Brian Munro McGillicuddy

Brian Munro McGillicuddy was born on January 29,1962 and grew up in Rye NY. Prophetically (though not intentionally), Brian's middle and last names are linked to mountain ranges, with Munro being his paternal Scottish grandmother's name. Living up to his name, his passion for mountain climbing was lifelong--his parents needed to put a net over his crib to keep him from climbing out. He developed actual climbing skills at age 9 when he was a camper at Adirondack Camp for Boys on Lake George, a place he remained close to. Over the next 50 plus years, Brian became a masterful and experienced rock climber, with a special focus on ice climbing. It was in pursuit of this passion that Brian is now presumed to have lost his life. He failed to return from his ascent of the Orion summit at Ben Nevis in Scotland, where unpredictable weather and avalanches likely took him from us.

Much of Brian's local climbing was in the New Paltz, NY area, The Shawangunk Mountains, or the Gunks as they're commonly referred to. He had a cabin there, and in local legend he was known as WJB, White Jeans Brian, after his unique choice of climbing attire. Several first ascents in the Hudson Valley region were his to name. The most recent, called Tres Retirees, was blazed with 2 other recently retired climbing friends in early February. On January 30, 2026 Brian had retired from his position at Gibbs Metal, in Armonk NY. Brian also devoted his time to the Para-climbing community, inspired by the injury of a good friend's son. This became another network of friends and an incredible way to share his skills as he carried or assisted others with their climbs. One friend captured Brian so well, writing "White Jeans Brian was so much more than a legendary climber. Brian was an inspirational force, a tremendous wind of support, and a kind, loving and enthusiastic soul; his effect on his friendships and the climbing community as a whole will last forever."

Brian was the treasured middle son of Constance B. and the late John F. McGillicuddy. He attended Resurrection Grammar School and Brunswick School, before graduating from The University of Colorado at Boulder.

The beloved husband of 30 years to Kym Birchess McGillicuddy, Brian was also the loving father to their son Conor. They resided in Harrison, NY in the very house Brian's father grew up in. A sentimental soul, all things family were profoundly meaningful to him, and he always made time to be together. In return, he will be greatly missed by his 4 siblings: Sean and his wife Maureen; Faith Benoit and her husband Steve; Erin Mills and her husband Jon; John and his wife Kirsten.

Brian was the awesome "Uncle Bri" to his adoring niece and nephews, always full of stories and adventure. They only wish there could be more: Jonathan Mills and his wife, Emi; Whitney Mills Buckley and her husband Max and baby James; Andrew Mills and his fiancé Weronika Jachimowicz, John Benoit and Stephen Benoit.

Growing up, Brian and his cousins, along with aunts and uncles, were also tightknit. The O'Connell, Deegan, Doyle, Houghton and Burtis families will feel his loss deeply.

There are not enough superlatives to describe Brian, and if you were lucky enough to meet him, you know it's true! You would also know he had an affinity for Guiness and the Grateful Dead and could talk to anyone and was as happy to hear your stories as tell you his. The outpouring of love from everywhere, and especially from the climbing community, has been a tremendous comfort in these difficult days. While Brian will be missed by so many of us, he was in his bliss on Ben Nevis and is now in the loving hands of God.

Mass in Celebration of Life will be held at the Church of the Resurrection in Rye, NY at 10am on Saturday March 14, 2026.

The family is so grateful for the ongoing efforts of the search and rescue teams in Scotland. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to any one of these wonderful groups through Just Giving:

Lochaber Mountain Rescue

Scottish Mountain Rescue

SARAA Scotland (drones & helicopters)

SARDA (Search & Rescue with Dogs)

Oban Mountain Rescue Team

Glencoe Mountain Rescue Team

Galloway Mountain Rescue Team

Aberdeen Mountain Rescue Team

Ochils Mountain Rescue Team

DJI Enterprises (drones)