Peter L. Brunelli, 66, of Franklin and most recently North Eastham, passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 8, 2024 surrounded by his family. He was a devoted husband to Barbara Keras Brunelli for 41 years and superhero father to Dan Brunelli & wife Kimberly of Franklin, David Brunelli & wife Kazandra of Washington, DC and Kevin Brunelli of Washington, DC. Also survived by siblings Carol & husband Bob Keras (who was also his business partner) Joanne & Roy Scipione, Jim & Donna Brunelli, all of Franklin. He was the doting grandfather to Cecilia Brunelli and was anxiously awaiting the birth of her sister in December. He will also be missed by many nieces, nephews, and brothers & sisters in law.
Peter was born in Franklin to Mary (D’Afile)Brunelli and the late Albert Brunelli and was a 1976 graduate of Franklin High School. As a senior he was captain of the varsity football team and up until recently, he held the school record for most rushing yards (222) in a single game. He then went on to play football at Brown University, graduating in 1980.
Peter had a successful career in the insurance industry, working for Liberty Mutual & New Hampshire Insurance before joining the Thomas F. Keefe Insurance Agency, eventually becoming a Vice President and co-owner.
Nothing was more important to Peter than his family, friends and faith. As a local businessman, he was actively involved in numerous organizations with the goal of helping his family and the Franklin community. He was a 29-year board member of the Franklin Housing Authority, served on the Charles River Bank Board and was President of the Fletcher Hospital Corporation.
He was a past member of the Hockomock YMCA steering committee to build the present Franklin YMCA, United Chamber of Commerce, Franklin Finance Council, Franklin Business Association, Franklin Unit of the Salvation Army Christmas Kettle Drive, PAC treasurer to build the Keller/Sullivan School, President of the Franklin Gridiron Club, Founder of the Franklin Gridiron Club Alumni Association, Treasurer of the Franklin High School Lacrosse Association, Pop Warner and Middle School Football coach, lector and CCD teacher at St. Mary Parish.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend calling hours on Friday, September 13 from 4 – 7 p.m. in the Ginley Funeral Home, 131 Main St. Franklin, MA www.ginleyfuneralhomes.com
His Memorial Mass will take place at St Mary’s Church, Franklin at 11:00 am on Saturday, September 14, 2024. Livestream of Mass: www.stmarysfranklin.org
The family would like to thank Dr. James Cleary and the amazing staff at the Dana Farber Institute Boston for all their care and support as well as The Cape Cod VNA hospice team. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to: Team Tackle Cancer pmc.org/tt0262