KEVIN M BRUNELLE

AMESBURY - Kevin Michael Brunelle, 61, passed away January 25, 2024.  Born May 2, 1962, Kevin was raised in Saugus, MA where he attended school and graduated from Saugus High School in 1980.

Kevin was so many things to so many people.  A devoted son, an affectionate brother, a favorite uncle, a loving husband - knowing Kevin made all our lives brighter.

Laughter was his gift.  A night out at Cheers (the Hampshire House) in Boston, where he bartended for years, one could be sure to be entertained.  Regulars would take their seats early to enjoy the show.  Every family occasion was made special through his lightheartedness and humor.  The kids loved Uncle Kevin and his boyish playfulness. Kevin also loved a good conversation and although he always respected a different point of view, he was quite the devil’s advocate in provoking a lively debate that typically ended in a handshake or warm embrace.

An avid hiker, Kevin loved hiking in the White Mountains. Hiking the 4,000 footers multiple times during his lifetime, he was continually awed by their beauty and serenity.  He would often reminisce with such joy about the great hiking adventures undertaken with his brother Rick and friend Buddy in their early years.  Later hikes would take him to some favorites like the Na Pali Coast in Hawaii, the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, and Ireland’s Carrantuohill.  A most memorable hike was that of Knife Edge on Mt. Katahdin in Maine on the morning of his wedding in 1996.  Hiking with his bride to be Mary, and his best man Rick, the challenge was to hike fast enough to be on time for a JP ceremony back in Bar Harbor or else a formal wedding was to be had.

Kevin also loved road biking and working on his bikes.  If he wasn’t riding home after a late-night bartending, you would find him biking extensively on the scenic backroads of New England.  Self-supported rides touring Switzerland’s Lake Lucerne and the Alps region, Italy’s Lake Como, and Colorado’s San Juan Mountains were just some of his extended bike trips.

A high school wrestler, Kevin’s passion for the sport led him to become a referee for the MIAA later in life.  He ended his career in 2018 on what he considered a high note, a match between Lowell and Chelmsford High Schools.

He embraced his New England sports teams.  Traveling to see the teams play at different ballparks and stadiums, Kevin had the great honor and most unexpected pleasure of sitting next to Pedro Martinez on a flight home from a trip out to watch the Red Sox play in Seattle in 2004, the year the Curse was broken and they won the World Series.  Kevin, never at a loss of words, was overawed by Pedro’s presence.  He would go on to joke that he once had dinner and watched a movie with one of the greatest pitchers of all times.

Kevin loved his many pets, but especially adored his beloved Papillon Winnie. She was his dainty, but loyal hiking companion.  Animals brought so much joy to Kevin.  He couldn’t resist a big, sloppy kiss from a strange dog, or stopping to help an animal in need.  Hitting a baby raccoon one night driving, he gathered him up and drove him to Tufts for medical attention.  Several days later, he returned to pick-up “Rocky” and, per instructions of the vet, delivered him back to the area where his mother would likely recover him.

It was easy for Kevin to make people feel special.  He would laugh with the grocery store bagger or start up a conversation with a stranger on a train. Every interaction was genuine and would end with a handshake or a high five and some laughs.  Kevin is now playing frisbee with his new friends and making everyone the best Shepherd’s Pie ever.

Kevin is preceded in death by his father Richard Brunelle, Sr.; and his mother Carol (Anderson) Brunelle.  He is survived by his sister, Karen Barnes of Haverhill; his brother, Richard L. Brunelle, Jr. and his wife Ashlee of Amesbury; and his many nieces and nephews.  He also leaves his former wife of 20 years, Mary (Ruberti) Brunelle of Petersham.

Avalon Life Celebration Center & Cremation Services, LLC 691 College Hwy, Southwick, MA 01077 is assisting the family with arrangements.   Online condolences may be left by visiting www.avaloncelebrations.com

 A celebration of Kevin’s life will be held privately at a later date to be attended by immediate family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family would be honored if you’d take a short hike, or ride on a bike, laugh with a friend, or make some amends, shake someone’s hand, or tell them they’re grand – just as Kevin did for those around him, make someone’s life a little brighter every day.

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