Brian J. Witzell, 70, of Venice, FL, passed away on Wednesday, April 1, 2026 following a dignified and courageous battle with lung cancer.
He was born August 18, 1955 and was the 5th and last child of the late Alfred V. and Viola C. (Pauze) Witzell.
He leaves behind his wife, Suzan (Wellman) Day Witzell of Venice, FL. He was the brother of Claire Harbachuck of Natick; Al Witzell and his wife Lorraine of Natick; George Witzell and his wife Judy of Natick and William Witzell and his wife Julie of Edgecomb, ME. Also survived by his step-children Holli Knight of Hudson and Robert Day of Upton, step-daughter-in-law Nancy Day of Ashland. His step-grandchildren Christopher and Matthew Day of Ashland and Stephen Kentel of Canaan, NH. He was the brother-in-law of BA Wellman of Bath, ME and Gregre Wellman of Augusta, ME as well as many nieces and nephews. Brian was pre-deceased by his step-grandson Brandon Pelkey.
Brian grew up in Cochituate and was a graduate of Wayland High School with the Class of 1974. Before moving to Venice, FL in 2020, he resided in Southborough for 30 years. Since 1983, Brian was associated with the Zymark Corporation in Hopkinton and remained with the same company through its many name changes until his retirement in 2020.
As a young boy he spent countless hours with his many Cochituate friends at the Cochituate Ball Field playing pick-up baseball games. He continued to support his friends as they played adult softball encouraging from the sidelines for over 20 years. He also enjoyed being with his Thursday night golf league buddies.
Brian dearly loved spending his summers on Mascoma Lake in Lebanon, NH and was often cruising the lake in his boat “The Mental Floss”. He will be fondly remembered for being a great guy and devoted to his family and friends.
A Gathering and Celebration of Brian will be held on Sunday, June 7, 2026 from 1:00 to 4:00 pm at The Villa Restaurant, 124 East Plain St, Cochituate Village, Wayland to share good memories.
A Celebration of Life will also be held in Lebanon, NH at a later date this summer.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the John C. Bryant Funeral Home of Cochituate. For condolences visit www.johncbrayntfuneralhome.com.
(Photo and Obituary via John C. Bryant Funeral Home)
