Brian David Notter, age 69, passed away unexpectedly June 25, 2026. Born and raised in West Islip, New York, Brian was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Constance “Connie” Notter (née Salvato); his father, David Notter; and his mother, Joyce Notter (née Wright).
He is survived by his daughters, Alison Burke and her husband, William Burke III, and their son, Wesley; Jacqueline Sarkis and her husband, Thomas Sarkis, and their children, Elizabeth and George; his brother, Randall Notter and his wife, Jennifer Polo; his sister, Carol Notter; his mother-in-law, Jacqueline Salvato (née Green); his brothers-in-law, Louis Salvato and Larry Salvato. He also leaves behind many extended family members, dear friends and loved ones who will forever cherish his memory.
Brian was, above all else, a family man. He was a devoted husband, a proud father, an adoring grandfather, a loving brother and a loyal friend. His family was truly his world, and his love for them was evident in everything he did, even in his final days.
A true “girl dad” through and through, Brian possessed a calm, gentle and kind demeanor that made him a remarkable father. After the loss of Connie in 2007, he lovingly embraced both parental roles for Alison and Jacqueline, always ready with a comforting hug, a thoughtful conversation, a walk together, a comb to brush their hair, or even a Band-Aid tucked away in his wallet long after his daughters had grown into adulthood. He was their first phone call for advice, reassurance, encouragement or simply to share life’s moments.
Following a distinguished career spanning more than 30 years on Wall Street, Brian envisioned a quieter chapter in retirement. Yet when one of his daughters was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2018, he immediately put aside his own plans, moved to Chicago, and dedicated himself to helping care for her and her family. He did so without hesitation because that was simply who Brian was: steadfast, selfless, and fiercely devoted to the people he loved.
Nothing brought Brian more joy than being “Papa.” He lit up whenever he spoke about his daughters and his three grandchildren and was endlessly proud of their accomplishments, big and small. He delighted in photos, videos, phone calls and stories about their lives and was often the first to respond with encouragement, affection and enthusiasm.
His daughters often said he had a knack for giving advice, from career guidance to something as simple as where to stand on the sidewalk. His grandchildren knew him as caring, dependable and endlessly patient. They loved reading together, talking baseball, sharing quiet mornings and simply spending time in his company. Even as he grew older, Brian never stopped embracing the joy of being actively involved in their lives.
Brian had a remarkable curiosity about the world and a passion for learning that enriched everyone around him. He loved music, history, sports, movies and travel, and he seemed to possess an endless supply of knowledge and fascinating facts. He could recount historical events with ease, name presidents from memory, quote favorite films, remember actors, movie lines, and even the year he first saw a particular movie. He loved discussing current events, sharing insights and engaging in conversations that could last for hours.
Whether over a cup of tea, on the couch watching a football game, or during one of his many long phone calls, Brian had a unique ability to help others make sense of the world. And when answers could not be found, his presence alone brought comfort.
Known for his dry wit, intelligence, humility and generosity, Brian had a gift for making people feel valued. He saw people for who they truly were. Character, integrity, hard work, and love mattered far more to him than titles or status.
Though his passing leaves an immeasurable void, those who knew him carry forward the countless conversations, shared laughter, treasured memories, and enduring lessons he leaves behind. He was deeply loved and will be profoundly missed, but his legacy lives on in the family he cherished, the friends he treasured, and the many lives he touched with grace, compassion, and quiet strength.
A service is not scheduled at this time. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Brian’s memory to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), in the hope of supporting mental health awareness, suicide prevention and those affected by depression.
Thompson Memorial Home of Red Bank has been entrusted with the arrangements.
The article originally appeared in the July 9 – 15, 2026 print edition of The Two River Times.
