UPDATE: Barnegat School District Mourns The Loss Of Popular Social Studies Teacher

Many in the Barnegat school district are mourning the loss of Michael Bruno, a social studies teacher at Barnegat High School who died on Monday, according to the Barnegat Education Association's Facebook page.

He was 55.

The post described him as "an educator, mentor and true friend."

"Those of us who were lucky enough to have worked with Mike and had time to spend during lunch, outside of work, assigned as his in-class support teacher or shared a duty with him will always remember his dedication to the students, to the art of teaching and the love of his family," the post states.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 22 years, Elena, and his cherished children, Michael, Sean and Joanna. Michael is also survived by his parents, Joseph and Regina Bruno of Staten Island, his brothers, Joseph and his wife Arline of NJ, Brian and his wife Gina, of SI, his sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Michele and Bob Capano of Brooklyn and Felix and Norina Vigeant, of SI and his many loving nieces and nephews.

Michael was a teacher at Barnegat High School. He also worked at Tony Kamand Realtor.

He loved being with his family, especially his children.

Calling hours will be from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Wednesday, August 9, 2017 at the Thos L. Shinn Funeral Home, 10 Hilliard Dr., Manahawkin, NJ. A Mass will be held 12 p.m. on Thursday, August 10, 2017 at St. Mary of the Pines, 100 Bishop Dr., Manahawkin, NJ. For online condolences, please visit www.shinnfuneralhome.com

Many who knew Bruno shared their memories of him on the Thos. L. Shinn Funeral Home website.

"Mr. Bruno was a teacher of mine who had a immense impact on my life," Marissa Bernstein wrote. "He pushed me and helped me no matter how down or tired I was. His smile and sense of humor always brightened my day. Rest in Paradise. "

Image: Thos. L. Shinn Funeral Home