Brian John Martin

Brian John Martin lived his life with a warrior’s spirit, facing every challenge head on and getting back up any time he was knocked down. Born January 6, 1986, and departing this world on October 25, 2025, Brian spent his 39 years defying odds and inspiring everyone who knew him.

From the very start Brian was given more challenges than most but one of the greatest sources of pride for both his parents, is the way he overcame those challenges, defied expectations and built the life he wanted through his sheer determination. His “bring it on” mentality followed him from birth until his final breath. Since 2012, Brian fought courageously against brain cancer — enduring three surgeries, countless hospital stays, and multiple rounds of chemotherapy, radiation, and immunotherapy. He faced every trial with a defiant bravery, always staying positive and inspiring hope in all of us. Every day Brian showed genuine gratitude to those who cared for him, and he always brought light and laughter to his loved ones…even as his pain worsened and his physical strength ebbed.

It was spending time with family and friends and making memories that meant the most to Brian. He found joy in fishing, driving his truck, “letting the dogs out,” going to the gym, “tweaking out,” and just enjoying all life had to offer. Brian found peace walking the Red Bridge Trail with his beloved dogs Emily and Junior, checking his backyard trail cameras, and feeding the deer. He loved being outside around a fire pit, with a beer in hand and a little Fireball to keep things interesting. Nature grounded him, and he had a deep respect for its quiet beauty.

He cherished summers in Maine with his family, his memories of playing video games with his brother, and waiting patiently for his sister to arrive home from college each weekend. But, above all else, Brian loved his mother whose unyielding love, quick wit and constant jokes lifted his spirits during hard times.

Brian worked for almost 20 years at Midstate Medical Center, where he proudly served as an orderly. He was deeply loved by both his coworkers and the patients he cared for; known for his humor, heart, and larger-than-life stories from his years on the job. While there were stories that were unbelievable and laugh out loud funny, the best stories were those shared from patients who appreciated how wonderfully well he treated them. Brian touched countless lives with his kind and gentle ways — always balanced by his trademark grit, sarcasm, and sharp edge, traits lovingly inherited from his fierce maternal grandmother, Anna, with whom he shared a special bond.

He is survived by his devoted mother and best friend, Cheryl Martin, whose steadfast belief — “Don’t tell me what my son can’t do; tell me what he can” — carried them both through life’s most difficult moments. He is also survived by his father, John Martin with whom Brian shared many traits…including Brian’s laugh which carried echoes of his father's. Together they shared many camping trips and often went fishing on opening day - memories Brian cherished. Brian also leaves behind his sister, Cassandra Britton, whom he credited with “supporting me to be the man I am today”; her husband, Mark Britton; and their children, Danielle, Jacqueline, and Max, all of whom he adored.

Brian was predeceased by his beloved brother and best friend, Gary Martin, and is survived by Gary’s daughter, Alana as well as his best friend and “brother from another mother,” Evan Peña, who remained a constant presence in his life.

Brian also leaves behind a large extended family, all of whom he loved fiercely with a loyal and protective nature: his maternal aunts Debi (Patrick) Reynolds and Donna Theriault; as well as maternal cousins Kyle Addy, Jesse Reynolds, Jason Lewis, Candace Buck, Samantha Wagner, Caitlin Houston, Kimberly Theriault, Elizabeth Paglinco, Christine Stec, Nathan Lewis, Connor Lewis, and Mason Gaines and his beloved step-grandmother Sherry Gaines.

On his paternal side, Brian leaves behind his grandfather Leonard Martin, uncle Lenny (Arlene) Martin, aunt Elizabeth (James Gogliettino; as well as cousins Mallory Gogliettino-Kosiorek, Jenna Gogliettino, Jeffery Martin, and Alyssa Martin

He was predeceased by his maternal grandparents Anna (Varrato) Lewis and Thomas Lewis; paternal Grandmother Betty Martin; as well as maternal uncles, Douglas Theriault, Gary Lewis, Thomas Lewis, Thomas Buck, Craig Lewis, Dana Gaines and; paternal uncle, Alex Martin. He was also predeceased by one maternal cousin, Thomas Lewis.

Brian taught the world more in his 39 short years than many do in a lifetime. His courage, humor, and unwavering determination will live on forever in the hearts of those who loved him.

Brian’s family would like to thank the staff at Bradley Memorial Hospital, Unit 3 for their dedication, compassion, and care for Brian at the end of his life. In lieu of flowers please send donations to The Sisters’ Project P.O. Box 1643 Wallingford, CT 06492 or thesistersproject.org

A visitation will be held on Sunday November 2, 2025 from 1-4PM at the DellaVecchia Funeral Home 211 N. Main St. Southington. People are invited to attend an after party at Cassandra’s house and in true Brian fashion, “it’s going down.” Friends and family are invited after the ceremony to gather around a fire, share a beer (or a little Fireball), and remember the man who faced life head-on, with strength, humor, and heart.