Bruno Antonio LaBella, 89, of Wantagh, New York, passed away on October 31, 2024, surrounded by his loving family.
Bruno, often known as Tony, was born to parents Gennaro and Theresa on July 9, 1935, in Sant’Angelo A Fasanella, province of Salerno, Italy. In 1955, he completed his technical degree in Naples at the Marconi Institute and began his career as a radio officer in the Italian Merchant Marines on board the S/S Morelli.
In 1958, at the age of 23, he immigrated to the United States and pursued a career with RCA Communications, later known as MCI. Throughout his career, Bruno was a part of the many changes in communications, from the Marconi Morse Code to the high technology of satellite communications. One of his most memorable experiences was his participation in the space program. His unit, called “the Ground Support Team,” supported the Apollo II Mission, which aided the first landing of man on the lunar surface. For his participation, Bruno was awarded a beautiful medallion from NASA for his dedication and vigilance. The medallion is made up of actual metal from the spacecraft “Eagle” that made the historic first landing on the moon. After thirty years with RCA/MCI, where he attained the position of Manager of Technical Operations, Bruno retired at the age of 60.
After his retirement in 1995, to keep busy, Bruno studied to get his real estate license and worked for ProRealty as a salesman and an appraiser. He then also drove a bus for elementary school children which was his most favorite post retirement job. In his free time, Bruno played soccer for as long as he could remember. He was a member of the Italian-American Soccer League and has refereed soccer games for the L.I. Referee Association. Bruno was also a member of the Giovanni Caboto Lodge since 1987 and proudly served as President for several years. He participated in many cultural and volunteer events and was honored for his generosity and leadership for the several years he served.
He was most known for his strong devotion to his family, as a loving father to his two daughters, Diana and Sandra, and as a beloved Nonno to his three grandchildren, Samantha, Nicole, and Caden.
Bruno’s personality brought happiness to everyone he met. His warmth and kindness made everyone just love him, and his passing will be deeply mourned. Bruno’s memory will remain in the hearts of his family, friends, and all who knew him.
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