APSD To Honor William ‘Butch’ Bruno During Homecoming
Stadium dedication for past student athlete, WWII veteran, high school educator, & football coach
Homecoming in Asbury Park will come with a posthumous honor for a past student athlete, World War II veteran, high school educator, and football coach.
On Friday, the Asbury Park School District will officially dedicate its stadium to William “Butch” Bruno.
The class of 1934 graduate is the only Blue Bishop athlete in school history to earn four varsity letters in 
four sports, as well as being named All-State in football, basketball and baseball, school officials said.
“This tribute to Mr. Bruno is long overdue and I’m just glad that we’re able to honor him in this manner,” said Dr. Kristie Howard, Director of Student Services. “Bruno exemplifies the Blue Bishop spirit as a scholar-athlete who returned to his hometown to serve as an educator, coach and role model.”
Bruno attended Notre Dame, where he played football and earned a degree in history, officials said. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II and was awarded a Purple Heart for helping to rescue a wounded shipmate. He taught history and civics at Asbury Park High School for 25 years. During that time, he also coached football from 1945-1966, and amassed a record of 114-50-13. His 1953 team finished undefeated.
Under Bruno’s leadership, the Blue Bishops earned NJSIAA Central Jersey Group IV titles in 1948, 1953 and 1954, school officials said. Bruno was inducted into the NJSIAA Hall of Fame, the Jersey Shore Sports Hall of Fame, and the Shore Football Coaches Foundation Hall of Fame, among other accolades.
Bruno was married to fellow faculty member Pat Bruno and is the father of former Brick Memorial Athletic Director Bill Bruno, who went on to serve as NJSIAA assistant director, and Howell Athletic Director Pete Bruno.
After retirement, Bruno served as the City’s director of beachfront operations until his death in June 1981.
The accolade will come during the 6 p.m. homecoming game against Dunellen at the stadium, located on Sixth Avenue behind the high school. During halftime, the district will present his family with a plaque – a replica of what will be mounted this spring at the stadium.
[Photos courtesy of the Bruno family]
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