- Welcome to Daley Life Celebration Studio, where we Celebrate the Color of Life.
Brian Waterman
Most would need a hundred years to accomplish what Brian lived in his 35. His intelligence shone brightly early on; Brian could sight read at age 3. Of course, his intellect was complemented by his sensitive side. Depending on the situation he could either be the quietest person in the room or the most talkative; part of his nature that he valued everyone else’s knowledge as much as sharing his own. He had thousands of songs inside of him; many found their way out. Self-taught in guitar and piano, his solo shows featured not only his original songs, but songs written for that performance. Brian shared his listening experiences with his father; eclectic but leaning avant garde. He learned the culinary arts, spending countless hours creating dishes drawn from his 300 digital cookbooks. His mom may have introduced him to cooking but she’d quickly become his sous-chef. Also famous for his birthday cakes; Brian baked the cake and Hilary decorated it. He traveled far and wide to find the best craft beers, even signing up for subscriptions to get access to rare brews. If his T.V. was on he’d probably be checking out some Formula One; a fan of both the Red Bull and Ferrari teams. He loved film as well. An essay in high school gained him admission to the Junior Guild for the Academy Awards and he wrote both film and music reviews. He had traveled extensively through the years, including a month stint in Costa Rica, but found the most solace in Acadia National Park. He knew his time with his daughter was limited, so Brian sought to make every day count, piquing her interest in learning while heading off to parks with Esme on the back of his electric bike gathering sticks, weeds, flowers and memories. From the days of his youth, he’d find a way to make you smile; a funny quip here and there and popping out of a corner to scare you when you least expected. As a deeply spiritual person, he left no stone unturned, investigating everything from crystals to yoga, but finally returning to his Catholic Faith. He was raised in South Harrison Twp, graduated from Rutgers University and had a career in cognitive science, studying the brain to both help others and understand himself. He kept a watchful eye on the news, somewhat distraught by the current climate but hopeful for a just future.
A 10th grade Brian would meet an 8th grade girl named Hilary. They’d reconnect at the Delaware Saengerbund Oktoberfest in 2014, explore the world, marry, collaborate and be blessed by a daughter, Esme. He is survived by his parents, Jim and Mary Ellen; his siblings: Jim (Sarah), Stewart, and Emily (Stephen Wielechowski), his wife, Hilary; daughter, Esme, and a bevy of aunts and uncles and nieces and nephews.
Come celebrate 35 great years Wednesday March 27, 6-8 p.m. at Daley Life Celebration Studio, 1518 Kings Highway, Swedesboro. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday April 2, 11 a.m. at St. Clare of Assisi Parish, St. Joseph Church, Swedesboro, where friends can gather starting at 10 a.m. Interment to follow after Mass at Lake Park Cemetery, Woolwich.
9 Comments
Brian will be remembered by our family with love!
My sweet Brian, my extra son. You were the best friend Daniel will ever have and I thank you for that. I may never know all the escapades you and Dan got into growing up together, I do know you will always be in our hearts. If love alone could have saved you, you never would have died.
Condolences to the Waterman family.
We’ll remember the good times we had with your family. May Brian’s spirit live on with his daughter Esme.
Love, The Taggart Family
May God grant eternal rest to Brian and Bless and comfort his Family during this time. With deep sympathy and all our prayers.
I taught Brian when he was in 10th grade at Aquinas Academy. Here’s what I recall about him: he always swept his bangs from his face. I’d suggest he get a haircut, but he’d just tilt his head and flash that familiar Brian smile. He was a tremendous help with the school’s computer network. Over time, I encountered him again at his parents’ house, where we’d engage in discussions about philosophy and religion. I’ll miss our conversations dearly, but I find solace in the hope of reconnecting with him in the place that God has prepared for us. As we celebrate the Resurrection during this Easter season, I find comfort in saying, “Oh death, where is your sting?”
I pray that the Resurrected Jesus will give the Waterman family peace in their time of grief.
Mary Ellen, I’m so sorry for your loss. I didn’t know your son, but I know what a wonderful person you are so he had to be just as wonderful. Sending you lots of love, prayers and hugs.
Love
Rosemarie
A beautifully written obituary, Brian sounded like a special person to have in your lives and my sincerest sympathies for Jim and the extended Waterman family. May your faith see you through this time mourning.
On behalf of the Kings Men of Infant Jesus Parish, we will keep Brian and the entire family in our prayers. May Brian rest eternally in God’s peace.
My prayers are with Brian, his wife Hilary, and his daughter Esme. I only knew Brian and his family 5 months. Our children are all in the same preschool class. I always looked forward to chatting with Brian in the drop-off and pick-up lines at the preschool. Our conversations were quick but joyful, filled with laughter. My kids are so happy to be Esme’s friends. They are also excited to see her at school and play.
Rest easy, Brian. It was wonderful knowing you for the short time that I did.