true value of having a family.. Hopefully (inshallah) one day will take my wife and kids to the Disneyland and they experience what i had with Papa Jon.


One of my favorite celebration of Christmas and New Years was with the Bruno's. We had an amazing food, exchanged many funny stories we experienced and just talked all night. After dinner, we all went out as a family whether for Christmas shopping or getting dessert. I recall Papa Jon and i sitting in his Ford Explorer and asks me "Hey kiddo, what do you want for your birthday?" (my birthday was new years).. And me being a kid, i sarcastically said an xBox 360.. Papa Jon, being Papa Jon, said "Say no more" and i find myself in Best Buy carrying my new xBox 360.. i was speechless and could not express how I felt.. All i thought of is that my dad is going to kill me for what I just done..

Papa Jon was a giver, full of generosity and a true gentleman. He always wanted to make sure that everyone is happy. " if you are happy I am happy" is what he used to say and this phrase has caught on in my life.. Thank you Papa Jon for all of the wonderful memories you have given us. Thank you for touching us with your big warm heart. Thank you for making a pilgrimage to Jerusalem and crossing our paths; for you have definitely impacted us. Thank you for giving Hope in this world. Thank you for all of your ministries around the world that you have given. Thank you Papa Jon for your hospitality and endless love and care you have given us.

You will forever hold an important place in my heart. May your soul rest in peace, and God has opened the gate of heavens for He is welcoming an angel.

— Rami Qumri

I am so very grateful to Bishop Bruno for many reasons. When being received into the Anglican Fold Bishop Bruno was present. I identified with this man immediately. I as well came from an Italian Roman Catholic Immigrant family and also had a history of Blue Uniform for twenty years (albeit in a television studio.) What is most important and memorable for me was his example , a man's example He stood up for me and helped me through a very difficult period when no one else would including my local Episcopal Parish.

— Robert Amore

Thank you for allowing me to be part of this moment .
Bless you all.

— Gilbert Barrera

Jon Bruno you will be greatly missed my friend!!! Jon you are one of the greatest human beings i have every met! From day one you made me feel the love in your heart which gave comfort to my soul! Thank you for sharing all your wisdom with me and listening to me ramble on lol!! I will always remember your last words to me(I love you brother!!!!) Jon the way you loved Mary and family made me want to be a better husband, better dad, and most importantly a better human being! until we meet again!! I love you brother!!!

— Robert Moore

There was no finer bishop and friend than Jon. In all my 47 years as a priest, I have never known anyone in Holy Orders who more exemplified, who more closely lived the life of Christ. I will always remember him at the altar.

— John Crean

Hi. I am canine Canon Episcopooch Ellie.

On Blessing of the Animals day at Saint James South Pasadena I get to be Bishop Ellie and lead the parade. The real Bishop, Bishop Bruno, was my friend. When I was still a pup Bishop Bruno welcomed me to come to the Cathedral Center of St. Paul to hang out whenever I wanted to. Eventually I was there almost every day. My job was to greet Bishop Bruno by sitting politely and extending my paw for his special handshake. I remember he had really big hands but they were so gentle. Eventually I learned that I had a special gift in comforting some of the people who came to see Bishop Bruno without really knowing what their burdens were. Bishop Bruno allowed me to be special and help in my own way. Bishop Bruno changed my life and I am now a certified therapy dog helping young children with disabilities and grownups too. My friends Lena and BEAN and I already miss Bishop Bruno and it’s only been a few days since he went to heaven. I am sure he is having fun with Rico and Murry, and when I get to heaven he will introduce me to them and shake my paw again. Maybe he will also introduce me to Saint Francis! That is something special to look forward to. I have been one lucky pooch to have been a friend of Bishop Bruno.

— Love Ellie Tumilty

When the General Convention was held in Minneapolis at which the VOTE on the ordination of women was to be held, I drove a motorhome with 10 or 12 high school young people to be present for that historic event. The day Massey Shepherd conducted that vote....the time of final decision....those moments...are some of the most extraordinary & memorable of my personal spiritual life. I will never forget them, but what I will also never forget is that, afterwards, in all the emotional awareness of the hugely consequential event we had watched & endured, the youth went off to their place & I returned by myself to the motorhome on the parking lot. About 30 minutes after I got there, to my total surprise, there was a knock at my door, and when I opened the door there was seminary student Jon Bruno. "I was concerned that you might be agonizing over what just happened, and thought I'd bring this bottle of wine and sit with you a while!".... That is what he said...and then came in and we talked for over an hour, finished the wine, and opened the door on a friendship I will never forget!
YEARS later, when I was serving the congregation of Christ the King in Palmdale....a group of less than 20 at that time....in March of 2009, when I celebrated the 40th anniversary of my ordination, BISHOP Jon Bruno made it a point to be with us for the celebration just to recognize my 40th...ALL the way out in the high desert with that tiny congregation!!!
Three or four years later, at the fall Clergy Conference, after one of the worship times, I went to greet Bp. Bruno, and as we walked I commented on my appreciation of the scripture readings as they came from THE MESSAGE...how much they were meaningful and easy to appreciate....and I said something to the effect of "I'm gonna have to get a copy of that book now that Peterson has done the whole Bible," Jon stopped & put his hand on my shoulder and said, "Jimmy, you mean you don't have a copy of THE MESSAGE??" He guided me over to the tables where the Diocesan Bookstore had a display, spoke to the woman who was there, and said, "Fr. Seipel needs a copy of THE MESSAGE. You have one here, don't you?" She reached over and picked up one in a nearby box. He took it from her, handed it to me, then turned back to her and said, "He'll take this one. Just put it on my bill." I was speechless, but he said, "Now you can read it anytime you want to.".....I said thank you a hundred times, but he was already walking on to his next engagement.
THAT is the Bishop Jon Bruno I knew and loved very, very much!!

— Jim Seipel

Dick Wagner was inspired and excited to serve under Bishop Jon. I loved the retired spouses' lunches dear Mary hosted. Mary, you are joining a journey that never ends, but is a testimony of the love you and Jon, and Dick and I shared. It's hard, but grief will have its way, and keep them close, in God's way.

Additionally, not a picture, but a vision: Dick Wagner and Larry Steele are now sharing the Heavenly Banquet with their Bishop Jon.

— Joan Wagner

Jon was there for my family as a pastor when my younger son was going through his roughest patches after his "summer of bad decisions" and he was there for me as a brother-in-the-struggle through General Conventions and Lambeth Conference and innumerable confabs and conferences as we struggled to make "full and equal claim" for LGBTQ people not just a resolution we passed but a reality we live in this church. La lucha continua ... the struggle continues ... but we are without a doubt further along down the path because of the work and witness of J. Jon Bruno.

Dodger Games and Garden Parties; Clergy Conferences and Conventions; Protest Marches and Pride Parades ... the scrapbook is full of photos and the heart is full of memories on this day we celebrate his life and grieve his passing. May his memory be for a blessing and may we be given the grace to continue his legacy of love, justice and compassion in our beautiful and broken world.

— Susan Russell

My memories of Jon are many -- from the first time he met me he made me feel as though I had a life-long friend. Remembering my name after one encounter was just one of the many wonderful gifts Jon had and that he freely shared with all who knew him. I'll never forget at one House of Bishop''s meeting I was sitting next to him. He was talking and when he went to make a point by opening his arms wide he accidentally knocked me in the face and bent my glasses. The next day we were driving back to the airport and he stopped at the office of an eye doctor and asked if they could fix my glasses. When they did, he asked them how much he owed them -- they said nothing. He shook the doctor's hand and expressed his deep gratitude and we were on our way -- me with repaired glasses! He was always taking care of people and making sure they had whatever they needed. He was a true friend and colleague -- I learned so much from him.

— Diane Jardine Bruce

I've so many wonderful memories of +Jon, sacred and silly. One of my favorite silly moments was at his step-son's wedding reception when Jon got us all to hang spoons from our noses. With great joy and a twinkle in his eyes, Jon hung spoons from his nose, his chin, his cheeks and his ears.

— Karen Maurer

I was so fortunate to join Bishop Jon and Mary on a Palestine Pilgrimage in 2007. Every holy place was made holier not only by Jon's insights but by Mary's presence as well. We were often awed to silence by walking in places where Jesus walked.

— Karen Telleen-Lawton

There are no words to adequately express how much Jon was loved and will be missed. I could go on and on about what Jon and Mary have done for us over the years and what their love has meant to us. Simply put... they are a part of our family and we could not love them more.

— Angela and Lester Mackenzie

Jon never let me forget that when he was at Virginia Seminary in the homiletics class, I was a homiletics listener there to give feedback. I listen to his sermon and I told him it was the worst sermon that ever heard. We laughed a lot about that. During his seminary years my daughter, Elizabeth, was one of the Bruno children's babysitter.

After years in different places we began to see each other at the House of Bishops. Jon and Mary are among Gods chosen people.

— Mary Page Jones

I’ve wrestled over the past week with how to honor a man who arguably has impacted my life more than any other. Bishop J. Jon Bruno was suddenly taken from us, leaving a massive hole in so many lives.

Those who know my life in ministry know that I have melted down more than once. There have been times I didn’t want to live, much less serve the church in its various forms.

In 2005, after the first such meltdown, Bishop Bruno entered my world. He was larger than life in so many ways; a professional athlete, a police officer, a priest and bishop whose tireless efforts to be a voice for the voiceless often put him both in the spotlight and in the crosshairs. He accepted both praise and criticism with the same irrepressible grace, an attribute I have seen nowhere else.

On multiple occasions, that grace was tested as it relates to me. He championed my rise from the ministry ash heap to ordination as a priest. He jumped in the middle of my struggles when they occurred and, when it was within his authority to do so, gently but firmly guided me toward health and wholeness.

When my 14 years of ministry in the Episcopal Church came to an unceremonious end, the heaviest of weights I bore was the knowledge that I had failed to live up to his hope for my ministry.

On what would have been the 12th anniversary of my ordination to the diaconate, I reached out to Bishop Bruno, thanking him for all he had done for me and apologizing that my failure had forever ended my ministry.

He responded at 3:35am, a time of day he set aside to spend in prayer, with the text attached here:

“Ministry is NEVER over! You are a beautiful creation of God! Mistakes do require that you forgive yourself and move on in a new direction! Love is a Gift from God where we grow and move on! A new Life awaits us all, be at peace!

Pax et Bonum”

The man who most deserved to be irreconcilably disappointed in me instead showed once more the grace that made him so special to so many. His last words to me will be framed on the wall of wherever I call home as a reminder to never give up on life… or to define ministry only as what is done wearing a clerical collar.

I can’t believe you are gone, my friend, but I will strive, with God’s help, to recover a life that has meaning. Thank you for never failing to believe in the potential of every human being. May your life be honored through those who carry your heart with us every day.

Until we meet again…

— Michael Archer