Our People of the Century Bruno Melini: A Community Leader

Bruno Melini, a lifelong resident of Buena, and a Vineland businessman, dedicated his life to community service.

Melini helped dig the cellar of Sacred Heart Church in Vineland as a child. As an adult, he went on to own the successful Goodyear tire dealership on Wood Street.

He was involved in civic organizations, serving as a committeeman and committee chairman in Buena Vista, and Atlantic County freeholder and the president of the Buena Council after its inception in 1949.
Melini was an avid sportsman and sponsored the Melini Goodyear baseball team for more than 15 years. He also served as chairman of the building fund of Our Lady of Victories Church in Landisville.

In 1961, Melini died at age 50, stricken by a cerebral hemorrhage. That same year, Buena Memorial Park in Minotola was renamed in his honor.