Today I lost my best friend. It was a day I never expected. If I have to find any solace in it, I was with him when he went peacefully.

He passed, suddenly, in his favorite place — his mom’s rocking chair. Bill or Papa, as he was better known, was born in Danbury, on October 4, 1953, to Modesto and Evelyn Brunetti.

Bill and I met as neighbors when we were 9 years old and have been together ever since. We just celebrated our 51st anniversary.

Nothing was more important to Bill than his family. He loved every one of us deeply. He was so proud of the accomplishments of his two wonderful children, Bill Jr and Katie. He adored his two grandsons, Hunter and Jackson. There is nothing he wouldn’t do for those boys — for any of us.

Bill was a graduate of Henry Abbott Tech and Central CT State University. He was a talented carpenter who built everything from a set of steps to a multimillion-dollar shopping center. And he loved nothing more than to help Bill Jr with his BBQ business.

Bill was a proud member of Hawleyville Fire Company for 24 years and he served as a Fire Commissioner. Bill was past president of Brookfield Sportsman’s Club. He was a member of Henry Abbott Tech Craft Committee. And for the past 12 years he has served humbly as a security volunteer for St Rose of Lima Church Red Jackets.

Bill was an avid hunter, fisherman, news junkie, proud Trump supporter, micromanager, and junk collector.

Bill leaves behind the love of his life, Joanne; his much-loved children, Bill Brunetti, Jr and his wife Tammy, and Katie Brunetti and her partner Ben Nagy. He also leaves his two wonderful grandsons, Hunter and Jackson Brunetti. His best buddies Barney and Pete miss him terribly.

Bill also leaves extended family and more friends than we could ever count, from kindergarten to retirement.

At Bill’s request, there are no services at this time. We will hold a get-together in the near future.

Our family wishes to thank the Newtown PD and Emergency Services and all our family and friends for your kindness. Honan Funeral Home, 58 Main Street in Newtown, is serving the family.