Salvatore “Mike” Bruni, of Sumterville, Fla., was born on September 16, 2944, in St. Louis, Missouri to Saverio “Sam” Nino Bruni and Mary Elizabeth [Mahlman] Bruni. Less than two years later twin brothers Enrico “Rick” Guglielmo Bruni and Alessandro “Alex” Adolfo Bruni. They enjoyed a robust and dynamic childhood as three brothers so close in age might. All three were Eagle Scouts as was brother David Philip Bruni. David, Thomas Andrew Bruni and Theresa Maria Bruni were born later. Mike enjoyed part of his childhood with his cousins Tino and Sis in Birmingham, Michigan. He graduated from the Stella Niagara Cadet School in Lewiston, New York in 1958 and from Bishop Duffy High School in 1962. Mike graduated from The Citadel in 1966 and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the Army. He married Donna [Korpolinski] Bruni in 1967 with whom he had four daughters Michele Allen, Kimberly Crane, Jennifer Brandeen and Liz Amici. Mike and his daughters traveled the world while growing up in service of the Army, and spent weekends traveling and soaking in the local culture where Mike was stationed – on historical tours, volksmarches, skiing, or seeing the local sights, and making sure all of the memories were captured by the infamous videos taken and narrated by Mike. A lifelong warrior, Mike became a Special Forces officer serving as a Green Beret in combat in Southeast Asia. He had positions in leadership at Fort Holabird, Maryland; Fort Lewis, Washington; at the Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas; in Europe in Augsburg, Germany; at NATO Headquarters in Brussels, Belgium; in Berlin, Germany; and at the NATO Defense War College in Rome, Italy. Mike also served another tour in Asia in Misawa, Japan; and he had multiple tours at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. He met and married JoAnn Ringwald Bruni in Stillwater, Oklahoma, on June 30, 1989. They met in Berlin, Germany. Jo worked for the Department of Defense and Mike was Deputy Commander of Field Station Berlin. He was transferred in from Misawa, Japan where he served as Commander of Field Station Misawa. He had five total commands. Mike taught JROTC at Star Spencer High School in Oklahoma when he retired from active duty until he really retired. He has one stepdaughter, Lea Ann Ratliff of Oklahoma City, OK and a stepson, William Larry (Abby) Ratliff, Jr. who died before Mike met him. After retiring they spent several winters on South Padre Island in Texas traveling extensively in their RV around the United States. They traveled to Florida to spend Spring Break 2008 with his four daughters and decided to stay. Living in their RV for 3 years at Florida Grande Motor Coach Resort in Webster, Florida they then bought a Cottage in Sumterville, Florida. Mike revered his time with his daughters and grandkids, especially in retirement, and loved the beach, local history, camping, dining out, playing tourist or at home, reading, watching movies or playing computer games; in short the simple life. Mike’s Wall of Honor included many medals, diplomas and plaques as well as pictures that had significant meaning from his 28-year military career which included serving under famous Generals Colin Powell and Norman Schwarzkopf. He retired from the International Military Staff of NATO in Brussels, Belgium and attained the rank of Colonel in the US Army. He served his career in Army Intelligence. Mike is preceded in death by his parents, his brother Rick and sister Theresa, Joann’s parents, and Joann’s son. He is survived by his wife of 34 years Joann Bruni; his four daughters Michele Allen, Kimberly Crane, Jennifer Brandeen and Liz Amici, his 12 grandchildren, his stepdaughter Lea Ann Ratliff; and by brothers Alex, Dave and Tom Bruni. Mike’s final resting place will be in Arlington National Cemetery.