Brian D. Meuse

Brian David Meuse, 54

Born May 19, 1969, in Melrose, MA, Brian grew up on Karen Road in Wakefield, MA.  He graduated from Wakefield High School in 1987 and went on to University of Massachusetts Amherst, graduating with a BA in English in 1992.  He earned his Masters degree in Library Science from Simmons College in 1999.  

Beginning his studies at UMass as an electrical engineering major, Brian quickly made the change to English major, in a move that surprised no one who knew of his early love of literature. A defining moment in his childhood occurred when he was around 11 and was exploring the books in the main section of his local library. A librarian sternly warned him that he needed to go back to the children’s section. Brian’s father informed the librarian that nobody would limit the books his child could read. That experience helped spark his devotion to ensuring wide access to information. His commitment to the lifelong pursuit of knowledge is one that he fostered in his own children, as well as in his librarianship.

For much of his career, Brian was a Systems Librarian, holding positions at Boston College and, most recently, Brandeis, where he was the Digital Initiatives Librarian.  Brian’s intellectual curiosity drove him to want to fix everything himself and create from scratch.  He was a talented writer and voracious reader and truly had a passion for managing digital assets so that they were readily accessible to the research community. He was meticulous about maintaining the library’s digital asset management system as well as the catalog records associated with the library’s digital content.

Brian had a passion for building LEGO and woodworking. From earliest childhood to adulthood, complex LEGO sets were an annual gift found under the Christmas tree. Brian was also an exceptional cook and baker. One of his favorite dishes to cook was “chicken in a pot.”   He also loved listening to music and was especially fond of surf rock, his favorite band being “Man or Astro-man?”  He was perhaps happiest with friends, telling stories and enjoying good food & drink.  As he would say, “Friends are the family you pick.” 

He married Katherine Marshall in 2002.  Their two daughters were his absolute pride and joy.   He was so proud of Matilda’s talent as an artist, and her sarcastic, dark sense of humor, which they share.  He was also particularly proud of Scarlett’s performance as goalkeeper on the soccer pitch, and cheered loudly for every save she made.  He wanted nothing more than for his daughters to be able to pursue their passions and interests and gushed about them to anyone who would listen.  

Brian is predeceased by his parents, James and Jeanette Meuse.  He will be deeply missed by his daughters, Matilda and Scarlett Meuse.  He will also be missed by his siblings: James Meuse and his wife Lai Kuan of Melrose, Kevin Meuse and his wife Susan Wong of Sudbury, and Mariane Mears and her husband William of Reston, VA.  He is also survived and missed by nieces Rachel and Saoirse Mears, nephew Jeremy Meuse, and nieces Miranda and Amy Meuse, as well as his ex-wife, Katherine Marshall.  Brian is further survived by his Aunts Mary Spinazzolo, Antoinette (“Dolly”) Scarlata, and Jacqueline Scarlata, and his Uncle Paul and his wife, Aunt Patricia; many loving cousins, and a large group of truly wonderful friends. 

Celebration of life, with storytelling by those who wish to contribute will be held on Friday April 19, 2024 at 11:30 a.m. at the McDonald Funeral Home 19 Yale Ave, Wakefield, MA 01880.  Interment to follow at Lakeside Cemetery 501 North Avenue, Wakefield, MA 01880.

In lieu of flowers, gifts can be made to Matilda’s and Scarlett’s 529 education plans in Brian’s memory:  
* Matilda: https://ugift529.com    (Use gift code: 24U-B0X)
* Scarlett:  https://gift.my529.org/INQDE7