Brian M. McNamara

The world lost a beautiful light on January 14, 2021. Brian Michael McNamara, 18, of Alexandria, Virginia, passed away unexpectedly in Conway, New Hampshire while on a ski trip with his parents, Shaun and Carrie McNamara, and his 21-year-old sister, Katelyn.

Brian was born in Alexandria on March 29, 2002. He graduated from West Potomac High School in June 2020 and was planning to pursue communications, photography, and acting at Arizona State University in the fall of 2021. Brian was a dedicated swimmer with the Nation's Capital Swim Club (NCAP), West Potomac Wolverines, and the Mount Vernon Park Gators. He developed his love for swimming at Mount Vernon Park at the age of 5 and went on to become a swim coach and certified lifeguard. Brian had many other interests and passions including acting. He had roles in several local theater productions, including a couple of Mount Vernon Community Children's Theatre shows, "Life with Father" with Aldersgate Church Community Theater, and "Ragtime" with the Little Theatre of Alexandria. Brian's dream was to land a movie or TV role, and he auditioned regularly in New York City. He loved photography, animals (especially his dear dog, Mac), nature, traveling, and specific social/environmental causes. He was a passionate performer who found a sizable following and many friends through TikTok. He had dreams to travel the world, including going back to his favorite place, Iceland, as well as to Australia and New Zealand. He was a true and loyal friend to many. He cherished his friends and all the adventures they would share together.

Brian adored his family. He leaves his mother, Carrie McKee McNamara, his father, Shaun McNamara, and sister, Katelyn McNamara. He is survived by his grandmothers Ellen McNamara Kettle and Lynda Hobbs, and grandfather John McKee. His other grandfather was the late Fred McNamara. He is also survived by uncles Jay McKee, John Burt, Patrick Hughes, and Dale Kennedy; aunts Kelly Burt, Martha Collins, Brenda Hughes, and Susana McKee; cousins Hannah and Jack Burt, Megan, Erin, and Brenna Collins, Ryan, Jake, and Brady Hughes, and Samantha, Camilla, and Valentina McKee. Brian was also close to his great aunts and uncles including Martha Duffy, Mary Sullivan, Beverly and John Santilli, Judi and Rich Sieklucki, and Ed and Carol McKee. Memorial services are currently being planned and will be shared with friends and family when available. In lieu of flowers, one may donate to the Wildlife Conservation Network (https://wildnet.org/ .