Bryan Keith Olliges, a beloved husband, father, son, brother, uncle, and friend, passed away unexpectedly on April 3, 2024, at the age of 56, in Monrovia, Maryland.
Born on October 25, 1967, in Xenia, Ohio, Bryan's journey through life was marked by a deep love for his family, an entrepreneurial spirit, and a zest for life.
As a teenager, Bryan relocated to Maryland, where he became the man that so many knew and cherished. He graduated from Gaithersburg High School and pursued further education at Montgomery College, laying the foundation for a successful career as an entrepreneur.
Bryan's entrepreneurial endeavors culminated in the establishment of his own aquarium business, a venture that he nurtured and operated for the past 25 years with dedication and passion. Through his business, Bryan brought joy, wonder, and a piece of the aquatic world to countless individuals, leaving a lasting impact on all those he encountered.
Beyond his professional pursuits, Bryan was a man of diverse interests and passions. He found joy and excitement in the roar of motorcycles, the power of muscle cars, the art of cooking, and music ranging from Michael Jackson to Metallica. Bryan's green thumb was evident in his love for gardening, particularly in tending to his beloved tomato and herb gardens, where he found solace and peace.
However, Bryan’s greatest treasure in life was the deep and meaningful relationships he cultivated with his family and friends. He was a beacon of positivity, warmth, and kindness, and his infectious laughter and radiant smile could brighten even the darkest of days. Bryan's unwavering friendship and support touched the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Bryan leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and cherished memories that will forever be treasured by his loved ones. He is survived by his devoted wife, Pam; his loving children, Gabrielle and Zachary; his mother, Linda Ewick, and stepfather, Marc; his sister, Melissa Masten, and brother-in-law, Dale; his uncle, Byron Ewick, and aunt, Mari; his nieces and nephews, Brian Diamond, Augustus Fredenburgh, Romi Fredenburgh, Brady Masten, and Cameron Masten; his sister-in-law, Becky Daniel, and brother-in-law, Brian; and cousin, Brooke Atkinson.
Bryan was preceded in death by his father, Robert Olliges; his grandmother, Anna Mackey; and his nephew, Robert John Fredenburgh.
A celebration of Bryan's life will be held on Wednesday, April 10, 2024 at Stauffer Funeral Home in Frederick, Maryland. The family will receive friends from 3 to 5 p.m. with a time of reflection and sharing to begin at 5 p.m. followed by a time of food and fellowship. Please join the family as they honor Bryan, the wonderful person he was to all. Let us all carry forward the love, joy, and kindness that he so effortlessly bestowed upon the world. May his memory be a blessing to all who knew him, and may he rest in eternal peace.
Please consider donating to or volunteering for the National Alliance on Mental Illness (nami.org) in honor of Bryan’s compassionate spirit and dedication to helping others.