Bruno Molinari

Bruno Molinari, of Sanibel Island and Pelham Manor, NY,  age 87, passed away peacefully on April 10th due to complications of Alzheimer’s. He was born in Paris France, to Giovanni and Maria Molinari, on November 22, 1930. During WWII the Germans burned down the family home and factory, and with no food or money, the family moved back to the Parma region of Italy. Although Bruno never officially served in the military he was part of the Italian resistance, helping the Americans in the war effort. They spied on the Germans as they advanced through Italy, stealing their armament and either giving it to the American GI’s or blowing up bridges and roads to stop the German advancement. He escaped being sent to Dachau prison due to his involvement in the resistance. Many other Italians were not so lucky. After the war, and a two year wait to receive an American visa, his mother sent him to New York City to start a new life. There he met his wife, Elena and was married on January 29th, 1954.  He also started his 45 year career, serving as General Manager at the original Palm Restaurant, NYC until his retirement.

Bruno is predeceased by his wife of 35 years and is survived by his children Adria (Woody) Appleby of Davidson, NC, John (Isabella) of Blue Ridge, Ga.,  and his three grandchildren Brandon Burrows, Christina and Michael. Bruno will be remembered as a loving family man who sacrificed for his family, taught his children to work hard, be honest and to always put your family first. He will also be remembered as a fun loving, smiling, hard worker, a loyal friend and a great poker player! He never said a bad thing about anyone. In lieu of flowers, a donation to Camp Blue Skies, 1101 Queens Road West, Charlotte NC 28207 would be greatly appreciated. The burial will be at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Hawthorne, NY, at 1:00 on Friday, April 20. Immediately following the internment, the family will receive guests at Casaletto’s Restaurant, Elmsford, NY, for a celebration of Bruno’s life.

HAWTHORNE FUNERAL HOME

21 West Stevens Ave

Hawthorne, New York 10532

914-769-4404