Joseph Charles Brunell Sr.

Joseph Charles Brunell, Sr., 86, formerly of Clark Street passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 5, 2011 in his home in Florida.

Mr. Brunell was born in North Brookfield, the son of Jack and Anna Brunelle. He lived in Worcester for over fifty years. Mr. Brunell worked for the National Biscuit Company as a salesman and retired after 32 years. He founded a tax preparation business in Worcester in 1952 until 1989. An avid stamp collector, Mr. Brunell was a longtime member of the American Philatelic Society.

Mr. Brunell was a veteran of World War II where he was decorated with several medals including the WWll Victory Medal, two Purple Hearts, and three Bronze Service Stars. He served in Company A of the 3rd Ranger Battalion, also known as "Colonel Darby's Rangers." He fought in the WWll campaigns of Naples, Foggia, Rome, Arno, and Central Europe. Mr. Brunell was wounded in battle near Cesterna, Italy on January 30, 1944 during the battle of Anzio. He was captured and taken as a POW until the end of the war. He was a lifetime member of Ex-POW's, American Legion Post 252 Seminole, Florida, and VFW.

Mr. Brunell was fondly known by his friends and business acquaintances as "Red Socks Joe" because that is the only color socks he wore. This was not only for his beloved Red Sox, but because he was once given a pair by Humphrey Bogart for good luck after meeting him in Italy during WWII.

He was the husband of the late Yvonne (Renaud) Brunell for 48 years. He is survived by his wife, Sherry Brunell of Florida, and his children Joseph Brunell Jr, of Florida, Mary Brunell of Rhode Island, Nancy Rose of Kentucky, William Brunell of Worcester, the late Alexander Brunell, and eight grandchildren. Of his twelve siblings, he is survived by Eva Moore of Spencer, Tessie Thayer of North Brookfield, Philip Brunelle of Worcester, Ernest Brunelle of Oakham, Marion Streeter of North Brookfield, Betty Ianniccheri of Charlton.

A private funeral mass and burial will be held at Saint Joseph's Church and cemetery in North Brookfield. Memorial contributions may be made to the Brunell Nursing Scholarship Fund c/o Saint Vincent Hospital Education and Research Fund, Inc. at 123 Summer Street, Worcester, MA. 01608.