Joy Murrath: Where is Brian Piccolo's Wife Now? - Dicy Trends (2024)

Joy Murrath: Where is Brian Piccolo’s Wife Now?

Joy Murrath also known as Joy Piccolo was the wife of Brian Piccolo. Joy Murrath’s husband Piccolo was an American professional football player, a halfback for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League for four years.

Joy Murrath: Bio Summary

Who was Brian Piccolo’s wife?

Joy Murrath is popular as the wife of Brian Piccolo. She was born in 1943 in the United States of America. As of 2022, she is 79 years old. Her husband Brian died at age 26 from embryonal cell carcinoma, an aggressive form of germ cell testicular cancer, first diagnosed after it had spread to his chest cavity.

Murrath’s late husband was the subject of the 1971 TV movieBrian’s Song, with a remake (of the same title) TV movie filmed in 2001. He was portrayed in the original film by James Caan and bySean Maherin the 2001 remake.

Joy Murrath’s husband gave her a Diamond Ring

Murrath and Piccolo were high-school sweethearts, she was a cheerleader at Central Catholic. When the two love birds became engaged, he gave Joy a large diamond ring. But he also gave her sister, Carol, a diamond ring as well but a smaller one. Joy’s sister, Carol Murrath had cerebral palsy. Piccolo developed an independent friendship with Carol. He gave her the ring because he wanted her to feel included as opposed to how her cerebral palsy makes her feel.

ALSO, READ: Traci Piccolo Dolby: Inside The Life Of Brian Piccolo’s Daughter

Murrath and Piccolo got married on December 26, 1964. They married in a beautiful ceremony in the presence of their friend, family, and loved ones. A postseason Shrine All-Star football game in which Brian played put a serious kink into their wedding plans. The football star was unable to attend his own wedding rehearsal, much to his bride Joy’s disappointment. His comment to Joy after arriving via airplane in time for the wedding displayed his quick wit: “You know I hate to practice.”

The book, “The Book of Sports Virtues: High Impact Athletes and Coaches” revealed that Piccolo’s marriage to Joy revealed Brian’s compassionate nature in a special way.

The couple’s marriage was blessed with three children- They are Lori Piccolo Bruno,Traci Piccolo Dolby,and Kristi Piccolo. In conversation with Theathlete, Joy described her late husband as the kind of father who would play all day with his three adorable daughters. He delighted in taking Lori, Traci, and Kristi shopping for shoes and wading in the kiddie pool with them in their backyard.

ALSO, READ: Lori Piccolo Bruno: Who Is Brian Piccolo’s Daughter?

Did Joy Piccolo ever remarry?

Yes, Joy Piccolo remarried three years after Brian’s death. She got married to Rick O’Connell the son of a Chicago cop. Rich made his livelihood in the ready-mix concrete business. He and Joy completed their family with two sons, Tom and Mike. Joy and Rich live in Delavan, Wisconsin.

Where is Joy Murrath now?

Joy Murrath and her new husband continue to work tirelessly for the foundation she set up in honor of her late husband.She is president of the Brian Piccolo Cancer Research Foundation, founded after her death. Brian Piccolo’s wife, Joy also spends much of her time caring for her 97-year-old mother Grace Murrath, who is in an assisted living facility. She is also active in various charities. Aside from that Joy and her daughters remain active in the administration of the foundation, and in organizing its events. she now has 12 grandchildren.