Brian Gathy

Brian Gathy

1961 ~ 2026

Brian David Gathy, 64, of Lexington, passed away Sunday, February 22, 2026, surrounded by love at the University of Kentucky Hospital.

He was born May 29, 1961, in Ironton, OH to Bruce Gathy and Carol McGinnins Gathy.

He grew up in Waterford, Connecticut where he was a State Champion swimmer and State Champion football standout at Saint Bernard High School. He loved the water and was happiest on the coast, with one of his proudest achievements being a Rocky Neck State Park lifeguard and beach director.

A life-long Kentucky Wildcat, he graduated from the University of Kentucky in 1985 and the Martin School of Public Policy and Administration in 1987. For 40 years he held season tickets for UK football, and loved cheering for the team where he was a walk-on during his Freshman year. He served as the Hazard Mitigation Program Manager for the Martin School, spending over 30 years employed by the University of Kentucky.

A larger-than-life personality, he never knew a stranger and befriended everyone he met. Self-proclaimed (and duly verified) funniest man alive and conspiracy theory expert, he always found a way to bring humor to every situation. He is remembered by all for his contagious laugh. From Finance Counsel to men's softball coach to Troop 282 Scout Master, he was proud to be a part of the Mary Queen of the Holy Rosary Parish.

He was an animal lover and especially loved all of his cats and grandpets. He had an uncanny ability to find beauty in all of God's creation, especially in his garden. Among his many passions were welding, woodworking, and home projects; there was nothing he couldn't fix. He was a beloved Son, Brother, Nephew, Cousin, Friend, Husband, Father, Uncle, and Grandfather.

He is survived by his wife, Charlane Gathy of Lexington; his daughter, Alayna (Dave) Alford of Lexington; his son, Andrew (Nicole) Gathy of Lexington; Grandchildren, Camden & Baby Alford, Nola & Andi Gathy. He was the greatest dad in the world, and his grandkids were the joy of his life.

Visitation will be from 5:00-8:00 pm Friday, February 27, 2026, at the Kerr Brothers -Harrodsburg Road.

A funeral mass will be held at 1:00 pm Saturday, February 28, 2026, at Mary Queen of the Holy Rosary Catholic Church.

Burial will be in the McGinnis Family Cemetery in Load, KY at 1:00 PM on Sunday, March 01, 2026.

Wright's Funeral Home in Greenup, KY. has been entrusted with the local arrangements.

Online condolences may be made at www.wrightsfuneralhome.com.