Brunell J. Dupuis

Brunell J. Dupuis, age 95, of Kankakee passed away Sunday, March 17, 2019 at Riverside Medical Center in Kankakee. He was born February 3, 1924 in Rockville Township, the son of Edward E. & Eva M. (Gregoire) Dupuis. Brunell married Angela M. “Lee” Tricarico on September 22, 1946 in Bradley Beach, NJ. She preceded him in death on February 21, 2014. Brunell retired from Henkel/General Mills after 38 years of service. Brunell was a first lieutenant in the United States Army Air Corps, having served during World War II with the Fourteenth Air Force, also known as the Flying Tigers. He was a bomber pilot with the 341st bombardment group and flew B-25’s and A-26’s. The 341st received a Distinguished Unit Citation for developing a bombing technique for use against bridges. Brunell’s decorations include the Asiatic-Pacific Ribbon with 2 bronze stars, the American Theater Ribbon, and the China Memorial Ribbon. Brunell was a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and Vintage Squadron. His hobbies included playing euchre, bowling, fishing, and playing horseshoes. He enjoyed dancing, and Brunell and his wife won a bronze medal from the Arthur Murray Dancing Schools. For many years, he played Santa Clause at area schools and nursing homes. Brunell was a parishioner of St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church, now known as St. John Paul II- West Campus. He served as an usher for many years. Surviving are three daughters and two sons-in-law, Diane & Don Gilles of Henderson, NV, Rosemary O’Connor of Normal, and Teresa & Michael Mau of Kankakee; seven grandchildren, Ryan & Sarah O’Connor, Erin & Ryan Watts, Megan O’Connor, Michael & Alyson Gilles, Heather Gilles, Zachary Mau, and Lauren Mau; ten great-grandchildren; and one sister, Janet Blanchette of kankakee. In addition to his wife, Lee Dupuis, Brunell was preceded in death by one son, Edward Dupuis; his parents; and two brothers, Robert Dupuis and Paul Dupuis. Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until the 11 am. funeral mass on Friday, March 22, 2019 at St. John Paul II- West Campus. Burial will follow at Mount Calvary Cemetery in Kankakee. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice of Kankakee Valley.

Brunell J. Dupuis

February 3, 1924 - March 17, 2019