Bruno (BJ) Lucarelli of the Fairways of Lake Ridge passed away at Lenox Hill Hospital, New York, Sept. 19, surrounded by his loving family. Bruno was born April 8, 1934 in Jersey City, the eldest son of Bruno and Florence Lucarelli’s five children. Bruno attended Villanova University and Newark College of Engineering. Bruno joined the U.S. Army in January 1954. He was assigned to U.S. Army Finance School at Fort Benjamin Harrison, Indianapolis, Indiana. Upon completion in August 1954 he was assigned to the Counter Intelligence Corps, Fort Winfield Scott, The Presidio, San Francisco, California.
On a beautiful day in May 1955 at St. Catharine’s Church, Spring Lake, Bruno married his high school sweetheart and the love of his life Sheila Ann O’Brien, hence headed to San Francisco for their two-year honeymoon. In 1957 he was honorably discharged.
At age 24, with a wife and three little girls whom he always referred to as “my inspirations,” at his first home in Oakhurst, he created BJ Builders of NJ, a commercial building company. By 1970 BJ Builders became one of the top 500 building companies in America. Bruno was a longtime member of Deal Country Club, Allenhurst Beach Club and good old Takanassee Beach Club.
Intelligent and intuitive, his interactions with others were always positive and warm-hearted. Everyone who knew Bruno was drawn to him for his infectious corny jokes and sense of humor. He had the amazing ability to whip up a gourmet meal for family and friends at his famous home on Surrey Lane where there was always room for one more and the love and laughter overflowed at his table.
Bruno is survived by his wife of 64 years Sheila O’Brien Lucarelli; he was predeceased by his eldest daughter Elizabeth Ann Lucarelli Joyce. He is also survived by Michael T. Joyce of Glenview, Illinois; Cynthia and James J. Fitzpatrick Jr. of Chestnut Hill, Pennsylvania; Suzanne L. and Richard de J. Osborne of New York City; Bruno III and Rachelle Lucarelli of Ocean; Lydia and Timothy Diassi of Far Hills; and Maura Lucarelli and Jonathan Lessin of Oceanport.
Bruno adored his 12 grandchildren, Michael T. Joyce Jr. (Katie), Christopher Bruno Joyce, Catherine T. Macdonald (Larkin), Luke G. Joyce, James J. Fitzpatrick Jr. (Meagan), Sean T. Fitzpatrick, Skye Lehman, Lexi Lehman, Victoria Lucarelli, Bruno James Lucarelli IV, Gabrielle Diassi and Nicholas Diassi.
He was blessed to be a great-grandfather to Sawyer, Brooke, James and Elizabeth.
Bruno is also survived by his brother and best friend Anthony B. Lucarelli; sister Anita Mclean; brothers-in-law, Kevin P O’Brien and the Hon. Francis P. Piscal; sisters-in-law, Margaret M. Piscal, Lydia O’Brien Mooty, Patricia O’Brien, Barbara O’Brien, Helen O’Brien, Rosanne Lucarelli and Sonja Moelleken O’Brien, M.D.
Bruno had many loving nieces and nephews whom adored him
Bruno was predeceased by his sister Geraldine Westerlind; brother Joseph M. Lucarelli; sisters-in-law, Eileen Lucarelli and Joan Kelly; and brothers-in-law, Robert E. O’Brien Sr., John J. O’Brien Jr., William G. O’Brien, Mark Mooty and Eugene F. Kelly.
Hail and farewell loving husband, father, son, brother and friend. We will miss you.
Visitation was held Sept. 23 at O’Brien Funeral Home, Wall Township. A funeral Mass was held at St. Catharine’s Roman Catholic Church, Spring Lake.
In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations be made in Bruno’s honor to The Rainbow Foundation at rainbowfoundation.org. For condolences please visit obrienfuneralhome.com.
