Joseph A. Brunetto, III
March 5 1951 - March 26 2008
Visitation :
John Quint Treboni Funeral Home
Friday March 28th 2008 2:00-8:00 PM
1177 W. 5th Avenue
Columbus Ohio 43212
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Obituary
Joseph Angelo Brunetto, III, age 57. Born in Columbus, Ohio, March 5, 1951. Raised in Piqua Ohio. Graduate of St. Mary's Grade School, Piqua Catholic High School ('69), University of Cincinnati ('73), Capital University School of Law ('80) magna cum laude. Joe succumbed to his heroic battle with cancer on March 26, 2008 at approximately 1:15 am. Joe slipped his earthly bonds surrounded by all his loving family in the comfort of his own home. He would have had it no other way.
Joe was a wonderful man and all those who knew him shall miss him profoundly. He was passionate about everything he did in life. Joe never saw a piano he didn't want to play and watching his hands dance over the ivories was something to behold. He treasured his legal career and colleagues over a nearly 30 year span at Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease, where he was proud to wear the title of Partner. Joe always had a special place in his heart for his native Piqua and for his beloved Buckeyes. Among other accomplishments Joe was the President Elect of the Kiwanis Club of Columbus, a board member of the Columbus Children's Choir, a 32 year parishioner of St. Catherine's of Sienna Catholic Church, an accomplished musician, pianist and organist, leader of the 70's/80's pop group Raintree, pianist for the Rick Brunetto Big Band, Chairman ('92) of the Capital University Law School Phoneathon, and honorary member of the Agonis Club of Columbus. More than anything, Joe was intent on making a difference in this life through his relationships. He was a loving son, brother, husband, friend and, foremost, father. He was a man who understood the power of the words "I love you" and he used them liberally, but never without sincerity. We are all lucky, blessed and honored to have been in your presence, Joe. You will live in our hearts and minds for eternity. We love you and miss you dearly. God bless you. Joe is preceded in death by his father, Joseph Angelo Brunetto II. He is survived by his loving wife of 32 years, Michelle; daughter, Angela (Jonathan) Mugler; sons, Joseph Angelo IV & Dante Joseph; one year old twin grandchildren, Annabelle Grace & Luke Warren Mugler; mother, Lola Borghese Brunetto; twin brother, Rick (Landa); brother, Craig (Karen); sisters, Julie (Mike) Frantz and Victoria; and many, many nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to the: Joseph A. Brunetto Memorial Fund, Capital University, Development Office, One College and Main Street, Bexley, Ohio, 43209. Friends may call FRIDAY, March 28th 2008 at the JOHN QUINT TREBONI FUNERAL HOME, 1177 W. 5th Avenue, from 2:00-8:00 PM with a Prayer Service at 2:30 PM. Funeral Mass will be held 10:00 AM on SATURDAY, March 29th 2008 at St. Catherine Catholic Church, 500 South Gould Road, Rev. Fr. Raymond Larussa, Presider. Burial will follow at Mifflin Township Cemetery, 218 Agler Road, Gahanna, Ohio. Condolences may be sent via www.johnquint.com.
Contributions
Contributions may be directed to any of the followingCondolences for Joseph A. Brunetto, III
From : Marilyn Distelzweig Eaton
To : Michelle Brunetto and family
Date: March 27th 2008
Dear MIchelle,
I was so sorry to hear of Joe's illness and death. I have followed along with your family over the years through my friend and ex sister in law, Cindy Distelzweig.( I used to live on Montrose Ave and I watched Angie ) I remember Joe with such a vibrant and out going personailty..always with a smile and kind word.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Marilyn
From : Kim (Daft) DeVore
To : Michelle Brunetto and family
Date: March 27th 2008
Dear Michelle,
I am so sorry to hear of Joe's death. I had talked with Mike a few weeks ago and he told me Joe was not doing well. I lost my husband two years ago and understand your grief. I feel deeply for your loss. I will be unable to attend Joe's services, but will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. If you need someone to talk to, please call me.
My love to you and your family.
Kim (Daft) DeVore
From : Mary and Ken Keller
To : Michelle Brunetto and Family
Date: March 27th 2008
We have lost a great friend and a superb role model of citizen, husband, father and community servant. We bow to God's wisdom in calling Joe home at precisely a point when these qualities are most needed, and join in the celebration of a life richly lived.
May God grant the family healing and peace in the knowledge that Joe was loved and respected by people you may never meet. His influence for good will be felt for generations.
With love,
Mary and Ken
From : Scott Pharion
To : Rick Brunetto and all the family
Date: March 27th 2008
Rick...Please accept my deep and heartfelt sympathy to you, your and Joe's family. I try to imagine how difficult it must have been to stand vigil over these past many months. I can only offer prayers, my best wishes, and the hope that in the last of Joe's suffering he found peace with himself and with you all. With trust in our Lord's plan, again, I offer sincere condolences. May God give you strength and comfort in the days ahead.
Scott Pharion
From : Kevin Baker
To : The Brunetto Family
Date: March 27th 2008
Donna and I are so sorry Joe has passed. Those of us who have worked and played with Joe over the years will miss him terribly. Making so much music with Joe over the years was a pleasure and I will miss that greatly. His legacy as a dad, husband, and musician will live on and on.
Kevin and Donna
From : Stephen Love
To : The Brunetto Family
Date: March 27th 2008
I was very fortunate to meet Joe three years ago. I know the world has lost a great person. I was a client of Joe's, but we immediately became friends. As Joe was battling health issues, he was more concerned about the health of my young son who had a similar battle. I was fortunate to hear Joe and his brother play music many times and Joe obviously loved every minute on the keyboard! He had passion for his music, his law career, and especially his family. Joe loved to go on and on about family. He would light up immediately when I asked how his family was doing...he was a very proud son, brother, husband and father.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Stephen
From : Barbara Hawk
To : The Brunetto Family
Date: March 27th 2008
I am so sorry to hear of your great loss. To those who do not know me, I am the mother of Cory Hawk, Allison Mugler Hawk's husband. I have met Jonathan and Angela, and their beautiful twins. I am so sorry that Angela and her children have lost their loving father and grandfather.
From : Wini and Dwight Lenox
To : Rick, Michelle and Family
Date: March 27th 2008
There are alot of sad hearts at Mid Ohio Oncology the last two days and many tears. Although Joe was very ill we still had hope as I am sure you did. Dwight and I are very proud to have known Joe and will always remember his love of music and people. With sincere sympathy and love, Wini and Dwight
From : Tom and Jan Sweetman
To : Joe Brunetto Family
Date: March 27th 2008
We send our most sincerest love and condolence for the tremendous loss of our dear friend Joe. We have such wonderful memories of Joe and will cherish them always. All of our love,
Tom and Jan
From : Colleagues of Landa at J.S. Brown Co.
To : The Brunetto Family
Date: March 27th 2008
Please accept our deapest condolences on the loss of your loved one. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
From : Michael and Judy Romanello
To : Michelle Brunetto and Family
Date: March 27th 2008
Dear Michelle,
Michael, Rachel and I are so terribly saddened by your family's loss. We will always hold your family in a very special place in our hearts........from the special times you and Joe made Rachel feel as a second daughter growing up with Angela to the times, even though they were few, that Joe and Michael would jam together. Michael has always been in awe of what a talented musician Joe was and is honored to have played along side of him.
Please know that you are all in our thoughts.
love, Judy, Michael and Rachel
From : Rose Yamane Frye
To : Michelle Brunetto and family
Date: March 27th 2008
I am so sorry. Though experience should grace me with the words to console you...I am at a loss. Know that you are in the thoughts and prayers of those who love you, and who were blessed to have known Joe. Rick often shared very fond memories of his dear friend Joe. May they walk together, now, and share them once again.
Peace
Rose
From : Annie Cupps
To : The Brunetto Family
Date: March 27th 2008
Dear Brunetto Family,
I had the pleasure to talk to your Father on several occasions. He was such an articulate, thoughtful individual. He was Always Sincere, Always Kind-Hearted. I think of him as a Friend. I will Truly Miss Him.
From : The O'Neil Family
To : Rick and Family
Date: March 28th 2008
Our heartfelt sympathy and continuing prayers.
The O'Neils
John, Charlotte, Patrick, Ellie
From : Cyndy Hummer (Johnston, Eleanor's dtr.)
To : Michelle and children, Lola, Rick, and all cousins
Date: March 28th 2008
I am so sorry to hear about Joe. It must be very difficult for all of you. Although it has been years since I have seen any of you, all of you are in my prayers every day and always will be. I will have a Mass prayed for Joe.
May God comfort all of you in this most difficult time....
Love,
Cyndy Hummer, a Piqua cousin
From : Vicky Prahin
To : Michelle & Rick
Date: March 28th 2008
Michelle and Rick, please accept my sincere sympathy. I only met Joe a few times, but his vitality and good nature always impressed me. You are all in my thoughts and prayers at this sad time.
Vicky P.
From : Deborah
To : The Brunetto Family
Date: March 28th 2008
My sympathy goes to each and every member of Joe's family. Joe touched my life with his kindness and caring heart often. I used his initials in my daily work and will always remember him fondly when I see those initials JAB. He was a brillant man, loved by many and we must know this is not the end. This is "till we meet again" God Bless.
Deborah Roberts
From : Lisa Jolley
To : The Brunetto Family
Date: March 28th 2008
It is with deepest sympathy that I send my condolences to Joe's family. I have been so lucky to know Joe through Kiwanis. He was such a kind, energetic, talented man, I have enjoyed my time knowing him and he will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family. I know that God has even greater plans for Joe, he was here for a short time and has accomplished all that God needed him to do and know God will reward Joe for his deeds. May God bless the Brunetto family at this difficult time. Sincerely, Lisa Jolley
From : A Brother of Our Lord Jesus Christ
To : The Entire Brunetto Family
Date: March 28th 2008
There is no greater loss than of a loved one. No matter the age,. four to fifty-seven. No one's pain is greater than another. Love, mercy, caring,and thoughtfull doesn't describe all of the brother that we just lost. As a child of God Brother Joe will always be missed at our table.
From : Elaine Welsh
To : The Brunetto Family
Date: March 28th 2008
I'm so sorry for your loss. I work at Vorys Sater Seymour & Pease where Joe was a partner. He's been greatly missed during his illness. Everytime I saw Joe he had a smile to give. He always struck me as someone who was extremely blessed and happy with his life, much of that I'm sure due to the love of his family. Wishing you peace and comfort during this difficult time.
From : Bill and Barbara Hoyer
To : The Brunetto Family
Date: March 28th 2008
Please accept our deepest condolences on the passing of Joe. We enjoyed his positive outlook on life and his piano playing at step aerobics as we danced.
I enjoyed so much teaching and coaching Angie, Joey, and Dante. They always had smiles on their faces and were a pleasure to be around.
I enjoy interacting with Michelle each day at Bexley Middle School. She has been a wonderful addition to the office.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family in this difficult time.
Bill and Barbara Hoyer
From : Monica and Doug Kridler
To : Michelle
Date: March 28th 2008
Michelle - I am sending our love to you and want you to know that we are thinking about you and your family. I will always remember him and miss him. Best wishes to you, Monica
From : Mabi Ponce de Leon
To : Michelle Brunetto and Family
Date: March 29th 2008
Dear Michelle,
I'm so sorry to hear of your loss! You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Mabi Ponce de Leon
From : Cathleen Cherubini Harvey
To : Brunetto Family
Date: March 29th 2008
I am so sorry to hear of your Joe's passing.Just too young, like his cousin John before him. May they all rest in peace. Love to all in Piqua and Columbus.
From : Dave and Linda Demange
To : Michelle, Rick, and family
Date: March 31st 2008
We send our deepest sympathy to all of you. No words can help the sorrow and pain you all are feeling at this time. However, please know that with time, love, and support you will find a way to go on with your lives. Also,know that cancer kills the body but it cannot kill the soul and the soul of Joe lives on forever. You all will be his legacy - his way of leaving his mark on this world.
We are sorry we were unable to attend the services and to see you in person to extend our sorrow. However, we went to Pennsylvania for Easter to visit our daughter and her family and when we returned we heard the news of Joe's passing. We are sure that there were many, many family and friends that were there to help you with the loss.
Dave has many fond memories of Joe and Rick during his school years and he has shared many of them with me. I also have my own memories from class reunions and get-togethers. These memories will help us to keep Joe in our hearts forever.
Dave and Linda DeMange
From : Brad Jerew
To : Brunetto Family
Date: April 2nd 2008
I'll be praying for comfort and peace in this time of sadness over the loss of a wonderful person. Joe's brother Rick is my Jazz Band director at Mount Vernon Nazarene University. If Joe was anything like his brother (which I'm sure of) he was a terrific and very talented person.
God Bless the family is this time of need.
Brad Jerew