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Family and friends will come together 7 pm Aug 16 at the legendary Stone Pony to celebrate the life of city native Jimmy Bruno.

Daughter Christie Bruno said while her father’s ongoing battle with Multiple Sclerosis has left him wheelchair-bound, the family strives to maintain his level of independence.

“He fights every day,” she said. “He is incredibly strong.”

Earlier this month, a GoFundMe campaign was launched to raise money to purchase a new van, equipped with a side ramp and hand controls, in order to help Bruno get to doctor’s appointments and events. Over $5,500 of the $12,000 goal was raised within 18 days.

“We really want this to be a celebration for him,” she said. “He fought hard for the city and now he is kicking MS’ butt.”

Bruno has two grandchildren – Julia and Carson.

“The family strives to maintain his level of independence which is crucial for his quality of life,” daughter Gia Holly-Hill said.

Below find a written statement about the City’s native son:

Jimmy Bruno’s dream was to see Asbury Park restored to the days he cherished as a child. When still a young father, he promised his two daughters that the boardwalk would flourish one day, and that the streets would again be packed with people from near and far enjoying the Jewel of the Jersey Shore.

Jimmy Bruno was born and raised in Asbury Park. After graduating from Asbury Park High School in 1978, he quickly put his devotion to the city to work. Bruno became a little league coach and president of the association in 1979. There he formed life-long relationships with the children he coached.

Beginning in 1984 Bruno worked as a firefighter for the Asbury Park Fire Department, later becoming a fire official and inspector. 

In 1987 Bruno ran for the Board of Education, where he served thru 1996, many of those years as President or Vice President.

In 1990 a life-altering diagnosis, progressive multiple sclerosis, altered his quality of life. He retired as a fire official in 2000 due to an injury sustained on the job. His multiple sclerosis rapidly progressed. But his devotion to the city did not stop there.

After just six months of retirement, Bruno began campaigning to bring the city back to the one he promised his daughters, Gia and Christy. In 2001 he started “The Future Starts Here” campaign, bringing together a team of people who wanted to return the city to its Glory Days.

In 2001 Bruno ran successfully for City Council on his first try. He was re-elected in 2005 and 2009, serving through July of 2013. From 2001 to 2009 he served as Deputy Mayor.

On March 8, 2004, while serving as Deputy Mayor, Bruno became a historic champion of gay rights by performing the first gay marriage in the State of New Jersey [http://www.nbcnews.com/id/4477610/ns/us_news-same_sex_marriage/t/nj-ag-says-noto-gay-marriage/#.XUg2C1VKjbg], despite legal warnings not to do so.

Jimmy owned businesses on the boardwalk [The Cave and Wally World], founded the Fourth of July parade, and was its chairperson for six years.

There isn’t a person who has devoted more of their life to the city they love than Jimmy Bruno has to Asbury Park. 

Eddie Testa & Friends, the Bob Polding Band, and few special guests will headline the Jim Bruno Celebration at the Stone Pony [913 Ocean Ave]. Tickets for the 7 pm event are $25 via stoneponyonline.com.

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