The Neighborhood
Ultimate honor for Yankees fan Delmar’s ‘Joe the Barber’ recognized for his service in Vietnam during seventh inning stretch
DELMAR – Most kids growing up in Albany have a dream of being announced at Yankee Stadium and appearing on the scoreboard in center field.
Joe Bruno
It took Joe Bruno 73 years, but his wish came true last month during the Yankees win over the Houston Astros.
“I have always been a Yankees fan,” Bruno said softly from his barber’s chair in his shop on Delaware Avenue in Delmar. “I used to like the (Brooklyn)
came true last month. He is a relieve the Marines after (Tet) past commander of the post, but and they really took a beating.” most people in town know him He was stationed at a Duc Pho base camp 50 miles south Dodgers early on, but they left,” as “Joe the Barber.” When you walk into his shop of Da Nang. He was injured he said with a smile. and look on the walls, there is in August 1969 and spent five Bruno’s path to the no doubt where his alweeks in the hospital before scoreboard was not the legiance lies. returning to duty. He earned his way most people sergeant stripe while in Vietnam. by “I am thrilled to make it. His path have this honor Upon returning home he travelled through and I didn’t worked as a barber in various South Vietnam expect it,” Bruno shops in the area, but hung his in 1969 and said. “I watch own barber pole at 337 Delaincluded a Purple every game on ware Ave., on July 1, 2000. Heart for taking TV — and I mean shrapnel from a is Where “I cut soHome many [veterans’] hair You’ll every game.” mortar round in the every week,” Bruno said. “This neck on his journey. Bruno grew up in Albany was an honor for all of us. It is and was drafted into the Army great that the Yankees do this The Yankees have a special in 1968. He was deployed to every game.” moment during each home game Vietnam in January of 1968 Bruno celebrated where the team honors a military Home You’ll Find the Us night and arrived just after the Tetis Where with many of his friends and veteran for their service during Offensive. relatives at the Blanchardthe seventh-inning stretch. His “It was a mess when I got Curry American Legion Post in VFW Post 3185 nominated him there,” he said. “We came in to Delmar. to be honored and his moment
John McIntyre
u Our aides and companions u Our aides and will keep you safe at home
u Skilled nu
(518) 694-9907 vnhc.com u Skilled nursing and rehab
(518) 489vnaalbany
and rehab th in the comfo home
114297_4
companions will (518) 694-9907 • vnhc.com keep you safe at home
u Skilled nursing therapy in the comfort of home and rehab therapy companions will (518) 489-2681 • vnaalbany.org The Perfect Balance of Healing & in the comfort of keep you safe home & Home atPerfect home Balance of Healing The u Our aides and
(518) 694-9907 vnhc.com
(518) 489-2681 vnaalbany.org
For Future Generations The Perfect Balance of Healing & Home
1-800-432-JOIN (5646) savethemanatee.org Photo © David Schrichte
114446_4
20 Family Now — June 2021
Find
Adopt - A - Manatee for Father’s Day
®
