He was born October 2, 1951 in Orange, NJ. He was the son of Jack and Eileen Fox (Gipe) of South Orange, NJ. Brian grew up in South Orange, NJ and graduated from Columbia Highschool, class of 1969. Following graduation, Brian attended New York University in NYC.
In the early 1970’s he moved to the Franklin/Oneonta NY area and remained there for the rest of his life.
He had many friends in the artistic and musical community. He played in various ensembles ranging from African Drum and Dance, Javanese Gamelan and the improv percussion band Anagama. Most recently he performed regularly in the much-lauded avant-garde group the “Treadwell Trio”, where his keyboard playing never failed to surprise and confound audiences at Joe Kurhajec’s Museum of Fine Arts in Treadwell.
Brian, essentially a renaissance man, was also an actor and photographer. He used his unique personality to portray character roles locally and in independent films, including the regionally produced “Log Jam” and the spinoff “Log vs. the Space Intruders”. He played the Bard himself in the underground film “Tromeo and Juliet”. Brian also made an appearance on the Dave Chappelle show.
He was an avid and talented photographer. His photographic eye allowed him to take a simple scene and transform it into a work of art. He has won awards and his photos are in many collections.
Brian lived life on his own terms. He was a devout nonconformist. He had an endearing twinkle in his blue eyes and a quick wit and sense of humor. He enjoyed engaging in spirited conversations and debates. As a friend recently observed: “Brian could jumpstart any slow moving awkward social situation with a fearless unrelenting assault on whatever sacred cow was nearby.”
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his best friend, Donna Mulreed Ryan.
He leaves his sister, Kristy Fox-Berman and husband, Art, of Neshanic Station, NJ, his brother, Terry Fox and wife Deb of Oneonta, NY, sister, Laurie Mead and husband, Denny, of Waitsfield, VT, and nieces Tara, Hayley, and Kellie. He also leaves Donna Mulreed Ryan’s children: Colin, Liam and Morgan. He affectionately referred to them as “my kids”.
A remembrance will be held at the Kenneth L. Bennett funeral Home, 425 Main Street, Franklin, NY on Friday, June 11th, where the family will be in attendance from 3 -5 pm.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.11.0