Bill Brambilla

Bill Brambilla, 87, of Benton Harbor, passed away November 7, 2018 at Spectrum Health Lakeland. He was born April 24, 1931 in Lodi, New Jersey to Arthur and Fernanda Brambilla. He was a proud Italian who loved life and always returned to his roots. Bill served our country in the U.S. Marines and U.S. Air Force. After his service he graduated from the University of Connecticut. He started his apparel career with the DuPont Company and became a part of the President Eisenhower Congressional “Report on Fitness” by introducing Lycra as a sportswear end use. Over 40 years in men’s wear fashion, he worked in New York, Sweden and Italy. In 1981 while in New York, he met his wife, Joen who was from Michigan. They returned to take care of her parents and fell in love with Michigan. Bill started a new career in Real Estate and continued with the support of his partner, Chris Marske. He loved the arts and created “Carts for the Arts”, “Youth in the Arts” and “Cool Kids”. The kids were his passion. He also worked with the Benton Harbor Sunrise Rotary with a “Paul Harris Fellow” recognition. Joen and Bill were committed to the community. They were never the best at anything but did enjoy golf, bridge and Chicken foot. Bill was a proud member of AA for 37 years. He went to a meeting every morning at 7 A.M. and was a power of example for many people. Bill is survived by his wife, Joen; children Lisa (Chris) Doble, OR, Paul Brambilla, FL, Jeff (Dina) Voorhees, NY and Deborah (Len) Elkins, NY; grandchildren, Bill Brambilla, OR, Nate Voorhees, NY, Nicole Elkins, NY, Brooke Elkins, FL and Dylan Voorhees, NY. Preceding him in death are his parents, Arthur and Fernanda (D’Ottavi) Brambilla and brother, George Brambilla. A celebration of life service will be held Saturday, November 17, 2018 at 1:00 P.M. at Starks and Menchinger Chapel and Cremation Services, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph, MI 49085. Friends and family may visit at the funeral home Friday, November 16, from 5-7 P.M. Memorial contributions may be made to the Logan Center for Autism – Benton Harbor. Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com