Obituary of Bruno "Buddy" Tonielli

Bruno "Buddy" Tonielli, 80, of Voorhees, New Jersey, passed away peacefully on June 12, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. Born in Vineland in 1945, Buddy remained deeply rooted in South Jersey throughout his life. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend whose warmth, kindness, and generosity touched everyone who knew him. Buddy earned his bachelor's degree from Fairleigh Dickinson University and completed his municipal assessor training at Rutgers University. He built a respected career as a Real Estate Assessor, founding Tonielli Appraisal and serving as Tax Assessor for Buena Vista Township. Dedicated to both his profession and his community, he also served as Treasurer of the Atlantic County Democrat Club. Buddy was a lifelong sports enthusiast. In his younger years, he enjoyed playing basketball in the Vineland City League, and later discovered a passion for golf, a game that brought him great enjoyment, lasting friendships, and many memorable days on the course. Throughout his life, Buddy faced challenges with remarkable strength, determination, and grace. A transplant recipient for nearly 25 years, he embraced each day with gratitude, resilience, and an unwavering love for his family and friends. His courage and positive spirit inspired all who knew him. Above all else, Buddy treasured his family. He was the beloved husband of Peggy (Gildea) Tonielli. He was the loving father of Bridget Szabo (Tom) and John Tonielli (Raquel). He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Sandra Tonielli; his sister and brother-in-law, Carol (Gildea) and Woody Doms; his cherished grandchildren, Ryan Szabo, Taylor (Trond) Smedshammer, Isabella "Izzy" Tonielli, and Rachel Russell; and his adored great-grandchildren, Lars, Ingrid, and Henry. He also leaves behind many nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly and treated as his own children. Buddy was predeceased by his parents, Bruno and Teresa (Pinotti) Tonielli; his brothers, Richard and Edward Tonielli; and his sister-in-law, Patti Tonielli. Family and friends are invited to a funeral home visitation on Wednesday, June 17th from 10am to 11am followed by a funeral service at 11am from Rone Funeral Service, 1110 East Chestnut Avenue, Vineland. Interment will follow in Sacred Heart Cemetery, Vineland. ARRANGEMENTS are under the supervision of Rone Funeral Service, 1110 East Chestnut Avenue, Vineland, NJ 08360 In lieu of flowers memorial donations in memory of Buddy may be made to: St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 Saint Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or Penn Transplant Institute Fund, uphsgift@upenn.edu To send online condolences please visit our website at www.RONEFUNERALSERVICE.com