Your laughter lives on in every memory.
Obituary
Brian P. Gillard passed away on November 20, 2025, at the age of 57. He was a man who could light up any room with his humor and quick wit. If you knew Brian, you knew laughter; he had a gift for making people feel welcome and loved, and he never met a stranger.
Brian was a devoted father and grandfather, and his family was the center of his world. He is survived by his daughter Jenna (Gillard) Hutchison and son-in-law Austin Hutchison; his son Brian J. Gillard; and his two grandsons, Sebastian “Bash” Hutchison and Shepherd Hutchison. His children were his greatest joy. He also leaves behind his faithful cat, Merle, who never left his side. He was preceded in death by his parents, Sherman J. Gillard and Catherine Gillard.
Brian lived for life’s simple joys- cheering for his beloved Pittsburgh Steelers, Ohio State Buckeyes, and Cleveland Indians, and never missing a chance to root for any team his son played on. He was the kind of man you were proud to have in your corner: loyal, kind, and full of humor and heart.
A Celebration of Life will be held on December 13th from 2-5pm at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium, a fitting tribute to a man who loved the game and the people he watched it with. For detailed directions and additional information, you'll find it in the "Celebration of Life" section of his memorial website.
To honor Brian’s memory, guests are invited to wear their Steelers, Buckeyes, or Indians gear and share stories that celebrate his laughter and love.
About His Passing
We know many of you are curious about what happened, and we want to share in a way that honors Brian’s life and comforts his loved ones. After moving to care for his brother during his cancer journey- a reflection of his loyal and loving heart- Brian began feeling unwell. True to his nature, he tried to tough it out, but his condition worsened, and by the time he sought care, his kidneys had begun to fail. Despite medical efforts, his health declined rapidly, and his passing was sudden and heartbreaking. We take comfort in the fact that he knew and loved his savior, Jesus Christ.
Our family deeply appreciates your love, prayers, and support during this difficult time.
Gallery
Memory wall
Celebration of Life
Guests should park in the Unity Lot at the Center for Performance (the Dome), located at 1901 Champions Gateway NW, Canton, OH 44708.
You will then enter through the VIP Entrance near the southwest corner of the stadium.
Directional signage will be posted near the entrance of the stadium and the Dome to help you find the suite.
If you have any trouble, call Jenna at 330-418-6140.
2pm-5pm
In Loving Support
Gifts can be sent through any of the following platforms.
Zelle: 330-418-6140
Venmo: @jennahutch
PayPal: @jennahutchison13
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