Brian David Waxler passed away in the early hours of February 24, 2026, after bravely facing an 11-month battle with glioblastoma. He was surrounded by his wife and their four beloved children when he was finally freed from the terrible illness. If there is one thing that defined Brian, it was the pride he had for his family.
The greatest love of his life was his wife, Alice. Their love story began during the winter break of 1980, when a nice Jewish boy and a good Catholic girl met at a nightclub in Hartford, Conn. From that moment on, their bond was undeniable. They were married in July 1984 and built a life filled with laughter, devotion and deep joy as they raised their four children: Ellen, Drew, Madeline and Olivia. Brian would repeatedly exclaim, “How did I get so lucky to have this life?!” His wife and four children agreed wholeheartedly.
Brian was protective, kind, delightfully silly and loved his family with every ounce of his soul. They planned incredible vacations, traveling all over the world, from the beaches of Cape Cod to the ruins of Italy. He was always happiest when they were together. When his girls were little and would twirl in their dresses, their dad would dramatically pretend to faint at their beauty. He was endlessly proud of his children. Over the years, he coached each of them in their various sports and made it a priority to be on the sidelines cheering them on, no matter the day or time. How lucky his children were to have him as their dad.
Brian devoted the past 37 years to his second home at Pomerleau Real Estate. Early on, he impressed his father-in-law, Tony, with his professionalism and natural leadership. This marked the beginning of a decades-long partnership with Ernie Pomerleau, whose complementary skills made them a dynamic and successful team. Few moments brought Brian more pride than welcoming two of his children, Drew and Madeline, into the business. His deep sense of loyalty and care extended to his colleagues and employees, whom he valued not just as coworkers but as family.
Brian was a wonderful, kind and humble man who adored his family and friends. A natural athlete, he brought intense physicality to the wrestling mat and the soccer field in his youth. In his thirties, he discovered what would become another great passion: the game of golf. He would play anytime, anywhere, with anyone — though he most cherished the rounds spent with his son, his sons-in-law Ryan McGinnis and Jud Waite, and his regular golf buddies at Vermont National Country Club. Armed with terrible dad jokes and a quick wit, he competed with heart and joy, never allowing negativity to enter his sanctuary on the greens.
Brian leaves behind his wife, Alice; and his children, Ellen, Drew, Madeline and Olivia, and their families. He had a special place in his heart for his new daughter-in-law, Kate, and his treasured grandchildren, Sullivan, Oliver, Three, Lillian and, soon-to-arrive, Alice. He also leaves his adoring mother, Elaine, and his siblings, Kim, Dan and Howard. Brian will be embraced with loving arms by his father, Malcolm Waxler; brother-in-law, Dan Corkery; sisters-in-law, Ellen and Anne Marie; and his niece, Jessica Pomerleau.
An informal gathering to celebrate Brian’s life will be held on Saturday, March 21, 2026, 4 to 7 p.m., at Vermont National Country Club. All friends are warmly invited to stop by and share a toast with his family.
In lieu of flowers, Brian’s family would love for you to donate to the Boys & Girls Club of Burlington (bandgclub.org/online-donation-form), where he presided over the board for many years. Arrangements are in the care of Ready Funeral & Cremation Services. To send online condolences, please visit readyfuneral.com.