Brian Joseph McCormick

Brian Joseph McCormick, of West Chester, PA, passed away on January 6, 2026, at the age of 81. Brian’s life was defined by his devotion to family, his strong Catholic faith, and his never-ending kindheartedness, as well as an amazing work ethic.

Born in Darby, PA, to Dr. John A. and Barbara (King) McCormick, Brian was the third of seven children. He was the loving husband of his high-school sweetheart, Mary Emily (Oakes) McCormick, and never too bashful to say how grateful he was for their 59 years together. He was the remarkable father of Brian Jr. (Meredith), Michael (Nicole), Matthew (Gina) and Kathleen (James) Becker. Perhaps, most importantly to him, Brian was the grandfather and biggest fan of 14 grandchildren: Maeve, Sophie, Conor, Michael, Luke, Finn, John, Evan, Lila, Matthew, Trey, Ellie, Charlie and Beau. Their love and pride in their Popski was returned a hundredfold by their grandfather. Indeed, Brian may hold the record for the most CYO games attended in Chester and Montgomery Counties. Despite the drive, Brian was also a regular at many games and meets of his grandsons in North Jersey as well.

Brian was also the loving and devoted brother of Shelley McGovern, Brendan (Barbara) McCormick and Patrick (Maureen) McCormick, and his cousin Molly (Kenneth) Lawrence. He was predeceased by his brothers, John (Maureen) McCormick and Kevin (Marti) McCormick, his beloved sister, Barbara Anne (John) Atkins, and his nephews, Shane P. McGovern and John P. McCormick. In addition, Brian is survived by 25 nieces and nephews. He cherished his Easters and Thanksgivings in Avalon and golf trips to Myrtle Beach with his extended family.

Brian graduated from St. Joseph’s Preparatory School in 1961 and never lost his love for The Prep, especially when several of his grandsons followed him there. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from St. Joseph’s University in 1966, where he learned to value and to live his Jesuit education. Brian never lost the ideals of a Man for Others, and, in his house, The Hawk Will Never Die. Almost nothing delighted him more than attending a Prep or SJU alumni event with Mary Emily and knowing everyone in the room or being at the Fieldhouse or Palestra for an SJU basketball game.

Brian started his career with Johnson & Johnson in 1975 and never looked back. Through 32 years of promotions and corporate changes, Brian worked for McNeil Pharmaceutical, R.W. Johnson and Johnson & Johnson Pharmaceutical Research and Development, in a number of positions, including Director of Clinical Trials, U.S. Therapeutic Head, Clinical Trials and Associate Director, Regional Monitor Group. While his career led to a lot of travel, which fed his innate love of managing logistics, Brian’s children do not recall him ever missing an event. Upon his retirement in 2007, the tales of his mentoring and leadership were legendary.

Although Brian and Mary Emily had a short stay in Erie, Pennsylvania after they were married, they soon returned to their beloved Philadelphia suburbs. They eventually moved into their home of almost 40 years on Mockingbird Lane in Audubon, where they cultivated lifelong friendships with their neighbors. They also became active and dedicated members of St. Teresa of Avila Parish, where Brian served as President of the parish CYO, coached CYO basketball, and served on the Parents’ Association for years as all four of his children moved through STA school. Brian was rooted in his strong Catholic faith, and that faith sustained him, setting a wonderful example of what it means to trust in God’s plan. He was an enormous supporter of Devon Preparatory School, the alma mater of his three sons.

Nothing made Brian happier than a day at the beach in Avalon with his family. Whether falling asleep in his beach chair with last week’s Philadelphia Inquirer across his chest, grilling hot dogs for dinner (including sneaking one or two for himself with a cold beverage in easy reach), playing a round of mini golf at Pirate Island with his grandchildren, or taking them to the arcade, the Rock n’ Chair or the Avalon Freeze, there was no place in the world like Avalon for Brian and Mary Emily. Their many friends on 13th and 22nd Streets will attest to that. Some of his most peaceful times at the Shore were spent with Mary Emily in the cold days of winter.

Brian was a great storyteller, and he never met a microphone he could say no to. Whether giving toasts at Thanksgiving dinners, presenting speeches or conferences to fellow employees at J&J/McNeil or simply entertaining his grandchildren around the dinner table, there were not many who could spin a story or tell a joke like him.

Brian will be remembered by his smile, his laugh, and his ability to make everyone feel welcome, heard, and understood. Most of all, he will be remembered for his love and devotion to his wife, children, grandchildren and extended family.

The McCormick family will receive all those who would like to pay their respects on Thursday, January 15th, from 6 PM to 8 PM at The Donohue Funeral Home, 1627 West Chester Pike, West Chester, PA and again on January 16th from 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM at Saint Peter & Paul Church, 1325 Boot Road, West Chester, PA, with Catholic Mass to immediately follow at 10:30 AM. The Mass will be livestreamed, starting at 10:30 AM, here: https://www.youtube.com/live/fh2yeKcxANQ.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Brian’s memory to Devon Preparatory School General Scholarship Fund, 363 North Valley Forge Road, Devon, PA 19333.