Luke Brunelle obituary remembers his lasting impact on the boating community, his dedication to his craft, and his commitment to serving others. He left behind a legacy that will be remembered for years to come.
Lucien “Luke” Brunelle Jr., a well-known figure in the boating community, has passed away at 61.
Brunelle was the owner of Brunelle’s Marina, a thriving hub for boating enthusiasts situated on the Connecticut River in South Hadley, Massachusetts.
Luke Brunelle garnered immense love and admiration within the boating community, where he held a prominent position and was highly regarded.
His commitment to delivering exceptional service and fostering a warm and inviting environment for boating enthusiasts earned him a stellar reputation.
Luke’s contributions to the boating industry have been nothing short of remarkable, leaving a lasting impact on the community he served.
He firmly believed in the power of actions, considering them to be more significant than mere words.
Establishing Brunelle’s Marina
In 1959, the Brunelle family laid the foundation of what was to become one of the largest marinas in the area.
They started with a ramp for sailboats, which quickly grew to include a snack bar and an Evinrude motor dealership.
The marina gained recognition in the 1960s as people began discovering boating, and Westover Air Force Base’s active personnel also turned the river into their playground.
Through hard work and dedication, Luke Brunelle played a critical role in transforming the family business from a modest ramp into a popular marina.
Brunelle’s Marina burns down in 2013
The marina experienced a significant setback in 2013 when it was consumed by a fire. However, the Brunelle family was determined to rebuild the marina and did so in the same year.
They constructed a bigger shop and showroom, which includes a 300-seat restaurant.
The eatery is run by the Rondeau and Yee families, and it is a go-to spot for many boating enthusiasts.
The Lady Bea riverboat
Luke Brunelle’s entrepreneurial spirit led to the creation of ‘The Lady Bea,’ a riverboat designed to provide residents with a unique perspective of the beautiful Connecticut River.
To mark the 250th anniversary of the town of South Hadley, Brunelle came up with the concept of a riverboat dubbed ‘The Lady Bea’.
The boat was meant to provide residents with a bird’s-eye view of the beautiful Connecticut River. “We want to share the river view with the valley,” Brunelle told The Republican at the time.
‘The Lady Bea’ served as a testament to Luke’s creativity and his desire to share the wonders of the river with the community.
Luke Brunelle obituary: Investigations into his death
Recently, the Northwest District Attorney’s Office reported that they investigate all unattended deaths.
Lori Loiselle, the office’s spokeswoman, addressed concerns about Brunelle’s passing, saying that there was no foul play and no suspicious circumstances involved.
However, no further information has been released to the public to respect the family’s privacy.
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