Brian C. Middendorf

Obituary For Brian C. Middendorf

Native Staten Islander, Brian C. Middendorf of Grymes Hill, died suddenly on August 12 at the age of 73, after a life filled with service to his nation, his state, his city, and his community. Born to Anna and Harvey Middendorf in Stapleton in 1951, Brian graduated from McKee High School, and enlisted in the United States Navy in 1971, serving aboard the USS Monticello and stationed in Vietnam during the Vietnam War. After his honorable discharge from the Navy in 1973, he attended the College of Staten Island, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering, and later, a Master's degree in History.

In that time, Brian enlisted in the United States Army and then served in the Army Reserve, rising to the rank of Chief Warrant Officer 4. He would again serve his nation in war during Operation Desert Shield and then Operation Desert Storm in 1991. When he retired from military service in 2003, among his earned ribbons and medals were the Vietnam Service Medal, Naval Reserve Meritorious Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, two National Defense Service Medals, Southwest Asia Service Medal with two Bronze Service Stars, the Kuwait Liberation of Kuwait Medal, Saudi Liberation of Kuwait Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Reserve Achievement Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal with Silver Oakleaf Cluster.

On the home front, Brian served the public through a career of inspecting the mechanical safety and operations of public buildings, first at Elizabeth Bayley Seton Hospital, then through the New York City Housing Department, and later as an Equipment Specialist for the Federal Government at GSA. In addition to his career in government, Brian quietly enjoyed being a soldier/scholar, teaching for a few years as adjunct professor of history at the College of Staten Island, where he brought to the classroom his unique perspective of being an active participant in historical events through thirty years of military service that included two wars, and was universally loved by his students.

Even closer to home, Brian was an active participant for many years in his home parish, St. Sylvester's Catholic Church. Known in his neighborhood for his green thumb and talent for landscape design, Brian's home added sparkle and beauty, and was appreciated by all.

What Brian will be most remembered for was his loyalty and deep, abiding sense of fairness and justice, along with his ready willingness to speak up for truth and integrity. Along with his deep fidelity to loved ones and duty, it was these qualities of character that shaped and animated an entire life of service at every level of his activities. It also shaped how Brian loved those around him, beginning with his parents who predeceased him, Anna and Harvey Middendorf, his late brother Harvey Gregory Middendorf, and the love of his life, his wife, the late Asha Mansinghani Middendorf. He is survived by his sisters Karen DeMary and her husband, Randy; and Lisa Kenific and her partner, Richard. He is also survived by his nephew, Kevin Kenific, and two nieces; Dr. Candia Kenific, Dr. Carol DiParisi and her husband Joe along with their children Brody and Callie Anna; as well as an extended family of loving friends and co-workers.

A wake will be held at the Hanley Funeral Home, 60 New Dorp Lane, Staten Island on Friday, September 5 from 4-8 P.M. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at Saint Sylvester Catholic Church, 856 Targee Street, Staten Island on Saturday, September 6 at 9:30 A.M. Burial with full military honors will immediately follow at Saint Peter's Cemetery.