Peter Francis Brunelli

On Saturday, May 16, 2020, Peter Francis Brunelli, devoted husband and father of three children, passed away at age 68.

Peter was born on July 20, 1951, in Bronx, NY to Alfred and Marie Brunelli. After graduating from Cardinal Hayes in 1969, Peter continued his education at Manhattan College 1973, before completing his MBA at Iona College 1977. He attributed his success to the upstanding education and support that he received from Cardinal Hayes.

Inspired by his affection for animals and the thrill of sales, he initiated and ran the largest privately owned veterinary ultrasound distributor in the country, Universal Imaging Inc., for over forty years. On May 22, 1976, Peter married Paula Kmetz, and together they moved to Thornwood, NY, where they raised three children, Richard, Eileen and JoAnn.

Peter had a passion for travel, meeting new people, enjoying great food with family and friends, and had a voracious appetite for his work. He was often the life of the party with his unique ability to easily connect with new people and make them smile.

He is survived by his wife, Paula, his three children, Richard (Jennifer), Eileen McElhinney (Nicholas), and JoAnn, five grandchildren, Dexter, Wyatt, Shaun, Ryan, and Dylan, his siblings, Eileen and Bobby, and his niece, Marie, and nephew Robert.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Cardinal Hayes High School, where Peter was inducted into the hall of fame in 2018; an honor that he was especially proud of. Services will be held Thursday May 28, 2020 10am - 11am at Bergen Funeral Service 232 Kipp Ave, Hasbrouck Heights, NJ 07604.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Journal News from May 23 to May 26, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Peter Brunelli

Sponsored by Bergen Funeral Service - Queens.

11 Entries

Kate Chope

October 3, 2020

Peter,
Thank you for all you did for Veterinary Imaging and supporting young veterinarians and veterinary students. You were a character with a big and loyal heart. Our best to your family and Universal Imaging family.

Anne Elise Napier

September 23, 2020

Peter's enthusiasm for ultrasound and his ability to make some great coffee equipped me for a career in mobile veterinary ultrasound in Nashville, TN. I am forever grateful for his welcome each time I took a class at Universal and will always remember him fondly. His loss is deeply felt! I am just learning of this so many months later and am saddened by his loss.

Dr. Victor Valdes

June 25, 2020

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

VICTOR RENDANO

June 14, 2020

Peter,
You will be missed.
I thank you for all your efforts to advance imaging in veterinary medicine.
I thank you for all your help.
I thank you for being one of the first to reach out to me when my dad died.
You will be missed by me. I must stop typing now as I need to wipe the tears from my eyes.

Fondly,
Vic Rendano VMD

William Knospler

June 14, 2020

It was a pleasure to have known and worked with Peter Brunelli since 1982; a personal friend, a business associate, a confidant, a man of high principle and fairness. All who knew him as I did, will miss his integrity, his intellect, his humor, his temperament, his ambition, his generosity, his good nature, his outgoing manner and much more. He will always hold a special place in my memories. Farewell good friend.

Dominick Mastrovincenzo

June 13, 2020

Truly saddened from the bottom of my heart, A mentor ,A uncle that was there for me and always had the best advice . A very good hearted man with a heart of gold . Always had the best stories about him and my dad ,His cousin Ronnie and guided me when my father passed . We all lost a great man A great father and a great husband And a great family member . I know your up there with my father smiling down on the family . I love you Uncle Peter ,Until we meet again .

lynne gillooly

May 29, 2020

knew Peter for over 30 years. We both sold Ultrasound machines. I will miss his honest and direct way of doing business as well as his love for his family, friends and customers. Rest well Peter. You deserve it

Claire Card

May 28, 2020

I am very shocked and saddened to hear this news. Peter was a great colleague and friend. He always loved to tease the veterinarians with whom he interacted. In many ways he was larger than life. Generous, funny, very Italian and a knowledgeable approachable businessman. I'll miss him! Thinking of you all.

Mike Masterman

May 28, 2020

Richard, Paula, Eileen, JoAnn and the Universal Family-
You are all in our thoughts and prayers- I have known and worked with Peter for over 35 years-he was the source of information in our industry-
Straight forward, professional and a man of his word- I will miss him personally and we will miss him collectively- God Bless all of you-God Bless Peter!
Thoughts and prayers-
Mike Masterman and the team at Imaging Associates

Lynne

May 27, 2020

have known Peter for over 30 yrs. We both worked in the Ultrasound industry. With Peter, you always knew where you stood. Honest, direct and real.....We will miss you Peter.