Brian Backos

Brian Backos, 74, passed away peacefully on September 15, 2025, at Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak, Michigan. Born on October 7, 1950, in Detroit, Michigan, Brian lived a life rooted in faith, family, and a deep commitment to helping others.

Brian's early years were spent in Detroit, and then the family moved to Dearborn Heights, where he attended Cherry Hill High School. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Engineering from Michigan State University-an achievement that laid the foundation for a long and successful career. In his younger years after college, Brian explored entrepreneurial ventures with his brother Sanford, including making and selling spinach pie and glow-in-the-dark T-shirts. These early endeavors reflected his creativity and adventurous spirit.

Eventually, Brian found his professional calling as a Sales Engineer specializing in overhead cranes. Over the course of more than four decades, he worked for several companies in this field before retiring at the age of 72, after more than 20 years at Wolverine Crane. His dedication to his work was matched only by his devotion to those around him.

Most important to Brian was his family. He shared 43 loving years of marriage with Cathy, with whom he raised two children: Jonathan and Sarah. He took great pride in being a grandfather to five grandchildren-Illiana (7) and Navya (5), daughters of Jonathan and his wife Priya; and Eftihia (7), Athina (5), and Marina (2), daughters of Sarah and her husband Nicholas Papasifakis. Brian's love for his grandchildren was boundless; he cherished every moment spent with them.

He was also a devoted brother to Sanford Backos and his wife Jill, and a caring brother-in-law to Gary and Diane Carson. Brian maintained close relationships with many cousins on both sides of the family and was a beloved uncle to several nieces and nephews.

Brian's life was enriched by meaningful traditions and joyful experiences. He loved traveling-especially trips to Europe with cousins in France-and spending time "Up North," as well as visiting Indiana, Florida, Illinois, and California with family members. Among his favorite traditions were annual ski trips and Fourth of July celebrations Up North with friends and loved ones.

A man of many interests, Brian enjoyed running, skiing, listening to classical music, and reading The Wall Street Journal daily. These pursuits reflected both his intellectual curiosity and appreciation for life's finer details.

Raised in the Greek Orthodox Church, Brian remained deeply religious throughout his life. He believed that one's actions toward others defined their true character. This belief guided him as he raised his children within the church community, ensuring that religious holidays and values remained central to their lives.

Brian will be remembered as a kind-hearted man who valued faith, family, friendship, and community above all else. He was always ready to lend a hand without expecting anything in return-a quiet strength that left an indelible mark on those fortunate enough to know him. May his memory bring comfort to all who loved him.

A Visitation will be held on September 19, 2025, from 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM at A.J. Desmond & Sons Funeral Home: 2600 Crooks Road, Troy, MI. Trisagion to be held at 7:00 PM.

A Funeral Service will be held on September 20, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral: 707 E. Lafayette Street, Detroit, MI. Public visitation from 10:30 AM to 11:00 AM.

A Graveside Service will be held on September 20, 2025, from 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM at Michigan Memorial Park Cemetery: 32163 W. Huron River Drive, Flat Rock, MI.

Memorial contributions in Brian's honor may be made to Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral http://www.annunciationcathedral.org/