Brian Yeadon

Brian Richard Yeadon, owner of Yeadon Construction, passed away peacefully with his family at his bedside on Sunday morning, October 12, 2025. He was 69 years old.
Brian was born in Arlington, the son of Fred J. Yeadon and Joan (Reed) Menchin. He had a wonderful childhood growing up in Burlington. Family vacations were often spent at "The Bus" along the shores of Lake Winnisquam. The Yeadon family were all talented athletes, especially in hockey. Brian and his twin brother, Barry, played hockey together throughout their youth, and later had the opportunity to play alongside their older brother, Dan, on the Burlington High School Varsity Hockey Team. The newspapers headlines said: "There's Only One Word for Burlington's Yeadon Clan: 'Unbelievable,'" and they were truly a force to be reckoned with in Merrimack Valley League hockey.
After high school, Brian passed on a scholarship to Roger Williams College to follow his dreams of adventure. With a spirit for exploration, he packed a bag and headed west - first to California, then to Oregon, and eventually to Kodiak Island, Alaska. He loved the outdoors and found great joy in being surrounded by nature. Eventually, he returned home to Massachusetts, where he built a beautiful life filled with love, family, and hard work.
Brian met his future wife, Jane, when she had moved back to Burlington from Cape Cod and he had returned to Burlington from Alaska. Their paths crossed several more times before Jane finally gave in to his persistent charm. From that moment on, Brian went above and beyond to make her happy. What was important to Jane was always important to Brian. She loved the ocean, especially fishing off Nauset Beach and Plum Island, so he surprised her with a camper he renovated so they could spend weekends by the sea - while Jane studied for graduate school, Brian fished – he always had a boat ready for the water.
Brian and Jane were married on Cape Cod in August of 1990 and blessed thereafter with two daughters, Carlee and Rachael. His daughters were his greatest accomplishments, his pride, and the truest reflection of his love.
Boating became one of their greatest joys together. Brian loved being on the water, where the world seemed to slow to his steady rhythm. Over the years, his boats were many, including the Wahoo, Carlee Rachael, Orca, and Hakuna Matata. They boated along Cape Cod, the Merrimack River, the North Shore, and the lakes of New Hampshire, keeping their boats at Liberty Marina in Danvers, Hawthorne Cove in Salem, and Lake Winnisquam. Boating was always a family affair - fishing, checking lobster traps, and exploring the ocean. Brian always felt most at peace, and closest to God, when he was on the water.
For the past 38 years, Brian owned and operated Yeadon Construction, a business built on his extraordinary skill, craftsmanship, and integrity. A gifted finish carpenter, Brian took pride in creating with his hands - building pieces that were both useful and beautiful, each one shaped by his quiet precision and care. He was known for his fine carpentry, taking on projects that ranged from elaborate moldings to custom cabinetry and elegant timeless staircases. He worked tirelessly - even up to several weeks before his passing. He was always just a phone call away for family and friends in need of a helping hand. Brian also built a home for his mother on Lake Winnisquam, a cherished gathering place for the Yeadon family for decades.
Being the only man in a house full of women could be a challenge, but Brian was all in for "His Girls". There was nothing he wouldn't do for them. He encouraged his daughters in every pursuit - sports, dance, education - always cheering them on with pride. Family vacations were plentiful: summers vacation on Cape Cod, winters skiing in New England, cruises through the Caribbean, Nova Scotia and Alaska, and trips to California, Florida, Oregon, British Columbia the Amalfi Coast, and Sicily. Brian was also fortunate to share loyal and lasting friendships with so many skilled craftsmen, artisans and colleagues – bonds built on shared skill, trust and genuine respect.
Brian was also an incredible cook. The family holidays, barbeques and Sunday dinners, where his prime rib, corn chowder, lobster, and calamari became legendary. He especially enjoyed cooking with vegetables and herbs from his own garden.
In recent years, Brian found immense joy in becoming "Papa" to Christian and Cayden. He loved including his grandchildren in his daily routines - letting them help in the garden or in the kitchen - and they quickly became his little first mates on the boat. He loved introducing them to new experiences and adventures. He was so looking forward to meeting his first granddaughter this December.
Brian was a man who found joy in life's simple, enduring moments - the kind that root a person deeply in love and purpose. He had a deep appreciation for music, especially jazz and classic rock, and loved listening to Van Morrison, the Allman Brothers, Boz Scaggs and Santana. His dry, quick wit and unforgettable one-liners always brought laughter to those around him.
But what made Brian so loved was his softer side. He was thoughtful, kind, and sincere - always putting others first. He loved growing dahlias and peonies with his daughter, creating beautiful floral arrangements to share with family and friends. It was endearing how such a strong man could have such a gentle and caring nature.
Brian lived his life with love, laughter, and generosity. His presence brightened every room, and his memory will forever bring a smile to the faces of all who knew and loved him.
Brian was the beloved husband of 35 years of Jane Campbell Yeadon. He was the proud father of Carlee Yeadon and her partner David Blouin of Pepperell and Rachael Settipani & her husband Michael of Wilmington. He was the proud "Papa" to Christian Settipani and Cayden Blouin. He was the son of Fred J. Yeadon and Joan (Reed) Menchin and stepson to Robert Menchin. Brian was the brother of Bonnie Pavone of Burlington, Dan Yeadon & his wife Susan of Groton, Barry Yeadon & his wife Pam of Burlington, Jill Shaughnessy & her husband Mike of Westford, Carole Garren & her husband Jim of Fort Pierce, FL, and the late Warren Yeadon & his late wife Lois. He was the brother-in-law of the late Dottie Yeadon. Brian is also survived by many nieces and nephews and friends.
Visiting hours will be held at the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn Street, Burlington on Friday, October 17 from 4 to 7 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Malachy Church in St. Veronica Parish, 99 Bedford Street, Burlington on Saturday, October 18 at 10 a.m. Services will conclude with a burial in Pine Haven Cemetery in Burlington.
Memorials in Brian's name may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, www.stjude.org, 501 St. Jude’s Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or the Wounded Warrior Project, www.woundedwarriorproject.org, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, KS 66675-8516.
For online video tribute and guestbook see www.sullivanfuneralhome.net