MOUNT CARMEL - Mount Carmel Mayor J. Kevin Jones has proclaimed Monday as Bruno John Leonardi Day in the borough.
Leonardi was born Dec. 9, 1912, in a small town in Austria called Tuenno in the Trento region, which is now part of Italy. He came to America in 1933 to join his parents, who had arrived in the early 1930s.
After working in various local jobs and becoming a U.S. citizen, he entered the U.S. Army in 1942. Leonardi served in Europe and Africa and received various medals, including three bronze stars.
In 1946, he met Theresa Pupo, and later that year, they married. They had three children and a grandson.
In 1951, he and his brother, Ezio, opened Mount Carmel Dry Cleaners, which operated in various locations until 1989.
Today, Bruno lives with his daughter and son-in-law, Ray and Theresa Hornberger. His wife passed away in 2003.
On behalf of council and borough citizens, the mayor congratulates Bruno John Leonardi on reaching his 100th birthday.
Jones said Leonardi is a great example of the many immigrants who came to this country for a better life. He raised a good family, served his country and became a productive part of the areas business community.
Happy 100th birthday.