Brian Eugene Case

Brian Eugene Case was born April 24, 1962, and died December 11, 2026. A lifelong resident of Salem, he was raised by his grandmother. In high school, he worked at Wills Music, where he apprenticed with Dave Monette, learning instrument repair. He opened Case Instrument & Repair in the early 1980’s in the basement of Wills Music/Music West. In the early 1990’s, he moved his shop to 17th St, where his wife, Sue, did her best to keep Brian in line and on time. For the past twenty-five years, he worked at Peripole Music.

He married the love of his life, Sue Snyder, in 1983. He loved buying her jewelry, and although he wasn’t athletic, he loved that Sue was, happily driving the support vehicle for her long (100-200 mile) bike rides. He adored his dogs: Justin Case, Basquette Case, Pilloh Case, Chance (aka Space Case), Asia, Belle, and Joey.

He was a long time member of Salem Symphonic Winds; a cofounder of Salem Big Band with Tim Duffy; a marcher in the One More Time Around Again Marching Band; and a musician for Pentacle Theater, Albany Theater, and others. Basically, if there was music playing, Brian was there. He is survived by his wife, Sue, and by many, many friends.

A memorial service will be held at Golden Funeral Home on February 21 at 1 pm. Memorial gifts may be given in Brian’s name to Salem Symphonic Winds.