Brian McCann Obituary

Brian Richard McCann March 12, 1957 – August 6, 2025

Brian Richard McCann — beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend — entered into eternal rest on August 6, 2025, in St. Mary’s, Kansas. He was 68 years old.

Born in Boston, Massachusetts, to Louis and Mildred McCann, Brian grew up with challenges that forged him into a man of strength, resilience, and loyalty. He was the younger brother of Louis “Skip” and Daniel “Danny” McCann and half-sister Patricia Marie (deceased). From an early age, he carried the toughness and discipline that would define his life.

On April 24, 1977, Brian married the prettiest girl he had ever met — the only woman who could match his spirited fighter’s heart and, when needed, keep him in check. Julie was his great love, his steady anchor, and the one person who could hold the reins without ever dimming his fire. Together they raised ten children: Tim (Jennifer) McCann, Jill (Rob) Waterfield, Michelle (Patrick) Fougere, Richard (Christie) McCann, Sister Mary Joseph, Brother Louis Marie, Steve (Julie) McCann, Jason McCann, Bridget (Ben) Nye, and John (Jessica) McCann. Their family was Brian’s joy and mission, eventually including 50 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren — each one deeply loved.

Brian’s working years were marked by dedication and grit. He did whatever needed to be done, often at great personal sacrifice. A man of many talents, he held a wide variety of positions over the course of his life. Notably, he managed a Dunkin’ Donuts for many years, rising in the middle of the night to make sure the day was ready for others before they awoke. Later, he served as a live-in motel manager and, in his retirement, ran “Handyman McCann,” helping neighbors and friends with the same skill, reliability, and kind heart he brought to every job.

He had a boxer’s toughness — both in the amateur ring and in the way he handled life’s blows — but he also had a gentleness that made people feel safe in his presence. Whether giving advice on a home project, teaching one of his kids to drive, or showing up for a school play or championship game, Brian was there, steady and dependable.

His Catholic faith was at the heart of everything. A devoted traditional Catholic, Brian attended daily Mass and had a deep love for St. Joseph. In his final days, he was blessed to receive the Last Rites, leaving this world fortified by the sacraments he cherished.

Brian had a gift for play — the kind of father who wrestled on the living room floor, played dodgeball “hard style,” set up obstacle courses, and joined in card and board games with as much enthusiasm as his kids. He didn’t just watch his kids play — he got right in the middle of it, making memories they still laugh about today. He taught lessons in the driveway, on the road, and at the kitchen table, sometimes with words, but often just by the example of how he lived.

Friends remember his infectious laugh, his teacher’s heart, and his way of offering help without hesitation. He was strong enough to take on hard work, wise enough to offer sound counsel, and humble enough to celebrate others’ successes more than his own.

Brian’s life was, in every sense, a life well lived — one of virtue, faith, and love. His legacy will live on in the family he built, the example he set, and the countless moments of kindness he gave so freely.

He is survived by his wife, Julie; his children; his grandchildren and great-grandchildren; his brothers Skip and Danny; and many nieces, nephews, and extended family. He was preceded in death by his parents, his half-sister Patricia Marie, and a granddaughter, Katherine.

The Rosary will be prayed at 5:15 p.m. on Monday, August 11, at the Immaculata in St. Mary’s, Kansas. A wake will be held earlier that day from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at Piper Funeral Home (family only from 1:30 to 2:00). The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, August 12, at the Immaculata, followed by burial at Our Lady of Peace Cemetery and a reception brunch. Guests are welcome to bring a side dish.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Our Lady of Perpetual Help statue/shrine.

“The righteous man walks in his integrity; his children are blessed after him.” – Proverbs 20:7

A memorial has been set up by the McCann family in honor of Brian. Donations will go toward the new pedestal and canopy for the statue of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, which is being moved to the Immaculata.

You can donate online here, or in person by making a check out to the Immaculata Building Fund with "Brian McCann" in the memo.