Lucien A. Brunelle Jr.

Lucien (Luke) A. Brunelle, Jr., a man whose heart overflowed with love and generosity, passed away on July 13, 2023, leaving behind a profound legacy of kindness and compassion. Born and raised in the picturesque town of South Hadley, MA, nestled along the Connecticut River, Luke was the cherished son of the late Lucien A. Brunelle, Sr. and survived by his mother, Josephine Gomez Brunelle. Luke's life was intertwined with Brunelle's Marina, a family business that had been a part of his upbringing since childhood. As a young boy, Luke eagerly immersed himself in the workings of the marina, learning the ropes and gaining an intimate understanding of the boating industry. The marina became his home, a place where he developed a deep love and respect for the river that flowed through his town. With a heart full of dedication and a breadth of knowledge acquired over the years, Luke flourished within the marina's embrace. His passion and unwavering commitment propelled him forward, eventually leading him to assume the role of owner/operator after the passing of his father, Lucien A. Brunelle, Sr. Luke took immense pride in the legacy he carried forward, he was a jack of all trades, nurturing the business with the same love and care that had been instilled in him since childhood. A captain at heart, Luke reveled in sharing the awe-inspiring beauty of the river with others. Guiding chartered tours on the Lady Bea Riverboat became his way of bestowing the gift of serenity and joy upon those who embarked on their journey with him. He treasured every moment spent on the water, creating memories and forging deep connections with all who ventured alongside him. Luke's impact extended far beyond the marina's docks. Luke’s love of the water was no secret. Luke spent his early years perfecting his waterskiing abilities as a member of the Pioneer Valley Waterski Club. He was an integral part of the community, actively involved in various organizations such as the Chamber of Commerce, Beavers Club, and was a past President of the Massachusetts Marine Trades Association. Luke's commitment to his town and its people was unwavering, and he found great joy in contributing to its growth and prosperity. However, Luke's most profound source of happiness came from the love he shared with his extensive family and his countless friends. Luke is survived by his friend Ali Brannan Brunelle, and her three children. Luke's former wife, Kathryn Brunelle, and their children Tiffany, Evan (pre-deceased), and Madeleine (Maddy) were forever cherished by him, as were his four adoring grandchildren, Owen, Noah, Blake, and Beau. To those who were fortunate enough to know him, Luke's character shone brightly. His warm and compassionate nature endeared him to all, and his selflessness knew no bounds. As an only child, he treasured the relationships he built with his extensive family and friends, treating them with the love and care of a devoted son and a loving father. Luke's legacy will forever be etched upon the very banks of the Connecticut River, where his unwavering love and passion for the water became a beacon of inspiration. As the river's currents continue to flow, they carry the echoes of his kindness, generosity, and boundless spirit, reminding us all to embrace the beauty of life and the power of love. Luke's legacy will forever serve as a guiding light, illuminating the path for future generations to cherish and protect the precious treasures found along the river's shores. Luke, may your soul find eternal peace and may we carry forward your legacy of love, compassion, and generosity, forever grateful to have been touched by your remarkable presence. A Sailor’s Prayer: “Take the wheel Lord and sail us into tomorrow, for wherever a Captain goes, his crew must follow. After all is said and done, the true treasure is those who wait at home.” The funeral Mass will be Thursday July 20th at 11:00 am in St. Patrick’s Church, 30 Main St., South Hadley. Calling hours at the O’Brien Family Funeral Home, 33 Lamb St., South Hadley are Wednesday 4:00 to 7:00 pm. For more information or to make online condolences please go to obrienfamilyfh.com. In lieu of flowers, please donate to his grandchildren's educational college funds. Please make check out to MFS 529 Savings Plan and mail to P.O. Box 332, South Hadley, MA 01075.