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Brian Dwyer Obituary

DWYER BRIAN MICHAEL DWYER Brian Michael Dwyer, 69, passed away Wednesday, September 23, 2009 at his residence following an extended illness. Brian was born in New York City, NY on April 14, 1940 and was a son of the late Thomas Aquinas Dwyer, MD and Rita C. Gormley Dwyer. He was also predeceased by a brother, Thomas A. Dwyer, Jr. and a sister, Mary Jane Ridder. Brian moved to the Myrtle Beach area in 2006 from Burke, VA where he had lived for twenty-five years. He was a graduate of Georgetown University, Washington, DC where he earned his BA Degree and also a graduate of Golden Gate University, San Francisco, CA where he earned his Masters Degree. Brian was a veteran, having served with the Air National Guard for six years. He retired in June 2006 after forty years with the Airline Industry having worked with TWA, American, US Air and finally All Nippon Airways. Brian was a member of St. Andrew Catholic Church; enjoyed traveling and was most passionate about his family and his country. He was a life long reader and enjoyed learning and attending difference colleges and universities to include; Oxford in 2008; Coastal Carolina 2006-2008 and George Washington Universi- ty where he taught business and tourism courses. Surviving are his wife of 40 years, Maureen K. Vickers Dwyer; three sons, Brian M. Dwyer, Jr. stationed with the USMC, Oahu, Hawaii, Matthew Dwyer of the SC Highway Patrol and his wife, Jill of Aynor, SC and Colin Dwyer stationed with the USMC, Detroit, MI; a brother, Sean M. Dwyer, MD of Bethesda, MD; two sisters, Alice Ross of Maine and Rita Hicks of Wall, NJ; a grandchild, Lillian Dwyer of Aynor, SC. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, September 26, 2009 at St. Andrew Catholic Church with Father Timothy Gahan officiating. The family will receive friends on Friday September 25, 2009 from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at McMillan-Small Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers the family request memorials be made to St. Jude Children''s Research Hospital, 332 N. Lauderdale, Memphis, TN 38105 www.stjude.org An online guest register is available at www.msfh.net McMillan-Small Funeral Home is serving the family.

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Published by The Washington Post on Sep. 24, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
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Tim & Dana Born

September 18, 2019

Dear Maureen and Dwyer Family

It's hard to believe that Brian has been gone ten years - it seems like only yesterday we were sharing laughs together.

You have no idea how many times Dana and I have reminisced over the years of the many fun times we shared with Brian, you and your beautiful family. We have always felt knowing Brian and the entire Dwyer family ... it has been one of life's wonderful blessings.

As Winston Churchill once said "You make a living by what you get... you make a life by what you give." We, like so many others have had our lives immeasurably enriched by knowing Brian.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you as we continue to celebrate Brian's life just as he would have wanted.

May the Good Lord continue to bless you and the entire Dwyer family with continued health and happiness.

Much Love,

The Born Family
Tim, Dana, Hanna & Heather

June Kirsch

April 13, 2011

Dear Mrs. Dwyer and Family - Not sure if you'll even recieve this, but I just learned about Brian's passing last night from a former colleague of his at ANA. I only had the pleasure of meeting Brian on just a couple of occasions via the travel industry, and each time he left such a wonderful impression. His warmth, wit, intellect, and devotion to his family were overwhelmingly apparent and differentiated him from others you meet in various business settings. I was so impressed with his genuine concern about others, and this was even more evident when I had a phone call out of the blue from Brian one day in 2006 inquiring about how I was doing as my son was serving in Iraq with the USMC. His thoughfulness and consideration meant so much to me knowing that his own sons were deployed around that time as well...He was a rare individual indeed, and I was blessed to have met him.
Please accept my deepest sympathy for your loss. June

Bob Hicks

October 17, 2009

Dear Dwyer Family: I was saddened to hear of Brian's passing. I thank my God for every remembrance of him. He profoundly affected my professional and personal life at US Air. I carry many life lessons taught by him. Thank you for sharing him with us. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time.

JIm Fitzpatrick

October 7, 2009

Dear Dwyer family:
Brian turned my life with USAir into being a part of the 'big picture'. A feeling of importance and contribution to the sales department and the company. But better than that he made me feel human and want to follow him. He will never be a blip in my life, but rather a full length movie.
God loves him and so did I.
Condolances and Thanks.

Jim 'Fitz' Fitzpatrick ALB

Mike Burns

September 30, 2009

Dear Dwyer Family,

Like many others, I never met you all during my days working with Brian at US Air -- but we all certainly knew enough about you from Brian's stories.

He was one of my favorite people at US; a great friend and mentor. I left the company long before he did, but stayed in the travel business to this day. The highlight of each summer's NBTA conference was heading to the US or ANA stand to talk to Brian. We would check-in on the 'UTB' crew and recall good times like they were just yesterday.

I shall miss him greatly. My thoughts are with you all.

Debbie Myhre

September 28, 2009

Dear Maureen and Family,

My deepest condolences to the Dwyer Family. Brian was such a special person, friend and mentor to all who knew him. It is hard to express how much Brian touched my life professionally and personally.

My funniest memory of Brian was of him trying to learn how to use his computer at US. I can still see him sitting at his computer, asking all sorts of funny questions and hearing that wonderful laugh of his.

I will never forget my friend Brian.

Eddie Albertson

September 28, 2009

Dear Dwyer Family,

I had the privilege of working with Brian after the merger of USAir and Piedmont. I remember the stress and fear I had in anticipation of my first meeting with Brian. Many of us within the Piedmont sales team had real concerns that we would not make it in the new USAir sales organiztion.

In that first meeting and to my great suprise, I found Brian to be compassionate, knowledgeable and interested in me as a person not just an employee.

During these rest of my time at USAir those traits that I saw in Brian in that first meeting were always there. I am amazed that in my job today I call up from my memory banks many of the great lessons that I learned from him and use them in an effectve manner...He really was a great teacher!!

I will always remember Brian as a great person that had so many wonderful qualities that they are too numerous to list.

May God Bless all of you in this most difficult time.

John Riordan

September 27, 2009

How can anyone who ever worked with Brian ever forget him? He was a wonderfully warm, engaging, considerate, charming, witty and endlessly and selflessly giving man, who was truly loved by all.

As the Irish saying so appropriately goes:-

"Death leaves a heartache
No one can heal;
Love leaves a memory
No one can steal"

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam

David Lim

September 27, 2009

Dear Maureen, Brian Jr., Matt and Colin,

By now, you’ve seen the outpouring of love from the many people who Brian touched, primarily in his professional life, but also in his everyday personal exchanges including his dentist! I was honored and privileged to know Brian for 16 years at USAir, but grew closer to him as a friend when he moved on to ANA, in his retirement and after his diagnosis of cancer.

In the last year, I made it a point to call him weekly knowing how important his emotional well being was. Brian never complained about his condition and in fact I soon realized my calls were selfish in nature. I continued to seek his advice on a variety of subjects and we would inevitable begin sharing stories that caused us both to break out in uncontrollable laughter. If you ask Janet, she will likely tell you I looked forward to these calls more than Brian.

When Brian found out I was soliciting bronze, silver and gold level sponsorships as a way to raise funds for a gift, he directed me to stop and I complied without question, as if he was still my supervisor. The only reason I engaged in this effort was because people expressed a genuine need to show their affection for him beyond the calls, emails, cards and prayers.

Brian always joked that he became “a nobody” once he retired. He coined the phrase “UTB” meaning someone who used to be with USAir and it instantly became a part of this group’s lexicon. Brian inspired all of us even in the darkest days of crashes, billions in losses, pay cuts and layoffs. His leadership was defined by the amazing ability to keep everyone focused with a sense of pride, purpose, and of course, always a sense of humor.

I already miss my weekly calls with Brian, but I have a treasure trove of memories and stories that will undoubtedly be revisited many times over in the future. Thank you so much for sharing your husband and your father with all of us. He always beamed with pride when speaking about his wife, aka “The Commander,” and his three sons. Brian will be sorely missed, but never forgotten.

Linda Snyder

September 27, 2009

A mentor...a friend...an honorable man. I admired his ability to combine intelligence and humility. He led our sales team through the most difficult times...and some really fun ones too, back in the good 'ole days. A shining star he was...God bless you all as you grieve.

Seth Schofield

September 26, 2009

Dear Dwyer Family,
I had the pleasure of working with many outstanding fellow employees at USAir. Brian was one of the very best. He was a very special person that was loved and respected by everyone he touched. God bless him.
My thoughts are with you durning this difficult time.

Scott Blue ([email protected])

September 26, 2009

Family and Friends of Brian,

Brian was a good man. I learned many life lessons from him...only today do I really appreciate them. God puts people in our lives for purposes....Brian was so in my life. I learned many lessons from his behaviors and actions. To learn, that I missed out on spending more time with him - living less than two hours from me in Charleston, is a real disappointment. If only I had known...I would have reached out to him to learn even more.

I remember a sales training that he taught us sales folks about: PIRA - Plan, Implement, Review and Analysis...I use this with my team now every day...thanks Brian!!

God bless Brian and his family.

Linda Pastorkovich

September 26, 2009

Dear Maureen and family,

Thinking of Brian brings me back to my first days in sales and with USAir. It was a time when the USAir sales department was a family. This USAir sales family was led by a man who truly believed and understood the value of bonding a department and that this cohesive unit could achieve great things. I always looked forward to the meetings when it was time for Brian to speak, he would teach and inspire me to do my best, be it during the better or worse times.

As I read through all the entries of my coworkers at USAir I think how truly wonderful it must be to have touched and inspired so many! How lucky am I to be one of the many that had the good fortune to work for Brian. Thank you for sharing Brian with us.

My prayers are with you. I hope in time you find solace in knowing that Brian has joined the Lord in heaven and his legacy will continue to inspire us.

Theresa Richey

September 26, 2009

Dear Dwyer Family,

I had the privilege of knowing Brian and Maureen through their Springfield Dentists, Dr. Robert Evans and Dr. Pamela Marzban. I looked forward to seeing them both. Brian always had a smile and kind word to say. He was such a joy to be around even when in the dental chair. He will be missed greatly by all those who knew and loved him.
Please accept my deepest sympathy. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Keep in mind that memories of love and friendship are treasures to carry with us always.
Respectfully,
Theresa Richey
(Dr. Evans chair side assistant)

Carle Chadillon

September 26, 2009

Our prayers for Brian and his family are extended to you today. I had the pleasure and honor of working with Brian in my many years with USAir. Brian was not only a good friend and mentor but also a special human being.
I will always treasure the many trips he made to Canada. I am blessed to have had the pleasure of his friendship, and will miss him sincerely

Joe Ossorio

September 26, 2009

Dear Maureen, Brian was my dearest friend at Georgetown and the first five years of getting the business world adjusted to our arrival in New York shortly thereafter. His family, Dr. and Rita, always made me always welcome even when I was a little too self-absorbed. I know your loss is unmeasurable but please be assured many others also feel a loss which will never be filled.

September 26, 2009

a former classmate at IHM.
Michael Connors

Carolina Sohn

September 26, 2009

Our prayers and thoughts are with your wonderful family today. I "grew up" in the US Airways family, and I am grateful to have had the opportunity to work for Brian. I will always fondly remember his knowledge and dedication to US Airways and his family.

Blessings,
Carolina, Greg, and Joey

Paul Korry

September 26, 2009

Dear Members of the Dwyer Family,
I had the good fortune to be associated with Brian during my career with US AIrways. I will remember Brian as a caring and sharing individual who added to my life. I always thought of Brian as both a business professional as well as a professor of living values. He will be missed by all who had the good fortune to know him. God bless you all, you have great memories to sustain you one and all.

Bill McGarry

September 25, 2009

Dear Maureen & Family
Words do not convey the feelings at a time like this. The memories of Brian live and grow with time. The stories grow like fish that got away. Brian is (he is too big and well thought of for was) one of those who when he walks into the room everyone looks up, some people are that way, I don't know why but they are. Part of his greatness.

God bless family and friends of Brain. But What would he want us to do with ourselves after he was gone. I guess to live better and learn more.

Etolia Tarolli

September 25, 2009

Dear Dwyer Family,
I had the extreme good fortune and honor to work for Brian at Usairways. I will never forget his kindness, caring and excellent advise. God has gained a Super Angel. May you, his family, find solace and peace in knowing that he was so loved by so many. With my deepest condolences

Gloria Lo Pinto Juat

September 25, 2009

Dear Maureen & family,
While we have never met, please accept my heartfelt condolences for your loss.
Brian was one of the "good guys." I was fortunate to work with him from time to time during ANA Sales meetings. Brian shared so much of himself and we were always impressed with his positive outlook and generous smile. He will be deeply missed.
If words can comfort, I would like to share one of my favorite quotes:
"Life is eternal; and love is immortal; and death is only a horizon; and a horizon is nothing save the limit of our sight."
With genuine sympathy, Gloria

JoAnn and Peter Perla

September 25, 2009

Dear Maureen,
Please accept our deepest sympathy on the passing of your husband. We remember the Bishop Ireton days and his pride in his family. May the peace of Christ be with you.

Dave Shipley

September 25, 2009

Phyllis and I extend our most sincere condolences to Maureen and the boys. As fellow "Burkites," Brian's favorite description for those of us who lived in that sprawling featureless suburb, we commiserated almost daily on traffic and other downsides of commuting. Brian was one of the very few marketing/advertising/sales types who really had a good feel for what we ink-stained wretches in public relations really did and it was a joy to work with him and his staff. As is evident from the comments from others who knew him well, he was a unique person who touched a lot of lives and will be sorely missed.

Shafiq Khan

September 25, 2009

Dear Maureen, Brian Jr., Matt and Colin:

I had the privilege of working with Brian at US Airways for a few short years. He was one of the noblest, warmest, kindest people I have ever encountered in corporate America. While we will all miss him--you most of all--if there is any consolation in this for you, you were tremendously fortunate to have had him in your lives for as long as you did. My prayers--and those of the multitudes he touched--are with you in your time of grief.

God bless you.

Melinda

September 25, 2009

Dear Dwyer Family:

I was fortunate enough to meet & work with Brian at All Nippon Airways. It was there where we found out what a small world it was when I mentioned that I was originally from New Fairfield, CT. & he started mentioning different things about NF. It then dawned on me that Brian's father was my very 1st doctor! What a pleasure to know Brian & also have that interesting connection. My prayers go out to the Dwyer family during these difficult days.

Agnes Huff

September 25, 2009

Dear Dwyer family,

For many years, USAir was our family and Brian was the head of that close-knit group of people. A man of intellect, compassion and kindness, he will be missed by all of us. Our thoughts and prayers are with you on this painful loss. May he rest in peace.

September 25, 2009

Dear Dwyer Family,
I shared so many good times with Brian. I want to share two of these events with you.
The first was when Brian came to Indy to speak before a group of 250 customers. Prior to the meeting I had the opportunity to meet our Governor and his wife, Evan and Susan Byah. They were so impressed when they learned about the leadership of Brian.
At the luncheon Susan presented Brian with the Sagamore of the Wabash Award.
This award began in 1945 and came from stories about the American Indian Tribes. This award was for the "great man in the tribe but a lesser chief. The chief would look for wisdom from this man. Over the years the award was given to astronauts, Presidents, Ambassadors,------Brian Dwyer.

When it became know Brian was ill, I went to the coach of the Indianapolis Colts, Tony Dungy to tell him about Brian and ask for a copy of his book, "Quiet Strength". He did not hesitate for a moment and wrote Brian a note.
"Hold you head up high and follow the Lord".

Brian will always be with us.

Don Galante, Indianapolis, In.

Byron Aber

September 25, 2009

Brian was one person that had more faith in me than myself. He is still in my thoughts each and every day because of what he taught me about how to approach work and how to live life.

When there was a problem at work or I had a question, Brian would call me into his office and have me talk through it. He had this ability to lead me to the right conclusion in the process, but it was always my conclusion. I’d walk out of the office having successfully solved whatever issue was on the table, finding the answer on my own without realizing it.

Another thing he taught me was no matter what happens at work, the family always comes first. When we went through some of the most tragic times at USAir, he always found a way to make sure both you and your family were helped in every possible way.

Once I was called into Brian’s office because an account complained. They did not agree with a decision I made about an issue they had with one of their clients. Brian listened. We talked about my thought process in arriving at the decision. After it was all settled, I went back to Brian’s office to apologize about having to involve him.

Brian said, “Byron, I never worry about getting complaints from customers about a decision one of my sales people made, I worry about those cities from which I hear nothing from the accounts. If I am not hearing complaints, that tells me my sales people are making no decisions at all -- and that concerns me more than anything else.”

As is true for everyone that knew him, there are far too many stories I could tell about Brian. In the end, they would lead back to the same thing. All he asked, if not demanded, was enjoy life, love your family and when at work make decisions. He never expected every decision to be correct; all he wanted was that you learned from each success and failure and that you always look forward.

I still try to live his lessons every day. I will miss him, but he’ll be there as I continue to look forward.

Angela Harris

September 25, 2009

Brian had a long reaching impact on the lives and careers of many in the airline and sales industries. Having worked under his leadership at US Air I can give testimony to his ability to teach and inspire others on the business values of: having top notch business acumen; an attitude of "results not excuses"; and to always plan to succeed. He led by example. My sympathy to the family.

September 25, 2009

I haven't spoken with Brian for over 50 years. We both went to immaculate Heart of Mary grade school in Scarsdale, NY and were very close friends. Brian you will be missed and will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Jack Keville

David Castelveter

September 25, 2009

Dear Dwyer Family,

I am deeply saddened over the loss of Brian, truly one of the kindest, sincerest, honest, loving and optimistic individuals ever to walk this earth. Brian mentored me during times when my youthfulness, recklessness and immaturity could have easily derailed my career. His patience and leadership remain a guiding light. He always will be remembered for his love of family, country and humankind. Brian was taken from us too early but for reasons only the Lord knows. He will be missed but forever remembered. Rest in peace.

Mauricio Fernandez

September 25, 2009

Dear Maureen, Colin and Matt,
I am at a loss for words with the passing of our beloved Brian. I am and will always be one of his many admirers. His nobility transcends all boundaries. He will live on within me forever.
Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Mauricio

LAURA CARPENTIERE

September 25, 2009

Brian was a well respected friend and mentor and will be surely missed by all. My prayers and thoughts go out to the Dwyer family.

-Laura Bergen Carpentiere

David Low

September 25, 2009

Dear Dwyer Family,
Brian will be missed. I enjoyed working with him at USAir and what I learned from him has become part of my business and personal life plan. He was a very special person.

Trudy Howland

September 25, 2009

I've always believed that a man's worth is measured in the number of friends he has made in his lifetime.
Judging by the number of broken hearts left behind after the passing of Brian, it is easy to see
that he was a king among men.
Good night, dear friend.

September 25, 2009

Dear Dwyers,

Like so many who knew him, Brian made a difference in my life like few others have. Although I worked for Brian, his greatest lessons were unrelated to the airline industry. His values, optimism, energy and father-like influence on me will never be forgotten. While I won't be in SC this weekend, my thoughts and prayers will be.

Cairo Jack Purdy

Jack Purdy

September 25, 2009

Dear Dwyers,

Like so many who knew him, Brian made a difference in my life like few others have. Although I worked for Brian, his greatest lessons were unrelated to the airline industry. His values, optimism, energy and father-like influence on me will never be forgotten. While I won't be in SC this weekend, my thoughts and prayers will be.

Cairo Jack

Rocco Parisi

September 24, 2009

Brian, you are the GREATEST of Americans to know. Your Love of country, always left me dumbfounded.. I will miss you and your undying spirit, GREATLY... If I get to heaven please meet me there. We were friends for just a short time, but I always felt that I knew you forever. Take care my Friend.. Loveya
Rocco

Rick Singer

September 24, 2009

Dear Dwyer Family:

I had the pleasure to work with Brian back in the US Air days when I was in the tour operator business. He always shared valuable ideas, opportunites and learning experiences to me.

He was a kind man and I will always remember his lessons.

Dave Navarre

September 24, 2009

Brian had a profound and lasting impact on so many people's careers and lives that it is difficult to put into words just how much he will be missed.

I will always remember his kind nature and hearty laugh that could bring a smile to anyone's face.

With my deepest sympathy,

Cecelia Tackett

September 24, 2009

Jill~ The Dwyer family will be in our prayers during this time of grief. May God send His peace to be with you all.

September 24, 2009

Brian was a wonderful mentor and leader in the travel industry. His laugh and smile always made the most serious discussion lighter.

My most fun story to share is while I was having lunch with Brian in Boston at Abe and Louis, Brian excused himself to go to the men's room. On the way back he stopped to chat with a man who looked just like Steve Martin the comedian.

We were wondering how he knew Steve Martin when Brian shows up at the table with him and introduces him as his college friend, Charlie Sarkas, from Georgetown who owned Abe and Louis!

We all had a good laugh!

Brian, I will miss you.

Joan Kaplan
former EVP Garber Travel

Les Harper

September 24, 2009

I had the distinct pleasure of working with Brian during my formative years as an HR team member. Brian provided me with the insight to look beyond HR and to become a better business person.

Brian was inspirational to me and my colleagues through the good and difficult times. He was an exceptional leader and a truly great man who I will miss.

Chuck Allen

September 24, 2009

I had the great fortune of working for Brian and will always remember his joy of life. Of all his experiences and accomplishments, he was most proud of his family.

Pax vobis

Tim, Dana, Hanna, Heather Born

September 24, 2009

Dear Maureen, Brian, Matt and Colin:

We were so saddened to hear of your husband's/father's passing as Brian has always had a special place in our hearts. We will always treasure the many wonderful memories of time spent with him (Marine Barracks parades, Army/Navy games, "bumble bee" get togethers, Christmas parties) and will be forever grateful for the many kindnesses he extended towards our family (support following 9/11 and for sister Susie's convent). As you well know, he will be forever part of our wedding lore for his one-of-a-kind gift.

During these trying times, please accept our heartfelt condolences, and rest assured that Brian has found the peace and happiness he truly deserves.

God Bless.

John Kucera

September 24, 2009

I have wonderful memories of Brian and his keen sense of humor. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones. May God Watch over and Guide you during this difficult time.

Vaya Con Dios Brian....Go With God.

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