Bryan Stephen Lightweis

Bryan Stephen Lightweis, 46, died unexpectedly on Saturday, February 17, 2024.  Bryan was born at Pascack Valley Hospital in November 1977, living in Elmwood Park and Saddle Brook until his family relocated to upstate South Carolina. He graduated from Seneca High School in 1995 and was a member of the Bobcat Golf Team. He earned his Civil Engineering degree from Clemson University in 2004, as well as his professional engineering designation.

Bryan was a die-hard sports fan, cheering on the New York Mets and Giants, as well as Clemson football. His Dad, and longtime family friends David and Jason Keller took him to his first ball game at Shea. If the Mets rolled into Atlanta, Bryan would make efforts to be in the ballpark. He could never say no to a day in Death Valley and a Clemson Tiger tailgate. He was an avid fan of golf, continuing his game into his adult years. Growing up, he spent time working in his family’s bookstore in Seneca - Bryan had a passion for Stephen King books and was quick to identify the links in SK’s books and movies. He was a lover of dogs - Elijah Tucker (Eli) and Abigail Grace (Abby) and inherited a crazy red cat called Seagram. He had the best smile, and the biggest laugh, and loved his friends like family. His high school and college crew from Seneca were like brothers to him, especially his best friend Keith. He had a great group of friends.

Bryan is survived by his loving parents, Alan and Patricia, and his beloved sisters Bonnie Schmidt (Phillip), Karen Buchanan (Chris Chapman), and Jennie Lightweis-Goff (Chip). His cousin Carol Ann Natalis was more of a sister to him and he considered Craig, as well as Chip, as brothers. He was a proud uncle to Brittany and Brandon Buchanan and Lauren Schmidt. Meeting his 2nd cousins Cole and Marliese Natalis gave him great joy. He was predeceased in death by his sister Beth Marie and his beloved cousin Michael Bullen.

His Aunts and Uncles - Janet Bullen, Bud Lightweis, Andrew Kevlahan (Melissa), Mary Heitzman (Mark), Tom Ferguson, and Nancy Kevlahan, as well as the beloved ones we lost (Thomas Bullen, Maureen Kevlahan Ferguson, and Chris Kevlahan) were the world to him and he was grateful for their unconditional love and support. His love never waivered, although he struggled to express that.

Cousins are the friends that will love you forever and hold a special place in the heart. Bryan’s cousins meant the world to him and Sean Kevlahan (Alyssa), Alexandrea Oliver (Scott Couch), Heather Copollo (Chris), Patrick Kevlahan, Christine Oliver, and Dana Kevlahan - he loved you tremendously and was so proud of your children and everything you accomplished. He enjoyed catching up with his cousins from England and with the McGraths. To Tom McGrath - your love and support were always appreciated - unconditional and unwavering. He loved all of you.

Bryan fought relentlessly against issues such as loneliness, depression, and grief and strived to be the best he could be. We are very proud of him. To every family member, colleague, and friend who stood by his side, encouraged him, and showed support and love, he was grateful. Our family is thankful for all of you.

A celebration of life will be held at 1:00 on March 9, 2024, at the Cremation Society of SC - Westville Funerals located at 6010 White Horse Road, Greenville, SC 29611. In lieu of flowers, please donate to an animal rescue of your choice.