Kevin P. Brunelle, of Rochester, NH, passed away on May 13th, 2026 after a battle with lymphoma. He was born in Sanford, Maine to Richard C. Brunelle and Dolores (Houle) Brunelle Everett.

A child of the 1970s and the era of In Search of..., Kevin moved through the world with wonder permanently switched on. For him, there was always something just beyond the edge of the ordinary: a Bigfoot hidden somewhere deep in the Maine woods, strange lights moving across the night sky, or a story too impossible not to tell. He delighted in mystery and could keep a room captivated with tales of the unexplained, backwoods legends, and the uncanny things he swore could still be found if you knew where to look.

Kevin possessed a larger-than-life sense of humor and a gift for performance. Friends and family knew him as a master of improvised comedy, outrageous storytelling, and spot-on impersonations that could leave people laughing until they cried. His presence had a way of turning ordinary evenings into unforgettable memories.

Music, however, was at the center of who he was. A gifted singer and guitarist, Kevin brought passion and theatricality along with his creativity. His rendition of Enter Sandman famously terrified his young stepson at first, though the same intensity and love of music later inspired that stepson to become a guitarist himself.

Kevin married Netrista Khatam at First Church in Salem, a fitting place for two people who shared a love of Halloween, history, and the beautifully strange. Their wedding carried a “Time in a Bottle” theme in honor of his late brother Michael, who had cherished the song during his lifetime. It was a celebration filled with memory, symbolism and love — all the things that defined Kevin.

For decades, Kevin worked at the House of Pizza, where he transformed everyday interactions into genuine human connection. What might have been a routine stop for many customers often became a meaningful conversation instead. He had an unusual ability to make people feel seen, heard, and welcomed, whether through humor, storytelling, and simple kindness.

Beneath his playful mysticism and larger-than-life personality was someone profoundly devoted to the people he loved. He cared deeply for his mother, remained devoted to his family throughout his life, and had a tremendous affection for animals.

Kevin leaves behind a legacy of music, laughter, mystery, compassion, and stories that will continue to be told for years to come. For those who loved him, the world feels less enchanted without him in it. Kevin is survived by his beloved wife, Netrista Brunelle, and stepson, Driss Brunelle, both of Rochester, NH; his father, Richard C. Brunelle of Sanford; his sister, Diane Mulligan and husband Matt of Liberty and brother, Gary Brunelle of Sanford. He also leaves behind three nieces, Felicia Black of Winthrop, Bridget Martin of Sanford, and Kelly Mulligan of Brunswick. He was predeceased by his mother, Dolores J. Everett, and his brother, Michael R. Brunelle.