Bartolomeo "Meo" Brichalli departed this life on May 12, 2011 at the age of 89 years 7 months and 29 days. He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 50 years, Gladys LaBarge Brichalli, his father, Giuseppe "Joe" Bricalli, his mother, Orsola Miotti Bricalli, brother, Luigi Brichalli, daughter Regina Hinson, granddaughter Gina Cyphers, great granddaughter Kiana Cobb and many relatives of his generation. Survivors, sister: Gentile Rehbein; sister in-law Patty Brichalli; children: Anita Cyphers and husband James, Marcia Charbonneau and husband Robert, Cynthia Sexson, Mario Brichalli and wife Vera, Gino Brichalli and wife Connie, Dino Brichalli and wife Julie, Lisa Brichalli, DeNetta Ingram and husband Tim; Valeria Hill and husband Phillip and son in law, Greg Hinson. Meo is also survived by 33 grandchildren, 36 great grandchildren, 2 great great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. He was a lifelong Catholic and devout family man. Meo was born September 13, 1921 in Croweburg, Kansas. His parents later returned the family to Italy in 1927 where he attended school. At the age of 17 brought Meo back to America where he was a citizen. Upon return he joined the Civilian Conservation Corp. and later the Army Air Corp. serving in England during WWII. He went to Auto Body repair school while in the service and prior to being shipped overseas. He served his country from October 2, 1942 until February 20, 1946 when he was honorably discharged at the rank of Sergeant. Although he never had much time to spend playing sports, baseball was his favorite. Upon return from serving his country he soon began a long career in Auto Body Repair business here in Concordia. He was a skilled technician and mentor to other young men. Some went on to own their own shop and/or utilize the learned skills to earn a living repairing cars or in other disciplines related to the Auto Body Repair business. His successful involvement in Auto Body Repair and business ownership spanned some four decades here in Concordia. He touched many lives during his years in business and made friends along the way.
Meo cared about his family he left behind in Italy and after the war was able to assist his parents, brother, sister and her family in coming to America and in becoming citizens. He enjoyed traveling and was able to return to Italy with his wife, and some of his children on various trips. He and Gladys traveled some after retiring visiting family and friends in various parts of this country. Meo now goes to join Gladys, his parents, other family members and friends. He takes with him the love, respect and admiration of those he leaves behind.
Mass will be held at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church on Tuesday, May 17th, at 10:00 a.m., and burial will be at the St. Concordia Cemetery, Concordia, KS with Military Honors by American Legion Post #76 & VFW Post #588. Visitation will be Monday, May 16th, 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Vigil at 6:30 p.m., at Chaput-Buoy Funeral Home, Concordia, KS.  The family suggests memorials to the Cloud County Historical Museum, St. Concordia Cemetery Fund or Meadowlark Hospice.The family would like to thank Sunset Home and Meadowlark Hospice for the care given to Meo. Thanks also to Chaput-Buoy Funeral Home, Catholic Church and American Legion for their kindness.