Joseph James Brusati passed away after a short illness at his daughter's home in Butte, Montana January 19th 2023. Joe was born on May 18, 1930 to Attillio and Delores Brusati in Butte. Joe's father died in July of 1931, when Joe was 14 months old. Joe's early life was very tough. He and his mother made their way to California, where they lived in a car and a tent until two Catholic priests from Butte befriended them and helped to get them back to Butte in time for him to start grade school. This may be one of the reasons that he attended mass so regularly. He started first grade at the Webster, which was right across from his Grandma Tillie's house where he lived through high school, and he was always quick to point out "Not the Webster-Garfield!" He started working at age 9 setting pins in the bowling alley, becoming one of the first people in the US to get a Social Security card. His Grandma Tillie raised him to be a great and loving person.

Joe graduated from Butte High School in 1948. He met Joan Wills along the way, and through persistent effort, was able to secure a date with her. This led to them getting married in July of 1953. He joined the Air Force and was stationed at Nellis AFB in Nevada, where he helped keep the shores of Lake Mead safe from the North Korean Horde. This is where their first child Tom was born in 1954. They returned to Butte and started their lives there. They quickly added a second son, Bill, in 1956, and their favorite child (according to her), Karen joined the family in 1960. They enjoyed many years of camping at Georgetown Lake and Meadow Lake. Joe loved tying flys and fly fishing, along with golf with all of his Post Office buddies and the friends that he made while playing golf at the Muni. Joe loved cheeseburgers, especially the "Joe Special" at Joe's Pasty Shop, and doing the crossword before going to the YMCA to join his friend Larry Johnson who is only 3 or 4 days different in age. They both loved being spoiled with treats from their friend Bill Monahan, who always watched over the two of them.

Joe worked for the ACM and Pitney Bowes before joining the US Post Office, where he made a lot of lifetime friends and worked there until his retirement in 1989. After spending a few winters in Yuma AZ, Joan became ill and they remained in Butte. Joan passed away in 1994. After a while, Joe started dating Nancy Rooney, both were acting on suggestions that Joan had made to both of them before she passed that they should probably be with each other. Joe and Nancy married and blended their two families, adding Cherie, Vickie, Gary and Lisa to the fold.

He was proceeded in death by his parents, his wife Joan, Sister in Laws and Brother in Laws Betty and Dave Mencarelli, Phyllis and Joe Zobenica, JoEllen and Joe Cordier, Bob Culver, Jack Wills, Dick and Nancy Wills and Dorothy Wills. Brother in Law Joe Bodak, Uncles Gus and Guy Brusati, and aunts Norma Brusati and Theresa Vukmanovich. Step-daughter-in-law Stacey Rooney and his beloved grandaughter and mermaid angel, Annalyn Halvorsen.

He is survived by his wife of 26+ years, Nancy, sisters Betty and Jim Young, Beverly and Bob Brown and Sharon Bodak, Sister-in-Law Mary Wills, children and spouses, Tom and Kathy Brusati (Great Falls), Bill and Patty Brusati, Karen and Don Renz all of Butte. Step Children Cherie and Mike Jackson (Arizona), Vickie and Bob Bird (Oregon), Gary Rooney and Lisa Rooney. Grandchildren and spouses, Kim and Derrick Hillbrands (Sioux Falls), Kristy and Chad Hoar (Butte), Amanda and Tony Schneiderhan (Clancy), Matt and Lauren Brusati (Great Falls), Gianna and Justin Donnelly (Butte) Joe and Michaelee Brusati (St George Utah), Alisa and Mario Schonsberg (Butte), DJ (Pop's favorite-according to him) and Shannon Renz (Butte), Chris and Buffy Jackson (Seattle), Bethany Bird-Silver (Philadelphia) Zach and Colette Bird (Portland), Great Grandchildren, Emilee, Makenzie and Austin Hilbrands, Kaylee and Kyler Hoar, McKinlee, Aspen and Ellie Schneiderhan, Carter and Olivia Brusati, Megan and Braden Donnelly, Genevieve and Jameson Brusati, Gavyn, Maria, Maverick and Viviann Schonsberg, Branlyn, Brayson, Brexton, Everley and Wrenley Renz, Ellie Silver and Charlotte Bird, and Von & Kali. He also is survived by many loved nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his best friends Red and Sharon Riley.

Relatives and friends may call from 10:00am to 11:00am Wednesday in St. Ann's Catholic Church for visitations.  Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00am.  Rite of committal will follow in Holy Cross Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers please donate to Butte Catholic School or donors choice.