Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Brian McAteer Obituary
09/24/1938 - 01/14/2026
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Brian McAteer on January 14, 2026, at the age of 87. Brian passed away after a long and remarkably fulfilling life, leaving behind a legacy of hard work, devotion to family, and a legendary dry wit.
Born on September 24, 1938, in Garvagh, County Derry, Northern Ireland, Brian was the son of Jack and Katie (née Quigg) McAteer. In 1958, at age 20, he displayed the courageous spirit that would define his life by emigrating to Philadelphia, where he proudly enlisted in the United States Army.
In 1963, Brian journeyed West to San Francisco, the city where he would find his greatest joy. It was there that he met Nancy, the love of his life. The two were married for 60 years, building a foundation of love and partnership that served as an inspiration to their children and grandchildren.
Brian spent his professional years in the freight forwarding industry, working with American Airlines and Southern Pacific Railway. In 1975, he took a leap of faith into entrepreneurship, founding Mason Air Cargo. His tireless work ethic and integrity made the business a success until his retirement in 2004.
Never one to stay idle, Brian channeled his heritage and love for community into a new venture during retirement, opening Finn McCools bar in Millbrae, CA, alongside his son, John. It was here that many came to know Brian's quiet kindness and his ability to land a perfectly timed, dry-witted remark.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Brian was a man of simple but profound passions, including a voracious appetite for reading. He was a pillar of strength for his family-a man who led by example and showed his love through his actions and steady, unwavering presence.
Brian is survived by his beloved wife, Nancy; his son, John McAteer; and his daughters, Eileen (McAteer) Jensen and Jennifer (McAteer) Johnston. He was a proud father-in-law to James Jensen and Sean Johnston. His memory will be cherished by his grandchildren: Emily and Abby McAteer, and Sarah, Scarlett, and Mary Johnston.
He is also survived by his sister, Margaret (McAteer) Kirwan and her husband Michael; his sister-in-law, Mary Gemma (Lynch) McAteer; his niece Paula (McAteer) Smyth, and his nephew Edwin McAteer. Brian was predeceased by his parents and his brother, Raymond McAteer.
While our hearts are heavy, we take comfort in knowing Brian lived a full and meaningful life-a journey that spanned oceans and decades, always anchored by his love for his family.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Brian McAteer
1 Entry
Martin Rooney
February 5, 2026
It was with deep sadness that Eileen and I learned of the death of Brian Mc Ateer a great friend of 50 plus years. There is a tremendous sense of loss that is felt by his many friends both here and his native Ireland. No longer will we be greeted with his smiling countenance and his warm handshake. Each of us who were privileged to have known Brian, have lost a true friend, a giant of a man who was blessed with a foresight not granted to many others in this life. Borrowing a line from his classmate and friend Seamus Heaney "a man you don´t meet everyday".
Eileen will always remember Brian when he visited our Irish store Four Green Fields in Burlingame. Eileen remembers Briaj as always having a big smile, and one of the warmest, kindest and gentlest souls one could hope to meet. Brian was a great friend to all who came and went at the store and he was so humble about all he accomplished. He had a brilliant mind but said that Brian spoke to you, not at you, and listened, which itself is a rare talent. He really was a lovely kind man who put everyone at their ease, it didn´t matter where you came from, you were welcomed and that´s what makes it so sad now. The Northern Ireland education act of 1948 allowed Catholic boys to sit the 11 Plus exam and if passed were given scholarships based on merit and intelligence. Those Catholic boys would go on to reshape Northern Ireland both politically and culturally. For Brian it meant leaving home and boarding school at St. Columb´s Derry. No experience would prepare him for what lay ahead. In his own words "A preparation for something extraordinary". He suffered from the commitment cultures of violence and conformity imposed by both the religious and lay teachers at St. Columb´s. It really was the ministry of fear that defined Brian´s formative years there. The Dean of Discipline whose job it was to administer corporal punishment, was a man to be feared at St. Columb´s. He apparently was not the only teacher with a volcanic temper. If a certain teacher had a noticeable fragrance on his breath it was especially advisable to give him a "wide berth". Still he would say that Hammerings aside" he got a great education. Proficiency in Greek and Latin were expected. A classical education with exposure to declensions and conjugations stood Brian well when Uncle Sam called him to serve in the Army. Brian never bragged about the fact that among his classmates at St. Columb´s was the Noble prize winning poet Seamus Heaney. The Nobel Peace prize winner John Hume. The award winning dramatist Brian Friel. The critic and novelist Seamus Deane. Phil Coulter and Paul Brady for music. I will add Brian Mc Ateer´s name to that list of accomplished Derry and County Derry men. They really were "The Magnificent Seven" and we are so proud of all of them.
May his beautiful soul now be at rest in his heavenly home.
Eileen and I extend our sincere condolences to Nancy and all Brian´s family and many friends.
Ar Dheis Lamh De go raibh a Anam Dhillis
How you can show support
Follow
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Showing 1 - 1 of 1 results
Make a Donation
in Brian McAteer's name
Memorial Events
for Brian McAteer
People and places connected with Brian
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
How to support Brian's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Brian McAteer's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
