Obituary of Brian Kilbane

Brian left this world on July 12, 2022, having changed us for the better.  He took on the challenges of his life with an uncommon grace born of necessity.  Brian loved life and the people who joined him in it.

Born in Brooklyn, New York to Teresa and Jerome, he joined the Navy, serving on the USS St. Louis (LKA-116) in the Philippines and Vietnam.  Following his discharge, he worked as an operating engineer for the City of Los Angeles and served as a Union Steward for Local 501.  Brian challenged all of us to embrace fear, and did so with gusto:  bungee jumping, whitewater rafting, ballooning, flying, gliding, and skydiving.  He sought to experience the world from different viewpoints – whether through travel, books, movies or simply sitting in an unused corner of the house.

Brian was a student of machines, particularly steam powered ones.  He built toys, playgrounds for his daughter and grandsons, a potato cannon and a bridge worthy of the Romans with his son-in-law, Matt.  He loved art museums, James Bond movies, music with a beat, and a good party.  He passed on his appreciation of history and of hats to his grandsons, Adam and Jason. 

He was a gifted speaker and could inspire any audience, from the smallest baby to a room of friends.  He gave generously of his time:  cradling infants born of drug addiction, helping as a public safety officer and on many boards and committees.

Brian believed in helping those who needed it, standing up for those who could not, and living with integrity.

Brian was a proud friend of Bill W. for over 39 years.

Brian is survived by his wife, Judy Kilbane, his daughter, Jennifer Ann, son-in-law Matt, his grandsons Adam and Jason, his siblings Kevin, Patrick, Jerome and Kathleen, his step-children, Laura, Travis and Darrell, step-grandchildren Wyatt, Gavin, Malcolm, Gabrielle and Grayson, and his best friend Michael Peyton.  Brian was predeceased by his parents and child.

A Celebration of Brian’s life will be held July 29, 2022, from 11:00 – 1:30 at the Sun City Center Funeral Home, 1851 Rickenbacker Drive, Sun City Center, FL  33573, with a reception to follow at the Club Renaissance, 2121 S. Pebble Beach, Sun City Center, FL  33573.

In lieu of flowers please consider sending a donation to “Brian’s Student Scholarship.” Details below:

"Brian Kilbane Student Scholarship" at MassBay Community College.

My father believed in the transformative power of education, and held his Associates degree from a community college. MassBay serves about 6,000 students from all walks of life, including veterans, and I know that he would be proud to help these people.

Please consider a gift to the Brian Kilbane Student Scholarship at MassBay Community College. This scholarship will provide financial support to students working to reach their educational goals.

ATTN: Development Office
MassBay Community College
50 Oakland Street
Wellesley Hills, MA 02481

https://www.massbay.edu/give