Passed away on Tuesday, July 27, 2021, at the age of 72. After a few years of declining health, Bruno died peacefully in his sleep, with his children and grandchildren forever in his heart. Bruno was born in Mascioni, province of L’Aquila, Italy on June 11, 1949, to father Armando Di Maddalena and mother Domenica Di Maddalena. The youngest of seven children, Bruno moved to Northern Italy (Torino) after completing his military service, where his brother Arturo lived. There he began working and met his wife of 50 years Dola Laura Pappani. They married in 1971. After several years of owning a successful clothing store in Torino, Bruno and his wife made the decision to immigrate to Canada. Along with their eldest daughter they settled in Brantford in 1975 where the Pappani family had already begun to lay roots. Bruno and his wife had 3 more children and never looked back. He visited his family in Italy only once more over the next 46 years, but remained in their hearts and minds always. Bruno had a strong work ethic and spent his life working in manufacturing. Massey-Ferguson to Gates Canada and part time at Zehrs. You could often find him head down in the produce section stacking vegetables. Bruno was a man of few words, a great sense of humour, and strong wit. He was a bit of a loner and put all his time and energy into providing for his family. The last few years of his life were spent at Parkview Retirement home where he was surrounded by friends and caring staff. They were very fond of Bruno as he was known to crack jokes, refer to all the ladies as honey and sweetie and eat copious amounts of chocolate. He was so very proud of his four children and would often remind them that they were his greatest achievement. His grandchildren also gave him so much joy and as the years passed Bruno grew more and more sentimental and aware of how quickly the years were flying by. The last month of his life was spent serendipitously with his children and grandchildren. Eating meals together, watching the children play, having deeply rewarding conversations about life and death and love for his family. It’s as if God’s grace guided him towards these last few special moments before he drifted peacefully away. It was the greatest gift for his children and grandchildren who all loved him very deeply. Bruno was preceded in death by his parents and by his siblings Nestore, Giulio, Margherita, Arturo, Carla, and Franca Di Maddalena. He is survived by his wife Dola Laura Di Maddalena; children Tamara Di Maddalena, Paola Stefania Di Maddalena (Adam Weir), Fabrizio Isacco Di Maddalena, and Gianluca Allen Di Maddalena; grandchildren Alexis Nikita Di Maddalena, Joshua Gianluca Di Maddalena, Samantha Lois Weir and William Bruno Weir; Pappani, Palazzo and Pucci family by marriage, and his many nieces and nephews on both sides of the family. Family and friends will be received for visitation at the TOLL FUNERAL HOME, 55 Charing Cross Street, Brantford on Tuesday, August 3, 2021 from 2-4 and 6-8 pm. A private family service will be held. To attend the visitation go to www.tollfh.ca and then to Bruno's page, then click on the RSVP button to select a time. Masks are required and social distancing protocols will be in place.