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1973-2026
Brian Christopher Tilley, 53, of Washington, D.C., died on Sept. 11, 2026. A devoted husband, son, brother, uncle and friend, Brian was known for his extraordinary kindness, quiet generosity and unwavering sense of what was right. He brought those qualities to every part of his life -- from his family and friendships to his work and the many adventures he shared with his wife, Christine.
Brian was born March 23, 1973, in Salem, Ohio, the son of Terry and Sherry (Hixenbaugh) Tilley. He grew up in Salem and graduated from West Branch High School in 1991. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Finance from Ohio University and an M.B.A. from Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management.
Brian spent his career in finance and private equity. After beginning his career with AmeriChoice, he founded Wenzi Capital Partners and in 2009 joined DFW Capital Partners, where he was a General Partner and led the firm's Washington, D.C., office. Throughout his career, Brian was known as a trusted adviser and mentor, valued by colleagues not only for his judgment but for his integrity and unerring moral compass.
Although finance was his profession, he was happiest sailing, ice climbing, working with his hands, and, above all, spending time with family and friends. Brian was mechanically gifted and endlessly curious. He loved solving problems, fixing things, and working on boats. He and his wife, Christine Fleury, met at a sailing club in Annapolis on a hot and breezeless day in August 2010. They married on Sept. 29, 2012, in South Carolina. Sailing remained one of the great joys of their shared life, and together they explored the Chesapeake Bay, the Caribbean, and the coasts of Maine and British Columbia.
In 2015, Brian and Christine began spending more time on Breton Bay in St. Mary's County, Maryland. What began as a retreat from their working lives in Washington became an increasingly important home for them -- a place on the water where they could sail, spend time outdoors, and be nearer to Christine's extended family, whose ties to St. Mary's County span generations. Brian became part of that family and community with the same quiet ease with which he formed friendships throughout his life.
Those closest to Brian will remember him most simply for his kindness and decency. He was generous with his time, loyal in friendship and deeply devoted to his family. People instinctively trusted him. Whether with family, lifelong friends, sailing companions, or colleagues, Brian had a way of making himself helpful without seeking attention and of being present when someone needed him.
Brian is survived by his wife, Christine Fleury; his parents, Terry and Sherry Tilley of Salem, Ohio; his siblings, Stephen Tilley (Enie) of Port St. Lucie, Florida; Jason Tilley (Jennifer) of Champion, Ohio; Kristine Tilley of Las Vegas, Nevada; Angela Wurz (Travis) of Swanton, Ohio; Justin Tilley of Salem; and Amanda Tilley of Salem. He is also survived by his parents-in-law, Paul and Mary Fleury of Westover, Maryland; brothers-in-law Paul Fleury (Sarah) of Charleston, South Carolina, and Timothy Fleury (Katherine) of Minneapolis, Minnesota; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends.
Family and friends are warmly invited to join in a memorial service for Brian on Thursday, Oct. 8, 2026 at 11:30 a.m, followed by an informal gathering from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m., at Olde Breton Inn, 21890 Society Hill Road, Leonardtown, MD 20650. Everyone is invited to join the family for the service, gathering afterward, or both, as we remember Brian and celebrate his life.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that those wishing to honor Brian consider making a memorial contribution to Mahoning County Children's Services, 222 W. Federal Street, Youngstown, OH 44503, to support the needs of children in foster care. Checks are made payable to Mahoning County Children Services, with "In Memory of Brian Tilley" noted on the memo portion of the check or enclosed with the contribution.
Condolences to the family may be made at www.brinsfieldsfuneral.com.
Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A., Leonardtown, MD.
9/30/26