Joy Murrath, now publicly known as Joy Piccolo O’Connell, is the widow of former Chicago Bears running back Brian Piccolo. Her documented public work centers on the Brian Piccolo Cancer Research Fund, which supports cancer research and community health initiatives.
Joy has remained involved in preserving Brian’s legacy alongside their three daughters. She also continues to attend Chicago Bears ceremonies connected with his memory and the award established in his name.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Public name | Joy Piccolo O’Connell |
| First husband | Brian Piccolo |
| Marriage date | December 26, 1964 |
| Children with Brian | Lori, Traci and Kristi |
| Documented fund role | President |
| Fund established | 1970 |
| Research partners | Memorial Sloan Kettering and Rush University Medical Center |
| Bears connection | Participant in commemorative events and Piccolo Award ceremonies |
Her Marriage to Brian Piccolo and Their Family
Joy Murrath married Brian Piccolo on December 26, 1964, following his senior season at Wake Forest University. Three days later, Brian signed with the Chicago Bears as an undrafted free agent.
The couple had three daughters: Lori, Traci, and Kristi. Their family life changed after Brian was diagnosed with embryonal cell carcinoma during his fifth season with the Bears. He died on June 16, 1970, at age 26.
Joy was left to raise their young daughters while determining where the family should build its future. She later remarried and became publicly known as Joy Piccolo O’Connell, but her most visible public role has remained connected to the charitable work established in Brian’s name.
Why Joy Remained Near Chicago
After Brian’s death, Joy considered selling the family’s Beverly home and moving to Atlanta, where her parents lived. Returning there would have placed her and her daughters closer to her original family support system.
A conversation with her neighbor, Pat Somers Cronin, changed those plans. Joy later recalled that Cronin encouraged her to keep building her life near Chicago instead of returning to Atlanta immediately.
Joy also considered Brian’s importance to the city and his relationship with Bears founder and coach George Halas. She ultimately stayed, keeping the family close to the community and organization most closely associated with Brian’s professional life.
Although later reporting has also referred to a Wisconsin home, Joy’s continued participation in Bears events shows that her connection with the wider Chicago region has endured.
Her Leadership of the Brian Piccolo Cancer Research Fund
Brian’s family, friends, and NFL teammates launched the Brian Piccolo Cancer Research Fund in 1970. Nonprofit filings identify Joy Piccolo O’Connell as the organization’s president and report no compensation for her position.
The fund initially directed proceeds to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York, where Brian received treatment. Its support helped establish cancer-research programs associated with the disease that took his life.
In 1991, the fund shifted its main focus to cancer research at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago. Its work later expanded to include breast and lung cancer research while maintaining its institutional relationship with Memorial Sloan Kettering.
The organization has also supported Clearbrook, which provides services for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
The fund reports raising nearly $10 million for cancer research. Chicago Bears coverage published in 2026 placed the total above $10 million when describing its combined support for cancer research and community health initiatives.
Lori, Traci and Kristi’s Roles in the Fund
Joy and Brian’s three daughters have taken formal responsibilities within the organization established in their father’s memory.
Nonprofit filings have identified Lori Piccolo and Kristi Piccolo as directors. Their sister, Traci Piccolo Dolby, has served as secretary and treasurer.
These positions show that the family’s involvement extends beyond attending memorial ceremonies. Joy leads the organization alongside a second generation that has accepted defined responsibilities for continuing its work.
The family has also developed relationships with other charitable groups. The Piccolo Fund’s collaboration with the Gavers Community Cancer Foundation dates to 2001 and has generated substantial support for breast cancer research.
Joy’s Perspective on Brian’s Continuing Legacy
Joy has occasionally spoken about the continued public interest in Brian’s life. In a 2020 interview, approximately 50 years after his death, she expressed surprise that people remained interested in his story and continued contacting the Piccolo organization.
She also described the contrasting personalities of Brian and his Bears teammate Gale Sayers. Joy remembered Brian as sociable and comfortable speaking with people, while Sayers was notably quiet.
Joy has explained that their friendship was genuine but represented only one part of Brian’s life. Her comments provide a broader family perspective on a relationship that became central to how the public remembers both men.
Her Continuing Connection With the Chicago Bears
Joy has maintained a documented relationship with the Chicago Bears through tributes and annual ceremonies.
On June 16, 2022, the 52nd anniversary of Brian’s death, the Bears welcomed nearly 20 members of the Piccolo family to their final minicamp practice. Every player wore Brian’s No. 41 jersey during the tribute.
Joy attended with Lori, Traci and Kristi. She said that seeing the entire roster wearing Brian’s number was overwhelming and deeply meaningful to the family. The event had originally been planned for the 50th anniversary of his death but was delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Joy has also attended ceremonies for the Brian Piccolo Award, which has honored Bears players since 1970. Team members select recipients who demonstrate qualities associated with Brian, including courage, loyalty, teamwork, dedication, and humor.
In April 2026, Joy attended the award ceremony with Traci and Kristi. Their presence connected the annual team honor with the family and charitable organization continuing Brian’s legacy.
Joy Murrath’s Documented Public Contribution
Joy Murrath’s public identity extends beyond being Brian Piccolo’s widow. As president of the Brian Piccolo Cancer Research Fund, she has helped maintain an organization that supports cancer research and community health initiatives.
Her three daughters now share responsibility for that work, while the family’s continuing participation in Chicago Bears events keeps Brian’s memory connected with its charitable purpose. More than five decades after his death, Joy remains a central figure linking the Piccolo family, the research fund and the Bears organization.