Harry Bruno

Harry Augustine Bruno (7 February 1893 - 1978) was a pioneer in public relations with his promotion of aviation.

Harry Bruno was born 7 February 1893 in London, England. His father Henry Augustine Bruno was a marine insurance analyst; his mother was Annie (Thompson) Bruno. In 1907 Henry brought his family to New York City. Young Harry came under the influence of Elbert Hubbard, who said simply, "To have a friend you must be a friend". Hubbard and Harry's parents were sailing on the RMS Lusitania when it sank on 7 May, 1915. Both Hubbard and the Brunos died. Harry was very close to his brother Frank Bruno (1901–33) who worked in the newspaper business. In 1972 he married Evelyn Denny Witten, who was with him when he died 21 March 1978 in Southampton (town), New York on Long Island.

In 1910 Harry built a glider with his friend Bernie Mahon. Harry made a flight of 265 yards with it on December 24. Harry and Bernie worked as runners on Wall Street, but Harry wanted to get ahead. He took a correspondence course in advertising and a job with the Herald newspaper of Montclair, New Jersey. Later he moved to Greenwich, Connecticut to work with the News and Graphic, working up to the position of assistant editor.

When World War I began, Harry took pilot training at Deseronto Airport with the Canadian Royal Flying Corps, Squadron 84 at Camp Mohawk. His flight instructor was Vernon Castle, better known for his dancing.

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