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Local Food Journey

In memory of PASA board member Jerry Brunetti

Posted by Jamie Oberdick on 12/26 at 01:27 PM

Reprinted from an email, sent out by Brian Snyder, executive director of the Pennsylvania Association for Sustainable Agriculture:

At a time of year already packed with emotional intensity, it can be especially hard to lose a loved one. This year all of us at PASA are greatly saddened to note the passing of our board member, good friend, mentor and inspirational leader, Jerry Brunetti, who succumbed to cancer this past Saturday, just shy of his 64th birthday.

I refuse to assert that “he lost his long battle with cancer,” as we so often hear being said, because Jerry was nothing if not a winner, in this and other life struggles as well. In facing this disease so courageously over many years, he taught us by example about natural systems for healing, and how to live in general. Jerry will be greatly missed, but will forever be our teacher through the many lessons he has left behind.

A memorial service will be held this Saturday, December 27, in Palmer, PA at 1:00 pm, with visitation starting at 11:00 am. More details about Jerry’s life and passing can be found in this obituary published yesterday. We are deeply humbled to note that Jerry’s family has requested memorial contributions be made to PASA according to the instructions in the obituary. We will be sure to use such donations in a way consistent with Jerry’s vision for the world.

Sometimes we lack sufficient words to express the enormity of the contributions made by devoted PASA members to the future of agriculture, food systems and life on this planet . . . this is one of those occasions. With that in mind, please join me in wishing Jerry’s family and many friends the comfort, inspiration and peace for which we all yearn at this special time of year.