Brian Fazio

Brian M. Fazio

MANKATO, MN - Brian M. Fazio, 35, of North Mankato, died Saturday, November 22, 2003 at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield, MA after collapsing while jogging in East Longmeadow, MA during a visit to his parents.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in North Mankato with Rev. Peter Nosbush officiating. Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m. Sunday at Mankato Mortuary and one hour prior to services at the church on Monday. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions should be made payable to Holy Rosary Church, for the Benefit of the Riley Fazio Educational Fund, c/o Helen Dehen, 546 Grant Avenue, North Mankato, MN 56003.

Brian was born in Springfield, MA on January 11, 1968 and lived in East Longmeadow. He was a 1986 graduate of East Longmeadow High School and a 1990 graduate of Western New England College with a B.S. Degree in Finance and Economics. Brian will be remembered as a standout hockey player during his high school and college years. Brian moved to the Mankato area in 1993. He was married to Dawn (Whitlock) on May 28, 1994 in Hibbing, MN. After working several years in the banking industry, Brian became the Executive Director of Greater Mankato Economic Development, where he was responsible for bringing new manufacturing and industry into the area. He was very active in the community and served on several boards and commissions as well as coached and refereed hockey. Brian was a family man who was happiest when playing with his son, Riley. Brian was a loving father and husband, a caring friend and a giver to the community. He was passionate about hockey, golf, exercise, camping, hiking, boating, carpentry and playing guitar, all of these things he enjoyed most while sharing them with his wife and son. Brian always found time to share his love and talents with those around him such as extending kind words to a friend, organizing a street hockey game for the neighborhood kids, or educating his friends on the joys of camping. Brian loved spending time with his Mankato and East Coast friends - especially Meatball! He was a member of Holy Rosary Catholic Church in North Mankato.

He leaves behind his loving wife, Dawn and son, Riley, both of North Mankato; his parents, Anthony and Barbara (Trela) Fazio of East Longmeadow, MA; a sister, Debbie Richards and husband, Bill and nephew, Alex, of Westford, MA. He leaves his grandmother, Stella (Zawada) Trela of Indian Orchard, MA and many aunts, uncles, cousins and dear friends. He also leaves behind his wife's parents, Bill and June (Newman) Whitlock and her brother, sisters and nieces and nephews in Northern Minnesota. He will be greatly missed by his family, friends and loyal canine companion, Bruin.