Faces Behind the Fields: Meet Your Dedicated Farmers and Discover Their Stories
Dominic Bruno
I am a 3rd generation farmer and have been involved in the family farm in some capacity my entire life. I attended CW Post College and I am now retired from Northrop Grumman. My dad was Lenny Bruno for whom the stand was named. He was a dedicated, hard-working man, whose life was the farm. He and my mom, Mary were married for almost 70 years. Teresa, my wife of 44 years, manages our Farmstand. I am fortunate, too, in that I have my sons, Dom and Anthony, to help perpetuate the family-farm.
Teresa Bruno
I grew up as a city girl through my school-age years and moved to Long Island after marrying my husband, Dom, whose family had a vegetable farm. In the early 90s and after having three children, we became more involved with helping on the farm and eventually opened a small roadside Farmstand. Fast forward to present day and I now manage our store. When school is out our customers very often have the pleasure of meeting our five grandchildren. It has become a family experience.
Dana Bruno
I’m Lenny Bruno’s oldest son and with my brother Dominic, make up part of the 3rd generation of our 4th generation family-farm legacy. I graduated with an undergraduate and masters degree from LIU CW Post college. Over the years I’ve witnessed many of the changes in farming techniques from my father and grandfather’s era. As Long Island continues to be developed, the family farm holds a special place in the community. There is quite a lot involved in bringing vegetables from our field to your table. The reaction of our customers to the fresh produce they purchase makes all of the long hours and hard work worth it.
Dominick Bruno
I grew up in Melville with my parents, Dominic and Teresa, and my brother, Anthony with whom I work, and my sister Danielle. We came to Manorville every summer as kids to help our grandparents, Lenny and Mary Bruno on the family-farm. After attending James Madison University and graduating with a bachelors degree in finance, I worked at Morgan Stanley. I made a decision to leave the business world to help carry on our family business and I’m proud to be part of the 4th generation here at Lenny Bruno Farms. I am currently a board member and treasurer of the Long Island Farm Bureau and a member of the Brookhaven Agricultural Advisory Board.
Anthony Bruno
I was raised in Melville by my mom and dad. I have an older brother, Dominick, and younger sister, Danielle. I also have three beautiful children, Frankie, Iyla, and Anthony.
Education, hard work, and religion were values that were instilled in us at an early age. Between my parents and grandparents, I couldn’t have been blessed with a better supporting cast. My mom made sure we succeeded in school and my father always loved playing sports and taking us out to the farm. I will never forget the memories we shared at the farm as kids growing up. I will always remember being with all of my cousins, aunts, uncles, and grandparents at the farm. Most of the time we didn’t even know we were working because we were having so much fun.
My grandfather, Lenny, taught me everything there is to know about farming, and more importantly, about life. He was a very special man, and will always have a big place in my heart. I was his youngest grandson and he was always a little easier on me. I used to love riding with him in the truck to the city and helping him sell all of his vegetables. Lenny once told me, “when you love what you do, you never have to work a day in your life.”
My grandmother, Mary, was the glue that held our family together. She was the most selfless person I have ever met; her kids and grandkids always came first. My grandmother loved the beauty of nature and life. Growing flowers in her beautiful garden was one of her favorite things to do. My grandparents passed away a few years ago and are deeply missed. It’s an honor to work at Lenny Bruno Farms and I hope to continue farming for future generations.
Besides managing the farmstand, my mother Teresa does EVERYTHING for the family. The best mom and grandma to my kids that I could ask for! The biggest influence on my life has been my father. He is the hardest working and most loving man I have ever met. He sacrifices himself everyday for his family and I aspire to be a man like him.
My older brother, Dominick, has always been there for me. He inspires creativity and thoughtful forward looking guidance at Lenny Bruno Farms. His work ethic and resilience will lead us into the future. I’m also very thankful for my sister Danielle and my Uncle Dan. My uncle has always been a big part at the farm. He used to love planting and harvesting in the fields. He enjoyed spending time with his family including his nieces and nephews at the farm.
After graduating with a degree in accounting at James Madison University, I went back to the farm. It was Spring and we had planting to do! I never went on an interview; I found my calling. I am blessed to be able to work at Lenny Bruno Farms. Come visit our family and grab some delicious homegrown fruits and vegetables!