Donald Joseph Brunelle

Don Joseph Brunelle, 82, of St. Simons Island departed this life Friday, September 12, 2025 at SGHS in Brunswick. A Celebration of Life will be conducted at 11 am Wednesday, September 17, 2025 in the chapel of Edo Miller and Sons Funeral Home with a reception following, the family has requested casual dress.

Don was born in Albany, NY on Dec. 1, 1942, graduated from Cardinal McCloskey High School and then from the University of Buffalo as a Physical Therapist. He was an avid baseball player in high school where he lettered in three sports. In 1962, he was in an auto accident when he met the love of his life, Judy, who was his nurse in the hospital. They married in 1964 and in 1979 relocated to Brunswick, GA where they opened their private and successful Physical Therapy practice. Don was an avid musician, playing with “The Lancers” in NY and “The Sixty Minute Men” in Glynn County and lighting up any room with his music. Don coached little league and soccer and played on the “over 50” softball team for four years. He served on the boards of Hospice, Easter Seals, and the American Cancer Society. Most recently was a member of the coveted “Racoon Club” at Bennie’s Red Barn. He and Judy enjoyed many years of traveling in their RV and sailing on their sailboat.

Don was predeceased by his twin brother Denny, his younger brother Danny, and his mother Ginny. He is survived by his greatest love of 61 years, Judy, his daughter, Tracy and her sons Daniel and Eli Wagner; his son Chris and his children Charlie and Katie; his sister Kathleen Brunelle-Timber and nieces and nephews Michael and Lisa Brunelle and Robbie and Nicole Mink. Our hearts are broken.

In his own words, “I have been a very lucky man, having a wonderful wife and terrific children and grandchildren. I have been blessed with wonderful friends, some who I have outlived and some who I haven’t. For those who are still here, thank you for being my friend. For those who aren’t, here I come. Get out the guitar and let’s sing again.”

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society. Edo Miller and Sons is entrusted with arrangements. www.edomillerandsons.com