Richard Romeo Brunelli

Richard Romeo Brunelli, the respected patriarch of our family, passed peacefully at 96 years of age at his home in Fremont, in the loving company of family. He was born December 9, 1928, at Silva’s Maternity Home in Niles (Fremont), California, to Romeo F. Brunelli and Lillian C. Varni. He was the loving brother of the late Marjorie Plummer. He lived his whole life in Fremont.

Richard was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 45 years, Geraldine I. Fernandez. Together they raised a loving family of 5 children. He is survived by James and Maelene Brunelli of Pleasanton, Joan Brunelli de Vries of El Cajon, Barbara and Thomas Young of Sacramento, William and Janelle Brunelli of Hayward, and Andrew Brunelli of Fremont.

He was the devoted and cherished Nonno (grandfather), to Christopher Howard, Amanda (Michael) Clarke, Julia, Gina, Sophia and Jessica Brunelli, Nicholas and Michael de Vries, and Sarah and Andrew (Mia) Young. Bisnonno (great grandfather), to Megan and Emily Clarke, Dorian and Emily de Vries, and Cru, Nox, and Dez Young.

Richard was a man of generosity, caring, and love to his family, and to all who knew him. He had a passion for life and people, always willing to go the extra mile with support and guidance. He will be remembered as a man of principle and purpose. And humor, he loved to laugh!

Richard was a graduate of Niles Elementary and Washington High School. It was there he met his future wife, Gerry. He attended St. Mary’s College, Santa Clara University, and the General Motors Institute in Detroit, Michigan. Originally interested in aeronautics, he pivoted to mechanical engineering and business. Richard joined the family business, Central Chevrolet in Centerville (Fremont), which his father had founded in 1937. At 14 years of age, he drove a 3-wheel Harley motorcycle to pick up parts and followed in his father’s footsteps as a mechanic. He was drafted into the Army and served in the Korean War, rising to the rank of sergeant. Rich returned to Centerville (Fremont) to continue in his career as a successful automobile dealer, receiving many awards. He guided the franchise for 56 years until its closing in 2009. In 1982 he partnered with Quinn Piening to revive the Central Towing business which continues to thrive.

Richard’s achievements in business were only exceeded by his service and dedication to the community. He organized the first local youth baseball league in the 1960’s. He was a member, and past president, of the Niles Rotary Club for 69 years. With the club he refurbished buses to take to Mexico, worked in the Centerville Dining Room, contributed assistance and equipment when needed, and was known for his “can-do” attitude. Richard was a past president of the Fremont Chamber of Commerce and past district Boy Scout camping chairman. In his youth, he earned the rank of Eagle Scout. He was a member of the Elks Club, Knights of Columbus, and Native Sons of the Golden West. Richard was a 70-year member of the Holy Spirit Parish. He organized many pancake breakfasts while serving on the board of the Holy Name Men’s Club. In 1995, Richard and his wife Gerry were honored by the Ohlone College Foundation as Citizens of the Year for their years of service to the community. His crowning achievement was raising hundreds of thousands of dollars for the local YMCA through his annual fundraising dinner to pay off the mortgage. In 1999 the building was named in his honor. Richard was selected as a torchbearer for the 2002 Winter Olympics Torch Relay in recognition of his lifelong commitment to the community.

Rich was a lifelong 49er fan and season ticket holder for 70 years, attending 6 Super Bowls. In the 60’s and 70’s, with his partner Leo Dunn, they raced a unique twin-engine dragster which set records and won championships. He was an avid golfer and member of the Castlewood Country Club.

He took great enjoyment and pride in watching his children and grandchildren participate in sports, auto racing, music, and theater. He loved seeing their successes in life and being a part of their lives, for it was his family that he most treasured.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, January 18th, at 1:00pm, at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 37588 Fremont Blvd in Fremont. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Niles Rotary Foundation, P.O. Box 7104 Fremont, CA 94537 or the Washington Hospital Healthcare Foundation, 2500 Mowry Ave. Fremont, CA 94538.