Robert G Brunelle

Robert George Brunelle, lovingly known as “Pepé” to his family, passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of devotion, discipline, and quiet strength that shaped generations of his family.

Born to George and Lucy (Lebeau) Brunelle of New Bedford, Massachusetts, Robert grew into a man whose life would be defined by precision, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to family. He pursued his education with determination, earning his Master’s degree in Business from Nichols College in Dudley, Massachusetts — an achievement that reflected his belief in the value of hard work and lifelong learning.

Robert proudly served his country as a member of the United States Marine Corps from 1959 to 1963, stationed at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. The discipline, honor, and brotherhood he embraced as a Marine became cornerstones of the man he was for the rest of his life — a quiet patriotism that he carried with dignity through every chapter that followed.

Robert dedicated 25 years of his professional life to American Optical Corporation of Southbridge, Massachusetts, where he served as MIS Director from 1975 until his retirement. His leadership in information systems during a transformative era in technology was marked by the same steady hand and sharp focus he brought to every endeavor.

A true marksman in every sense of the word, Robert found deep joy and purpose in the sport of Competition Pistol Shooting. Over his lifetime, he claimed hundreds of match victories, each trophy a testament to his discipline, patience, and pursuit of excellence. He was an instrumental and active member of the Hamilton Rod and Gun Club of Sturbridge, Massachusetts, the North Brookfield Rod and Gun Club of North Brookfield, Massachusetts, and the Leicester Rod and Gun Club of Leicester, Massachusetts, where he shared his passion, mentored fellow shooters, and forged lasting friendships built on mutual respect and a love of the sport.

But beyond the medals and the matches, beyond the boardrooms and the classrooms, Robert was first and foremost a husband, a father, and a Pepé. He loved fiercely, guided gently, and taught his children that strength and tenderness are not opposites but companions.

Robert was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Donna Lee Brunelle (Braddock) of Charlton, MA; his parents, George Brunelle and Lucy Brunelle (Lebeau), both of New Bedford, MA; his brothers, Alfred Benoit of Middleboro, MA, and Norman Benoit of New Bedford, MA; and his cherished grandson, Nicholas Stevens of Southbridge, MA.

He leaves behind to cherish his memory his son Greg Brunelle and his wife Aimée of Rangeley, Maine; his daughter Deanna Brunelle of Hastings, Michigan; and his son Robert Brunelle and his wife April of Boylston, Massachusetts.

Robert is also survived by his cherished grandchildren: Courtney Brunelle of Biddeford, ME; Rebecca Brunelle of North Brookfield, MA; Jesse Whitaker of Sturbridge, MA; Jennifer Clark of Sturbridge, MA; Meagan O’Day of Morgantown, WV; Chelsea O’Day-Navis and her husband Cameron of Hastings, MI; Sonnie O’Day of Pulaski, VA; Haley Gosselin of Spencer, MA; Jared Brunelle and his wife Meagen of Millbury, MA; Abigail Brunelle of Brookfield, MA; Ethan Brunelle of Brookfield, MA; and Aiden Brunelle of Southbridge, MA. He is further survived by nine great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren, along with extended family and the many friends who were blessed to know him.

May Robert “Pepé” Brunelle rest in eternal peace, reunited with his beloved Donna, his grandson Nicholas, and those who went before him. Once a Marine, always a Marine — his steady hand, his patient instruction, and his enduring love will live on in the hearts of his children, his grandchildren, his great-grandchildren, his great-great-grandchildren, and all who were fortunate to call him family and friend. Semper Fidelis.

Sansoucy Funeral Home, 40 Marcy Street, Southbridge, MA is assisting the family with Robert’s care and arrangements. Burial with Military Honors will be Friday, July 17, 2026 at the Massachusetts Veterans Cemetery, 111 Glenallen Street, Winchendon, MA 01475.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests you consider making memorial donations to either the Second Chance Animal Shelter, P.O. Box 136, East Brookfield, MA 01515,or to Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516 (or online at www.woundedwarriorproject.org)

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