In Memoriam

John David Bruno

J&D PLUMBING March 26, 1945 - January 29, 2022

John David Bruno, 76, of Montara, and La Quinta, California, passed away on January 29. He was born in San Francisco and graduated from Archbishop Riordan High School before enlisting in the US Army where he served for in San Francisco and went to work for his father in the family business, J&D Plumbing, which specializes in commercial and residential plumbing along with a unique niche of tradeshows and conventions. a good bar, cooking, crashing swimming pools, skiing in Tahoe, boating in the late More than any of those, he loved people. He had a unique magnetism and made a friend wherever he went. His colleague kindest, most generous persons I’ve had

In 2013 he retired and moved to La Quinta for warmer weather and a world of new friends. Bruno was a devoted dad, reveling in the lives of his four children, and a genuine friend and mentor to many young people who worked for him over the years.

He is survived by his wife, Sheila (Brogna), and their children, Karen Giannakopoulos (Nelson), Gina Bruno, Jenni Giannini (Mike) and Chris Bruno (Erica Hamilton); and his sister, Claudia Portacarrero (Luis Oliva). He was preceded in death by his parents John and Effie Bruno. One of Bruno’s Giannakopoulos, age 5.

Portions of this obituary were published by the San Francisco Chronicle.

Jimmy Whitley, Jr.

HILTON HEAD ELECTRIC, INC. March 29, 1963 - May 25, 2022

Jimmy E. Whitley Jr., 59, was born and raised in Charlotte, North Carolina, and worked at the Charlotte Convention Center where he met his wife, Cindy. He owned and operated J.E. Whitley Electric, Inc. in Mooresville for 20 years and then moved to Hilton Head for a simpler life. After moving to Hilton Head, he opened Hilton Head Electric, Inc., which he operated for the past 20 years. hanging out with his friends. He was a kind soul who was always there for anyone who needed his help.

He is survived by his wife, Cindy, son Joshua, daughter Kylie, his three sisters; Tonya McCullough (David), Belmont, NC, Terry Whitley, Cramerton, NC and Teresa Lewis (Jim), Mt. Holly, NC as well as several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jimmy Sr. and Carole.

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Karl S. Hay

AKRON SUMMIT CVB & JOHN S KNIGHT CC, AKRON, OHIO March 2, 1928 - May 7, 2022

Karl Hay, 94, passed away May 7 after a long illness. Karl incorporated the Akron (Ohio) Summit Convention and Visitors Bureau and served as its board president for 26 years. He also helped to raise $27 million, and oversaw the establishment of the John S Knight Convention Center in downtown Akron, where a room is dedicated in his honor.

Born in Canton, he lived much of his life in Akron, where he graduated from Buchtel High School in 1945, Ohio State University in 1949 and Western Reserve Law School in 1952. He was an exemplary community volunteer, serving as president of the Akron Chamber of Commerce, United Way of Summit County, Ohio United Way, Red Cross of Summit County, Ohio Red Cross, Old Trail School Board of Trustees, Summit County Historical Society, and Planned Parenthood of Akron. He served on 15 other boards, both corpo

For almost 50 years, he was Brouse McDowell, where an award has been established in his name for outstanding volunteerism, recognizing contributions to the greater ees and partners. In 1992, Karl received the Bert A. Polsky Humanitarian Award and was named Alumni Citizen of the Year by The Ohio State University.

He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Ellen Freitag Hay, their four daughters: Karla Diserens (Robert), Karen Chadwick (Robert), Kathryn Lekas (Nick), and Kristin Ives; 12 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Karl Hay, Sr and Sarah (Hanna) Hay.

Keith Montonini

July 22, 1957 - May 1, 2022

Keith Anthony Montonini, who spent more than 40 years working on the tradeshow floor, passed away on May 1. His son, Ka heart I want to tell the community that my dad, Keith Montonini, passed away earlier this morning at his Las Vegas home. He loved this community so much and would have given you the shirt off of his back if you asked. If you were lucky enough to know him, I am so sorry for your loss. You will be will remember his infectious smile and his deep love for family, friends and clients, many of whom became friends. The old cliche applies: Keith never met a stranger. Keith worked so very hard all of his life, 40 plus years at retired, but that only meant he had other work to do helping his family

He is survived by his wife, Laura, son Kasey (Jesse), daughters Kassee Kay and Misty, brother Bill and grandchildren, nieces and nephews as well as hundreds of dear friends and colleagues from working tradeshows.