07/19/2023
Today we would like to honor a friend that has passed. Growing up and South Hadley, Everyone knew Dockside/Brunell‘s marina. This is one of the towns most beautiful areas. I’ve always had a boat even at a young age and Brunelle’s marina Was the place to go for anything you ever needed with boating and Luke always took it to another level from helping me purchase my dream boat at a young age of 28 to delivering me a battery when I was stuck on the river he was the man to call. He was so helpful and generous, and it showed in many ways. Not that long ago as many remember, an event called the leprechaun plunge. Luke founded the event and opened his marina for a wonderful charity , raising hundreds of thousands of dollars for multiple local charities he took our daughter under his wing and made her the youth ambassador for the leprechaun plunge. She had the privilege at a young age and it taught her the importance of helping others. She loved everything about the event, especially being able to be on Mass Appeal on the side of him to promote and even filming commercials that would replay over and over again to get people to come out and take the plunge, he always treated her as if she was she was family and that is so important to a little kid. Without Luke and his generosity an event like that could’ve never happened. Most recently we received a call that he needed someone to come and take care of the landscaping at the marina we were so honored that he called us and of course we couldn’t say no. We wanted to be there for him as he was always there for us, and many many others. We are truly heartbroken to hear about his passing. The love he had for people, the marina and the boating industry showed through his giant smile. We know that his legacy will live on through his daughters and I’m sure grandchildren as the years move on and we will continue to be there for them with whatever they need to keep it going. Rest in peace, Luke Brunelle, Junior.