Michael Angelo Brunzo Sr.

September 12, 1948 – August 26, 2026

Michael Angelo Brunzo, Sr., entered into the presence of the Lord on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, at his home in Taylorsville, Kentucky, surrounded by his family. He was 77. He was born on September 12, 1948, in Chicago, Illinois, to Phillip and Angeline (LoCascio) Brunzo. On July 3, 1969, Michael married his junior-high sweetheart, Brenda F. (Shackelford) Brunzo. They shared 57 years of marriage, ministry, and family life. They were blessed with two sons: Michael Angelo Brunzo, Jr., born December 16, 1971, and Christopher James Brunzo, born July 22, 1977.

Michael was a veteran of the United States Army, serving from 1969 to 1972 and receiving an honorable discharge as a Sergeant (E-5). A passionate patriot, he carried a lifelong heart for those who served this country—active, inactive, and fallen. Veterans of the United States Armed Forces, across every generation, are honored on his behalf and that of his family. He devoted twenty years to United Parcel Service in the metro Chicago area, resigning in 1991 as a Regional Manager. In September 1991, Michael and Brenda answered the call to full-time ministry. They attended Rhema Bible College in Tulsa, Oklahoma, graduating in 1993. From Tulsa they moved to Louisville, Kentucky, where they pioneered Faith Fellowship Church of Louisville. Together they co-pastored the congregation for 32 years. Known as Honey, Mickey, Dad, Pops, Papaw, and Pastor, Michael’s greatest role was that of Papaw. He adored his grandsons Shannon Brunzo-Hagar, Matthew McNeil, Ethan Brunzo, and Tyler Brunzo, and looked forward with joy to the arrival of his great-granddaughter, Jasmine Irene Brunzo.

Michael is survived by his wife of 57 years, Brenda; their sons, Michael Jr. (Seth) and Christopher (Laura) Brunzo; grandsons Shannon Brunzo-Hagar (fiancée Victoria), Matthew McNeil, Ethan (Liz) Brunzo, and Tyler Brunzo; great-granddaughter Jasmine Irene Brunzo (expected); his sister Phyllis (Ronald) Meyer; his brother Joseph “Joe” Carney (Pam); Jackie (Jerry) Roope; sister-in-law Diane (James); 36 nieces and nephews; and hundreds of church family members with whom he shared more than 35 years of full-time ministry. He was preceded in death by his parents, Phillip and Angeline Brunzo; daughter-in-law Gwynne; in-laws Charles and Janie Sanaghan; sisters Mary Ellen and Angel; and brothers Phillip, James, and Donald. Michael was tenacious, gracious, and honorable. He spent most of his life serving others and his country. Anyone who knew him experienced love and mercy through his kind approach and gentle demeanor. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Faith Fellowship Church of Louisville.

**Visitation and Celebration of Life**

Schoppenhorst Underwood & Brooks Funeral Home

123 Winning Colors Drive, Mt. Washington, KY 40047

Visitation: Friday, September 4, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., and Saturday, September 5, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Celebration of Life service: Saturday, September 5, 2026, at 12:00 noon. Entombment will follow immediately at Louisville Memorial Gardens East, 11601 Ballardsville Road, Louisville, KY 40241.