Brian Piccolo was a talented American football player who had a promising career ahead of him. However, his life was cut short at the young age of 26 due to a rare form of cancer. While his untimely death was a tragedy in itself, what happened to his wife and daughters after his passing was equally heartbreaking.
Brian Piccolo was born on October 31, 1943, in Pittsfield, Massachusetts. He grew up with a passion for football and excelled in the sport throughout his high school and college years. After playing college football at Wake Forest University, Piccolo was signed by the Chicago Bears in 1965 as an undrafted free agent.
During his time with the Bears, Piccolo formed a close friendship with fellow running back Gale Sayers. Their friendship was the subject of the 1971 made-for-TV movie “Brian’s Song,” which depicted their bond and Piccolo’s battle with cancer. The movie brought their story to a wider audience and touched the hearts of many.
In November 1969, Piccolo was diagnosed with embryonal cell carcinoma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer. Despite undergoing multiple surgeries and treatments, his condition continued to deteriorate. On June 16, 1970, Brian Piccolo passed away, leaving behind his wife, Joy, and their three young daughters, Lori, Traci, and Kristi.
The loss of a loved one is always devastating, but for Joy Piccolo, the pain was unimaginable. She was left to raise their three daughters on her own, while also dealing with the grief of losing her husband. Joy was a strong and resilient woman, but the weight of her responsibilities was overwhelming.
In the years following Brian’s death, Joy focused on providing a stable and loving environment for her daughters. She made sure they had access to the best education and opportunities available to them.
Brain Piccolo’s life was deeply intertwined with the love and support of his high school sweetheart, Joy. Joy, a former cheerleader at Central Catholic, shared a profound connection with Brian that transcended their adolescent years.
Their union was cemented in matrimony just three days before Brian signed with the Bears, marking the beginning of a lifelong journey together. As their love story unfolded, it blossomed into a beautiful family, comprised of three daughters: Lori, Traci, and Kristi.
However, fate had a cruel twist in store. Brian Piccolo’s life was tragically cut short on June 16, 1970, at the tender age of 26, succumbing to cancer. This devastating loss left Joy Piccolo bereft, but she displayed remarkable resilience.
Three years after Brian’s passing, she found love again, marrying Rick O’Connell. Together, they embarked on a shared mission, tirelessly dedicating themselves to the cause that had become so intertwined with Brian’s legacy—the Brian Piccolo Cancer Research Foundation.
Joy assumed the role of president within the foundation, a position that allowed her to channel her grief into purpose. The foundation was born out of the need to confront the cruel reality of cancer that had claimed Brian’s life. Its mission was clear: to support innovative cancer research initiatives that could enhance patient care and, in doing so, honor the memory of the talented Chicago Bears running back.
Since its inception in 1970, the Brian Piccolo Cancer Research Foundation had made remarkable strides, committing nearly $10 million to the development of improved diagnostic tools and more effective treatments for cancer.
Lori Piccolo Bruno, the eldest of Brian and Joy’s three daughters, carries the legacy of her father. Born to Brian Piccolo and Joy Murrath, Lori was just 4 1/2 years old when she lost her father in 1970. Despite the profound absence, she grew up surrounded by her mother’s unwavering dedication to the cause and her father’s enduring memory. This upbringing instilled in her a deep sense of purpose.
In addition to Lori, the Piccolo family includes Traci Piccolo Dolby and Kristi Piccolo. Traci found her path in entrepreneurship, partnering with her husband, John, to run Dolby Packaging. Kristi, on the other hand, carved her own niche as a senior producer at MERGE.
These three sisters share more than just blood; they share a commitment to their father’s legacy. Together, they labor alongside their mother, Joy, within the Brian Piccolo Cancer Research Fund, ensuring that Brian’s memory lives on through their collective efforts. Joy, as the president of the foundation, stands at the helm, guiding their mission with grace and determination.
The Brian Piccolo Cancer Research Fund’s impact reaches far beyond the Piccolo family. Its work extends to the broader community, offering hope to cancer patients everywhere. The foundation has forged partnerships with esteemed institutions to advance cutting-edge research. Through these collaborations, they seek to push the boundaries of cancer treatment and diagnostics, striving for a future where cancer is no longer a devastating force.
Lori’s family tree extends beyond her immediate relatives. Her paternal grandparents, Joseph Piccolo and Irene Piccolo, are an integral part of her heritage, contributing to the rich tapestry of her family history. Her stepfather, Rich O’Connell, entered her life through her mother’s second marriage. Rich, the son of a Chicago police officer, made a livelihood in the ready-mix concrete business, bringing a unique blend of experiences and values into the family.
In the midst of their individual pursuits and careers, the Piccolo family remains bound by a shared commitment to honor Brian’s memory. The Brian Piccolo Cancer Research Fund, under Joy’s steadfast leadership, continues to make strides in the battle against cancer, offering hope to countless individuals and families touched by this relentless disease. As they press forward, they embody the enduring power of love, dedication, and the unyielding spirit of those who refuse to be defeated by adversity. Brian Piccolo’s legacy lives on, not only as a Chicago Bears icon but as a beacon of hope in the fight against cancer.
