Ask the Labs
In memory of Joseph L. Bruneni
By Stephanie K. De Long

When Joe Bruneni died on his 79th birthday, he left behind five children, a sister, a score of grandchildren, friends too numerous to mention, and an optical legacy that will live far beyond his 50 years in this industry.

We dedicate this month's Ask the Labs, the monthly column Joe has written for us since 1992, to his memory. The last time I spoke to Joe, he did, in fact, ask that we continue the column after his passing. That's just like Joe--always thinking ahead.

Whether he was talking to 50,000 readers of Eyecare Business, a class of students at Southern California College of Optometry, where he was an assistant professor, or just one of the many people who'd stop to shake his hand at a show, his enthusiasm for our industry--and especially for where it was headed--was contagious.

Every month, readers asked Joe questions for Ask the Labs. This month, we asked the questions. Joe would probably be embarrassed at the attention, but here are special recollections of associates representing a side of him most of us didn't see--Joe the professor.

Joe reminded me of Superman. A mild-mannered man who could perform super feats. He had more energy than faculty half his age.

I often can't remember where I put my keys, but Joe could recall when Kryptok lenses were first produced, and where!

Like Clark Kent, Joe shied away from the limelight. He rarely took credit and preferred to have others shine.

--Robert J. Lee, OD
Joe's teaching partner at SCCO

Three weeks before his death I spoke to Joe and told him that each time I passed our optics lab, I thought of him. He laughed and said, 'I hope I'm remembered for more than that!' He will be...forever!

--Dennis P. Hollow, MA
director, communications, SCCO

Joe reminded me of David Niven--that kind of understated elegance. We used to correspond several times every week. We agreed that we never had conversations, we just interrupted each other! He always had too much to tell and not enough time.

--John Ross, senior lecturer,
Anglia Polytechnic University
Cambridge, England

Memorial Scholarship

In lieu of other remembrances, Joe's family asks that any donations be made to the Joseph Bruneni Memorial Scholarship, and sent to the Southern California College of Optometry, 2575 Yorba Linda Blvd., Fullerton, CA 92831. Attn.: Christie Gates.