Brian Edward Hanbridge died peacefully on Sunday, August 17, 2025, surrounded by family and friends. He was born in Burlington, Vt., on September 14, 1948, to Sarah Guthrie Hanbridge and Edward Lowe Hanbridge.
Brian grew up in Burlington's South End alongside "big sister" Penilee and "little brother" Ted. During his senior year (1966), he and Ted were teammates on Burlington High School's varsity baseball team when they won the state championship -- a rare game their mother missed because she'd given birth to the youngest sibling the day before.
Brian was the proud father of Robin Charles Hanbridge and Trevor Brian Hanbridge. Together with Linda Capen Hanbridge, he raised his family in South Burlington, always encouraging his sons to explore their interests and follow their passions. In 2010 Brian married Julie Alisa Hinckley. Their marriage was rooted in deep friendship, love and tender care, which sustained them both through life's joys and challenges.
Brian cherished his grandchildren -- Braelin, Tess, Isabelle, Mae and Praydence -- and took great delight in his great-grandchildren, Eden Mae and Oliver Thayer. He held loving bonds with his many nieces and nephews, as well as their children.
Devoted to helping others, Brian dedicated his career to serving vulnerable members of our community. He held several leadership roles in social service organizations, including 16 years as executive director of the Winooski Youth Development Commission. Generations of families remember him for creating afterschool and summer programs, as well as launching the annual Adopt-a-Family program to support families in need during the holidays.
Brian believed deeply in volunteering -- a legacy learned from his parents and passed on to his sons. In 1983 Coach Jim "Skip" Carter invited him to join the Winooski High School Spartans as an assistant varsity baseball coach, beginning a 17-year adventure filled with mentorship, friendship and joy. A lifelong learner, Brian loved studying the Civil War, Vermont history, his Scottish heritage and politics. He will be remembered for his resonant baritone voice, his joy in family gatherings and the way he cheered from the stands at his grandson Praydence's baseball games.
A service of celebration and remembrance will be held on Sunday, August 31, at 1 p.m. at the Winooski High School Performing Arts Center, 60 Normand St., Winooski, VT.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Brian to the U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants/ Refugees and Immigrants in Colchester at refugees.org/donate-uscri-vermont.