William J. Bruso

September 14, 1987 - March 27, 2017

09/14/1987 - 03/27/2017

Past Services

Visitation
Wednesday April 05, 2017
5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Altmeyer Funeral Home - Southside Chapel
5033 Rouse Drive
Virginia Beach, VA 23462
(757) 422-4000 | Directions
Service
Thursday April 06, 2017
9:30 am
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
54038 St. Mary Street
Neffs, OH 43940
740-676-3277 | Directions
Cemetery
Arlington National Cemetery
1 Memorial Dr.
Arlington, VA
Directions

William J. Bruso, 29, went to eternal deployment early Monday, March 27, 2017. While serving active duty for the last 11 years, he taught a new generation of sailors that through hard work and dedication anything was possible.
ET1 William Bruso was born in Glens Falls, NY and at an early age he showed his engineer father he had a knack for tinkering with technology and electrical systems. He built model trains and all sorts of gadgets in his free time as a child.
Young William played many sports including basketball, baseball and JV and Varsity Hockey. As a teen William spent his summers working at the local amusement park. Being from Upstate NY meant Will was an outdoorsman. Hunting, hiking and fishing were a part of his daily life and since his parents both lived on the shore of the Hudson River it should not come as a surprise that he swam from one side to another at 10 years old shocking everyone and for William it was a huge accomplishment. He graduated from South Glens Falls High School in 2006. Shortly after he graduated he joined the military and begun his career on the USS Theodore Roosevelt. He served there for five years and received multiple Navy Achievement Medals and made the rank of 3rd and 2nd Class Petty Officer. During his time on the Roosevelt, William met his bride Shanara. Will and Shanara had a memorable courtship for one year and got married in Yorktown, VA right before William got stationed in Great Lakes as a Master Instructor at NTC. While at NTC, William thrived as a sailor earning even more NAMS and achieving rank as ET1 Bruso within one year of being stationed there. He taught his sailors and took time mentoring and molding them into exemplary examples of men and women.
When Will had spare time he would often volunteer. He ran relays and 5Ks for Relay for Life, helped build homes for Habitat for Humanity, adopted orphans at Christmas and gave them whatever he could afford for the holiday season each year. William suffered a great loss when he and his wife loss their unborn child around the same time he lost his best friend, a fellow instructor at Great Lakes. ET1 Bruso was extremely passionate about everything in his life and his work ethic and professionalism. Later in his career ET1 Bruso and his family found themselves traveling across the country once again when he got stationed at the USS Bainbridge. While on board the Bainbridge Will was an LPO among other achievements. ET1 Bruso maintained the ship and made sure the Bainbridge was prepared for any and all inspections. ET1 Bruso went above and beyond his duty by staying extra hours, sacrificing holidays and time with his beloved wife to maintain electrical systems in the ship. William set high standards for himself and only wanted excellence for anyone on his team.
ET1 William Bruso is survived by his adoring wife Shanara Bruso and his adopted child Tatiana Reese. In addition to his wife ET1 Bruso leaves to grieve, his mother Barbara Bruso and surviving family as well as an extended Navy family. He was a member of the American Legion in Hampton. ET1 Bruso was not only a shy, kind, generous man; he was also a hero that served in Kuwait and Afghanistan. William was a patriot who wore his uniform proudly and served his country with all he had. A visitation will be held from 5-7pm, Wednesday, April 5, 2017 in Altmeyer Funeral Home 5792 Greenwich Rd. Virginia Beach. A funeral mass will be held, 9:30am, Thursday, April 6, 2017 in Sacred Heart Catholic Church 520 Graydon Ave. Norfolk. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Will’s name to Relay for Life, Habitat for Humanity, Adopt-a-Pet and American Legion. ET1 William J. Bruso was loved by his wife and will truly be missed by many.

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Jamie Varney
6 years ago

I just found out. So sad to hear. My prayers to the family. R.I.P. Will

Arebalo family
6 years ago

My son called us the day it happened and he was in tears. He brought us to tears on how he praised his ET1. He had the kindest words about how he will strive to be a sailor like he was. We will always keep him in our thoughts and prayers. Rest In Peace, God Bless.

David Fisher
6 years ago

Will Bruso! I just recently learned of your passing and couldn’t be more shocked. The world was definitely a better place with you in it my friend. Rest in Peace buddy.

Matthew Trujillo
6 years ago

William J. “Will” Bruso was born in 1980. He was 36. Not 29.

Nancy Senter, April & Sean Whisman
6 years ago

We wish only fair winds and calm seas for you our sweet nephew/cousin. Unit we meet again

Gail McGrath
6 years ago

Our love and prayers are with the Bruso Family as we remember Will’s life and how much he treasured the ones he loved and his service to his country. With our heartfelt condolences, The McGrath Family