Maximilian Cosmas Brzezinski

Maximilian "Max" Cosmas Brzezinski died Sunday, October 12 in Lindenwold, NJ at age 27. Max was born in Hartford, CT on May 5, 1998. He spent his formative years in Flemington and Annandale, NJ. He attended Immaculate Conception School and graduated from North Hunterdon High School in Annandale.

Max was a born philosopher, wise beyond his years. His observations of the world and those in it were unusual in their insight. He enjoyed challenging conventional wisdom and tradition. He had a magnetic personality and drew people in with his charm and candor. He loved making people laugh and reveled in each successful wisecrack! His fun-loving nature complemented his introspective interior.

Max put 100% into everything he did, from surfing and softball to friendships and family. He found purpose in his work at Empower Recovery Center New Jersey, helping others overcome substance use disorder. His own road to recovery came through Alcoholics Anonymous and handing his life over to God. He was committed to recovery and valued the unconditional support, understanding, and love of this community.

Most of all, Max loved his family. Whenever immediate or extended family gathered, Max made sure he could attend. His presence at the many communions, graduations, holidays, birthdays, vacations, memorials, and other gatherings, especially this last year, are a gift to those he left behind. Max especially loved his siblings. He was exceptionally patient with his brother, Zig, and nurtured their brotherly bond. Although deeply competitive with his sister, Sophia, they connected over their loyalty to the Eagles. Max was incredibly excited to become an uncle and valued spending time with his nephew, Carter.

Max spent his life searching for perfect love and acceptance. While that is not possible in this imperfect world, he has finally found peace in the perfect love of Our Lord, Jesus Christ.

Max is survived by his loving mother, Cara L. Cleveland, and motherly figure, Brooke Renkens, of Annandale, NJ; his father, Zigmund R. Brzezinski, and stepmother, Kim Brzezinski, of Melbourne, FL; his brother, Zigmund A. Brzezinski, of Annandale, NJ; his sister, Sophia R. Chico, brother in law, Joshua Chico, and nephew, Carter Chico, of Easton, PA; his stepbrother, Joseph McKiernan of Manhattan, NY; his maternal grandfather, William Donovan, of Burdett, NY; and his paternal grandfather, Zigmund J. Brzezinski, of Simpsonville, SC. He is also survived by his uncles and aunts; Roy James Cleveland (Lynne), Damien Cleveland (Kristen), Michael Amisano (Irena), Jean Wender (Andrew), Ann Wentlandt (Eric), Susan Brzezinski (Nick), Aimee Donovan, and Louise Bailey (Ben); and numerous cousins and extended family members.

Max was preceded in death by his beloved maternal grandmother, Agnes Amisano Donovan, paternal grandmother, Carol Ranner, maternal grandfather, Roy L. Cleveland, and uncle, Michael William Donovan.

A viewing will be held on Thursday, October 16, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Holcombe-Fisher Funeral Home, 147 Main St, Flemington, NJ. At 6:30 pm there will be a brief eulogy service followed by a Catholic Wake service.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, October 17, 2025, at 10:00 AM at St. Magdalen Church, 105 Mine Street, Flemington, NJ, followed by a graveside service at St. Magdalen Cemetery at 11:00 AM.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Max's name may be made to Hope Exists Foundation Inc., 505 Hamilton Ave Ste 204-C Linwood, NJ 08221 (https://www.hopeexistsfoundation.org/) or the Agape Project (https://agapeprojectnj.org/donate/).

For further information or to leave an online condolence, please visit www.holcombefisher.com.