Stephen Brunette

Steve Brunette

May 23, 1952-August 12, 2025

We honor the life of a remarkable man—Steve—a man whose quiet strength, steady hands, generosity, and wry sense of humor left an indelible mark on everyone lucky enough to know him.

Steve was born in Detroit, Michigan to John and Lena Brunette on May 23, 1952. Steve was the youngest child, entering a family of brothers John and David, and sister Cheryl. He joined the United States Navy after high school and was stationed out of San Diego, CA. It was there that he met the love of his life, Peggy who he married in 1974. Steve and Peggy moved to Washington, calling Jefferson County home since 1979.

Steve served his country with honor as a United States Navy Damage Controlman during the Vietnam War. After his time in the service, he continued his lifelong commitment to protecting others, dedicating over 31 years in the federal fire service, retiring at Naval Magazine Indian Island where he rose through the ranks to become a Fire Captain. Steve became not just a leader but a mentor, known for his calm under pressure and his unwavering dedication to the job and his crew.

Steve founded Tarboo Ridge Fire Extinguishers in 1988, servicing Jefferson, Clallam, Mason, and Kitsap counties. Steve welcomed his children into the business, imparting the value of hard work and spirit of community until it was sold in 2017.

Even in retirement, Steve stayed busy as he continued serving the community by finding his sense of purpose in honoring fellow veterans. He was a proud member of the Patriot Guard Riders (PGR) as a support vehicle, bringing flags, supplies, and standing tall with others in quiet dignity and support of veterans and their families. Steve organized and facilitated biannual bell ringing ceremonies on the steps of the Jefferson County Courthouse, a ceremony honoring veterans in the county who had recently passed. It was of upmost importance that their names were said in reverence, with the goal of leaving no man behind. Steve’s commitment and passion for veterans was tangible, as he petitioned to the county commissioners to approve the Blue Star Banner Program in Jefferson County, honoring current service members on banners displayed along the highway.

But Steve was more than a firefighter, veteran, and active member of the community—he was a deeply devoted family man. For over 50 years, he shared his life with Peggy, his steadfast partner through thick and thin. Together, they raised three children—Erica, Zach, and Ezelise—who carry forward his legacy of integrity, grit, and dry humor. He was also a proud grandfather to Bridget and Trudy, who brought him immense joy and a renewed sense of wonder.

He is survived by his beloved sister, Cheryl, whose bond with Steve was built on years of shared memories, unspoken understanding, and deep sibling love. Steve had a deep passion for family history and ancestry, tracing family roots across the globe. His research led him to discover long-lost Hungarian cousins, bringing families together for a memorable reunion.

Steve didn’t need to be the loudest voice in the room. His strength was quieter, rooted in action, loyalty, and deep love. He had a way of saying a lot with just a glance—or a perfectly timed, dry one-liner that left everyone chuckling. Steve was never one for big speeches or dramatic gestures—he simply showed up, did the work, and stood by the people he loved. In the end, that’s the kind of legacy that matters most.

He had a love for the simple pleasures in life: classic rock turned up loud, a perfectly made Cadillac margarita with no salt on the rim, and banana splits with all the toppings. We will carry him with us in every fire station bell, a Doobie Brother’s guitar riff on the radio, the sip of a margarita, every bite of a banana split shared in his honor, and the quiet moments when we hear his voice in our heads offering a perfectly timed, deadpan remark. Though our hearts are heavy, we find comfort in the legacy Steve leaves behind: a life of service, of love, of humor, and of unwavering character.

We’ll carry you with us, always-in our stories, our hearts, and in the way we live our lives with a little more courage, a little humor, and a lot more rock and roll.

Fair winds and following seas. We love you.

A Celebration of Life will be scheduled at a later date.