FREDERICK E BRUNETTI age 83. It is with deep sorrow and much love that we mourn the passing of Fred Brunetti, of Independence, OH on September 7. Beloved Husband of 14 years to Joy (married in 2007); loving father of Teresa “Tia” (Mike) Ciferno, Sean (Darlene) Brunetti, Tamara “Tami” (Mark) Bell, Maria Brunetti, Katie (Jamie) Cutshaw and bonus daughter Crystal (Mark) Angersola; very proud grandfather of Michael, Aaron, Anna, Julia, Fasha, Jayna, Eva, Rachel, Daniel, Jake, Luke, Isaac, Maddie, Marci, and Scarlett and treasured son of the late Filomeno “Michael” Brunetti and Regina Sapago; dear brother of Ted (the late Betty) Brunetti, Mike (Bernie) Brunetti, and the late Phil (Joan) Brunetti and Marie (the late Doug) Cox; cherished uncle to 22 nieces and nephews, whom he loved. Fred was preceded in death by his devoted wife of 42 years, Marci, and his oldest son Greg.
Husband, Father, Grandfather, Brother, Uncle, and Friend; Fred was known by many titles but he would want you to know he was a Child of God. Most comfortable with a fishing rod in his hand, he could also be found holding a garden shovel or barbecue fork, tickling the keys of a piano, petting his precious Yorkie, Cassie, or sipping a strong cup of black coffee. Fred graduated from Dormont High School and was a lifelong Steelers fan. As a young man, he worked in his father’s restaurant, “Brunetti’s.” He lied about his age to enlist in the US Navy and served on the USS Mount McKinley.
He later worked for Prudential and other firms, and was always recognized as a top salesman, finishing his career for Gordon Bros. of Salem, Ohio. Fred had many favorite pastimes; his top 5 were fishing, fishing, fishing, music, and gardening. He was a child prodigy on the piano and taught his own children on the family’s baby grand. He loved singing with the Stephen Foster Barbershop Chorus and in many quartets and also served as choir director and organist at SS Cyril and Methodius in Warren, OH.
Retirement brought new adventures with his wife, Joy, and they loved exploring the country in their little Casita camper. With Cassie by their side, they visited every state in the lower 48 and Canada. They even traveled to Thailand and spent a month exploring and visiting Joy’s family. Fred was a “friend of Bill’s” for over 45 years. His inspiration and guidance helped hundreds, through the AA program, to transform their lives. His devotion to the Church also led him to be active in the Knights of Columbus for 47 years, where he received his Fourth Degree.
His favorite saying was paraphrased from St. Padre Pio,“Worry is useless; the Lord hears your prayers, and everything is going to be alright.” Fred was very proud of his Italian and Russian heritage. He was overjoyed to discover additional family in Canada and regularly attended the annual Bellosguardo picnic.
We will all miss you so very much. We know you are relishing the reunions you are having in Heaven, telling them the same old jokes as if they never heard them before. We look forward to the day when we can share a cup of coffee and a laugh with you in the presence of our Heavenly Father. Only God could love you more. In lieu of flowers, please perform an unexpected act of kindness in honor of Fred’s generous spirit and to continue to spread his love for people.
Friends may call at THE FERFOLIA FUNERAL HOME, 356 W. AURORA RD. (OH RTE 82), SAGAMORE HILLS FOR VISITATION SUNDAY 2-6 P.M. OUT OF RESPECT FOR ONE ANOTHER, PROPERLY WORN MASKS ARE REQUIRED AND SOCIAL DISTANCING OBSERVED. Family and friends are invited to gather at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, 185 Laird Ave. NE Warren, OH. 44483, where VISITATION WILL BE HELD MONDAY 12-1P.M. Immediately followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 1P.M.
