Stephen Patrick Brunetti, 56, of Delray Beach, FL, passed away at home surrounded by his family, on April 22, 2024, after a courageous 4 ½ year battle with colon cancer.
Born November 30, 1967, in Hackensack, NJ, in his youth, Steve and his family split their time between Elberon, NJ and Bal Harbour, FL. He attended Miami Country Day School, NY Military Academy, and was a graduate of Florida State University. Steve lived in Aventura, FL for a number of years before marrying his long-time love and eventually moving his family to Delray Beach, FL.
Steve was Vice President of the Brunetti Organization, an owner of Hialeah Park Casino and the family’s Red Oak Farm. He had a passion for breeding and racing thoroughbred race horses in the name of Red Oak Stable. Steve bred and raced Grade 1 winner and millionaire Unbridled Mo, who won the 2018 Apple Blossom Handicap. He also bred and raced Mind Control, a three-time Grade 1 winner of more than $2 million. Mind Control now stands stud in New York alongside multiple stakes winner King For A Day, who is another Red Oak Stable homebred.
Steve had a zest for life and a smile that lit up a room. He was so proud of his son Stephen, Jr’s singing career and he enjoyed spending time with his youngest son, Dario, hanging in the pool and playing cards.
Steve was preceded in death by his parents, John and Patricia Brunetti; his Aunt JoAnn Brunetti; and his grandparents Joseph and Anna Brunetti.
Steve is survived by his wife Kimberly, their son Dario, and his eldest son Stephen, Jr; brother John J Brunetti, Jr., and his wife Adina and daughters Courtney, Michelle and Jessica; numerous cousins and his beloved friends.
A celebration of Steve’s life will be held on Saturday, May 4, 2024 at 12:30 pm at Hialeah Park, 2200 E. Fourth Ave, Hialeah, Florida.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in memory of Stephen P. Brunetti, to one of his favorite charities:
St. Jude Cancer Research - stjude.org
Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund - pdjf.org
Thoroughbred Retired Foundation - trfnic.org
Professional arrangements by:
Gary Panoch Funeral Home
6140 N. Federal Highway
Boca Raton, FL 33487
561-997-8580
www.gpanochfunerals.com
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