Charles Albert Brunell died peacefully on Tuesday, Dec. 8, 2015 following a yearlong struggle with esophageal cancer. His death was swift and peaceful and came at home, in his comfy bed, completely and lovingly surround by his family.
Born Aug. 3, 1933, Brunell’s full and rich life began in the heartland and took him from coast to coast. From working in the paper mills in southern California, through long years as a corporate executive in New York and Connecticut, and finally as an innkeeper at the Fox and Pheasant in Killington, Vt. Charlie Brunell believed in the value of good work. Likewise, he believed in the value of serious play. He piloted planes, navigated boats, hiked trails, skied mountains, visited far-off lands and played a mean game of gin rummy. Respected for his leadership, sought for his wisdom and known for being the life of every party, Brunell’s gentle and generous ways are a continuous inspiration.
A beloved son, brother, father and grandfather, adored husband, cherished friend and generous philanthropist, Charlie will be sorely missed. Were he here, he would wink, give us a wave of the hand, and tell us to get on with the work of living joyfully.
In addition to his life partner, Nina Tasi, of New London, he is survived by his brothers and sisters-in-law, Don and Maureen Brunell of Newbury Park, Cali., and Scott and Connie Brunell of Spangle, WA; his daughters and sons-in- laws, Dana and Mark Eisenberg of Bridgeport, Conn., and Paula and Sam Elias of Simsbury, Conn. He leaves his two grandchildren, Charles Benjamin Elias and Emily Marie Elias.
There will be no services. In his honor, and in lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to The Charlie Bear Fund being established at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Children’s Hospital (Charlie’s Fund, c/o Richard Peck, CHDH, Office of Development, 1 Medical Center Dr., Lebanon, N.H., 03756) or to Lake Sunapee Region VNA & Hospice in gratitude for their tender care (P.O. Box 2209., New London, N.H., 03257).
To sign an online guestbook please visit www.chadwickfuneralservice.com.
