Nikki Bruno, actress in soap operas, movie "Mystic Pizza"
deb...@comcast.net
BRUNO, NIKKI (DOROTHY WALSH), of Westerly, accomplished professional
actress who entertained and delighted many audiences with her
performances, died Oct. 30, 2005, peacefully at her home surrounded by
her loving and devoted family.
She endured a lengthy battle against breast cancer with courage,
dignity and a defiant spirit. During her illness, her husband, children
and grandchildren comforted and cared for her, helping to sustain her
beyond expectations.
Nikki Bruno was born Dorothy Stoppello, in Providence, to the late
Anthony and Amelia (Argente) Stoppello. She took her stage name in
honor of her adoptive parents, Nicolina and Bruno Agnelli, with whom
she resided during some of her early years. She was the loving wife of
Arthur 'Bucky' Walsh for 52 years.
As a student at Westerly High School, Dorothy first displayed her
talents acting in numerous school plays. She was awarded first place in
the annual speaking competition for her presentation of 'A Tale of Two
Cities' during her freshman year, and as a senior was voted both Class
Actress and Class Dancer. Following graduation in 1941, Dorothy moved
to New York City to pursue her theatrical career where she appeared on
television in the soap operas 'As the World Turns' and 'The Guiding
Light'. She also did some modeling and served as a tour guide at
Rockefeller Center between acting roles. One of her fondest memories in
New York was when a group of her friends started the now famous
'Serendipity' restaurant.
Nikki became a resident member of the Somerset Playhouse in
Massachusetts, playing the 'Star System', where stage and screen stars
appeared in a different productions each week. She toured with Joan
Blondell in 'Come Back Little Sheba', and with Zazu Pitts in 'Post
Road' and 'Ramshackle Inn'. She traveled throughout the United States,
playing a variety of roles in 'Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs'. It was
during this period of time that she met Bucky, married, and co-starred
and collaborated with him in many venues.
Nikki was Tommy Brent's leading lady at Theatre-by-the-Sea, Matunuck,
for 16 years. At our local Colonial Theater, she performed in more than
two dozen plays with founder/artistic director, Harland Meltzer. She
was particularly lauded for her brilliant performance in 'Driving Miss
Daisy'. In 'The Gin Game' Nikki's children were delighted to watch her
masterfully play the role of Fonsia, a character that was the
antithesis of their mother. While Fonsia was vindictive, bitter and
intolerant, Nikki was loving and gracious and appreciated life to its
fullest.
She and her husband have performed throughout New England in
productions of 'Love Letters' for a variety of charitable
organizations. Most recently, she performed at Matt Siravo's Newport
Playhouse. According to Matt, 'Nikki is not only one of the most
talented ladies on the Rhode Island scene, but I am sure, the
loveliest.' She was able to mesmerize her audiences with her warmth,
sincerity, and humor maintaining a humility that endeared her to all
ages.
Nikki had 35 commercials to her credit, and appeared in several movies,
including 'Mystic Pizza', 'The Buccaneers', 'The Crucible' and 'True
Lies'.
She was a teacher at the Westerly-Chariho Chapter for Retarded
Citizens. Over the years, she spoke often and lovingly of the children
she taught. She was an administrative assistant at Electric Boat
Division of General Dynamics at Quonset Point. During her tenure, she
served on numerous committees. She adored her bosses and co-workers and
loved every minute of her 15 years there.
She was the beloved mother of Kevin Bruno Walsh, who died in 1980.
Kevin's memory was kept alive in the family. Dorothy loved to tell her
grandchildren stories about him and they refer to their Uncle Kevin as
if they knew him. Dorothy took great pleasure in choosing a recipient
for the Kevin Bruno Walsh Scholarship, a scholarship awarded to a
student pursuing an education at the University of Rhode Island.
Nikki was happiest and most comfortable in her kitchen. Those who were
fortunate enough to taste her cuisine can vouch for the many delectable
dishes she enjoyed cooking and so freely shared with family and
friends. If asked, Dorothy would say her that her most important
achievement was her family. She would quote her late father, Anthony,
who lived with her at the time of his death, 'your greatest treasure is
your children.'
In addition to her husband, Nikki is survived by her daughter, Mary Ann
and son-in-law, Paul Zerbarini and grandchildren, Catherine, Kevin,
Marisa and Kristen of Westerly; her son, Michael A. Walsh and
daughter-in-law, Julia and grandchildren Stefanie, Christopher and
David of Marshfield, Mass.; her daughter, Nicolina and son-in-law, John
Bianchi and grandchildren, Alexandra, Francesca, Nicoletta and
Elisabeth, of Kuwait; and her son Christopher J. Walsh and
daughter-in-law, Kathleen of Westerly; a sister, Angela DeMaria; and a
brother, Frank Stoppello.
In addition to her parents, adoptive parents, and son, Kevin, she was
recently predeceased by her brother, Paul Stoppello.
Her many friends from all walks of life express a profound sadness at
her passing and the void it leaves in their lives. Her loyalty and
generosity leave a lasting legacy of respect and love.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 2, at 10
a.m. at The Church of the Immaculate Conception, 111 High St.,
Westerly. There will be no procession from the funeral home. Burial
will take place at St. Sebastian Cemetery, Westerly. Calling hours will
take place at Rushlow-Iacoi Funeral Home, 64 Friendship St., Westerly,
on Tuesday from 5 to 8 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations may be made
to Home & Hospice Care of Rhode Island, 169 George St., Pawtucket, RI
02860, or the Kevin Bruno Walsh Scholarship Fund, Westerly High School,
Ward Avenue, Westerly, RI 02891.
Published in The Providence Journal on 11/1/2005.