Brian Leigh McCrea

Brian Leigh McCrea passed away on December 4, 2025, at the age of 65, after a long and hard-fought battle with cancer. He was a father, a son, a brother, and a man who left a mark on the people who knew him—not because he was perfect, but because he was as real and authentic as they come. Brian was the kind of person who worked as hard as the day allowed. He had an amazing, witty sense of humor and an unforgettable laugh. He showed love in many ways, always showing up for his children’s sporting events, school accomplishments, and whenever they needed him. A man of few words, he was someone who could be counted on time and time again. To his children, he was steady, loving, and present in every way he could be—someone they could always count on. He taught lessons that didn’t come in speeches, but through how he lived, how he worked, and how he endured. Those lessons will stay. His daughter will forever be grateful that he moved across the country to be as involved as possible in their lives and growth. Brian loved being outdoors whenever he could—skiing, running marathons in his younger years, and finding comfort in the simple parts of life. His children will always hold memories of golfing, skiing, playing catch, exploring Maine state parks with him, and even the quiet moments of watching television together after a long, busy day. It is in the absence of those small, everyday moments that he will be missed most. Brian shared a special bond with his daughter, Emma. He spoke often and proudly of her, and the love he had for her was unconditional and deeply felt. Through father-daughter dances, cheering her on throughout his swimming career, and teaching her how to be strong throughout the storms. That bond will continue to live on through her, in the mental strength, core values, and love he passed down to not only her, but his son Dylan as well. He is survived by his children, Emma McCrea and Dylan McCrea; his former spouse and the mother of his children, Melissa Joslyn; his brother, Martin McCrea, and his children, Nick and Jake McCrea; his stepmother, Bonnie McCrea; and his stepsister, Brooke Shogren, and her husband, David. He was also blessed with a large extended family, including many cousins—among them Bruce McCrea, David McCrea, Scott McCrea, Jill McCrea Coltrane, Joe McCrea; Rick McCrea, Carla McCrea Obar, Kris McCrea Scrutchfield; John McCrea, Andy McCrea, and Mary Anne McCrea Ayoob; Stephanie McCrea Clarke, Phil McCrea Jr., Bo Yerxa, and Lisa McCrea; and Jody Boyer Bell, Jessica Boyer Mulligan, and Josh Boyer—who will carry his memory forward through stories, habits, and moments that unexpectedly feel like him. He was preceded in death by his parents; Dorothy Philbrick (McCrea) and Thomas “Tom” McCrea. A service will be held on May 30, 2026, at The Lucerne Inn in Dedham, Maine. Though words can never fully capture a life, Brian will be remembered for who he was to those who loved him so, and his presence will be felt long after his passing.