Brian T. Ahern

Brian T. Ahern, 73, of West Kingston, RI passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on October 7, 2024. He was the husband of Eileen (Mello) Ahern for 51 years. Born in Providence, RI he was a son of the late Timothy and Hope (Holloway) Ahern. Along with his wife, he leaves his sons, Timothy J. Ahern and Michael P. Ahern and his siblings, Robert Ahern (Diane) of Johnston and Patricia L. Campbell (William) of Greenville. He also leaves four nephews and two nieces and five great nephews and nieces.

From a very young age, Brian loved sports and excelled in basketball and baseball, playing in high school and college. It was through his playing of basketball at Rhode Island Junior College that he met his wife, Eileen Mello Ahern. She was a cheerleader and he was the Captain of the basketball and baseball teams. After his graduation from Bryant College, they wed on September 8, 1973 and spent 51 years of marriage together. With the birth of their two sons Timothy and Michael, the family was complete.

Brian enjoyed traveling, camping, visiting beaches and parks throughout the world. He also enjoyed attending Providence College Men's Basketball home games during the season as well as the annual Big East conference tournament in New York City.

Brian also coached several St. Pius Boys Basketball teams for over ten years during the 1980s and early 90s. One of his proudest moments was winning the New England CYO Championship during the 1982-1983 season. He also coached T ball and Little League for the Elmhurst neighborhood in Providence.

After coaching, Brian became a parent advisor of the St. Pius CYO and chaperoned many skiing trips, which necessitated him to learn how to ski after much apprehension. As the sons grew and went to college Brian discovered a new hobby and became an avid boater. Being the Safety Engineer that he was but never owning a boat, he took many nautical safety courses to learn how to avoid the dangers of the high seas. His philosophy was since I don't know how to drive a boat the size of the boat I buy shouldn’t make a difference. With a twinkle in his blue eyes Brian bought a 32 foot Luhrs Fishing Boat and set out to explore Narragansett Bay. After about 10 years, the boating bug was over but his love for the ocean and the beach stayed with him until his dying day. Brian’s last trip was to Sand Hill Cove Beach.

Brian was diagnosed with a rare debilitating disease called Progressive Supranuclear Palsy, (P.S.P.) in 2018. The disease plagued him with a gradual decline of his fine motor skills but never once changed his enduring positive attitude and zest for life. As devastating as the disease was, it never took away the things he loved the most, which were spending time with his wife and two sons, watching sports and listening to Irish music.

On October 7, 2024 at 2:30pm one month short of his 74 birthday and after 10 months at home with Hope Hospice, Brian passed away with his sons and wife by his side.

We would like to acknowledge Wendy Gladdin, RN, Kathy Ethier, Mary Gonzalez-Alba and Erica Small of Hope Hospice for all their caring support that allowed Brian to stay at home until passing.

He will be forever loved and greatly missed by so many people.

Visitation will be held Sunday, October 20th from 3:00-6:00 pm in the Russell J. Boyle & Son Funeral Home, 142 Centerville Road, Warwick. Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial Monday at 10:00 a.m. in Christ the King Church, 180 Old North Road, Kingston. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to HopeHealth Hospice & Palliative Care, 1085 North Main Street, Providence, RI 02904.