Brian Gilbert Stetler

Throughout his life, Brian found joy in the creativity of design, being outdoors in nature, and spending long hours and journeys at sea. He loved the freedom of being on the water, being his own boss, and was always a very devoted father, husband, son, and brother.

Born on July 11, 1951, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, he grew up in New Jersey and was a graduate of Cinnaminson High School Class of 1969. An accomplished soccer player, he was chosen to be on the All-State New Jersey team. He went on to attend Pennsylvania State University, where he earned a degree in architecture, graduating in 1974.

Following college, Brian lived in Washington, D.C., where he worked as an architect. He later obtained his boat captain’s license, lived aboard his first sailboat for several years, and became an avid sailor. He was honored to be First Mate on the presidential yacht the Sequoia when it went on a six-month tour of over 100 cities in 1987, sailing from D.C., north to the Hudson River, through the Great Lakes and down the Mississippi.

Brian then moved to South Florida, where he continued his career as a charter boat captain in the Virgin Islands and started his own business as a marine surveyor. He designed and built his own home in Boynton Beach, got married and raised a family. They later moved to Jupiter, Florida to a small gentleman’s ranch, raising horses, dogs, cats, and chickens. He was a natural with the horses and loved his pets.

He is survived by his daughter, Lauren Elizabeth Stetler; his sisters, Marian Stetler-Emery and Nancy Stetler; his niece, Kristin Emery and her husband Andrew Crago and his former wife, Robin Pearse Stetler.

He was predeceased by his parents, Elwood G. and Doris M. Stetler and his infant son, Patrick Stetler.

A small celebration of Brian’s life will be held with family and close friends on Saturday, June 27th at 3PM. This celebration will be hosted at the Aviation Museum in Juno Beach.

Although Brian is no longer with us, his spirit will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him. May he rest in peace.