Brian Nathan McElroy

It is with broken hearts that we share that Brian McElroy, affectionately known as “BMac” to his friends, passed away peacefully on October 19, 2025, surrounded by his loving family, who already miss him beyond measure.

Born on January 16, 1974, Brian lived a full and vibrant life that touched everyone fortunate enough to know him. A 1992 graduate of Pickerington High School and a 1996 graduate of The Ohio State University with a bachelor’s degree in Technical Theater, Brian turned his creative passion into a lifelong career filled with energy, artistry, and hard work.

Brian met the love of his life, Tara, at a summer church camp in 1991. Their friendship blossomed over two summers at camp and continued through heartfelt handwritten letters. In 1997, their story turned romantic, and on December 7, 2002, they were married by Pastor Merv Matteson—the same man who ran their beloved summer bike camp and baptized Tara as a baby.

Professionally, Brian poured his heart into his work in production and lighting, earning a reputation for his creativity, reliability, and team spirit. He began his career with Audio Visual Staging Group/Directions contributing to corporate productions for major companies such as Bath & Body Works, The Limited, and Victoria’s Secret. Afterward, he freelanced for several Columbus-based companies and later worked with Marketing Activations Group, helping bring to life large-scale events like the Final Four Fan Festival and Columbus Blue Jackets Winter Park.

Brian’s craftsmanship and adventurous spirit took him across the country building skateboard parks with BlueStone Group and later California Skateparks, and eventually across the world as a carpenter for the legendary band Metallica from 2013 to 2016. Setting up stages for the very band that hosted his first concert, and later his children’s first concert, was a full-circle moment he treasured deeply. He often joked that none of it would have been possible without his “cool wife” who supported his once-in-a-lifetime adventures. His work allowed him to travel to every continent except Antarctica and visit every U.S. state except Alaska and Oregon.

In later years, Brian found a home with 9 Trees Landscape and Construction, where he was treated like family and poured his creative energy into crafting beautiful paver patios throughout the community over the past eleven years.

Above all, Brian was a devoted husband and father. He was his children’s biggest cheerleader, cheering for Tiernan in marching band and orchestra; for Dahlia on the soccer field and basketball court; and for Dolan on the football field and at the bowling alley. His love for his family was fierce, unconditional, and ever-present.

A big time Buckeye fan (and a long-suffering but loyal Cleveland Browns fan), Brian brought humor and enthusiasm to every conversation. His laugh was infectious, his kindness unwavering, and his ability to make people smile legendary. He loved music, movies, concerts, skateboarding (a love he passed on to his children). He also loved quoting favorite film lines—always keeping those around him entertained and laughing.

Brian is survived by his loving wife Tara McElroy and their children Tiernan, Dolan, and Dahlia; his parents Nathan (Janet) McElroy and MaryAnn (Kelch) McElroy; brother Craig (Jeanna) McElroy; parents-in-law Frank and Mary Reardon; brother-in-law Matthew (Sara) Reardon; nephews and niece Luke, Emma, Christopher, Austin, and Braden; and many beloved aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents Nathan and Berthamae “Tootsie” McElroy and his maternal grandparents Lloyd and Annabell Kelch.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made through Meal Train to support the children’s education and help launch them into their adult lives: https://www.mealtrain.com/trains/zgoy26. 

Brian was truly the life of the party, a man who worked hard, laughed often, and loved deeply. His legacy will live on through the joy, humor, and kindness he brought to everyone he met.

Please join the family for a visitation that will be held at Shaw Davis Funeral Home, 4341 N. High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43214 on Monday, October 27th, from 6–8 PM.A second visitation will take place at Ethos Church, 6861 Bale Kenyon Road, Lewis Center, Ohio 43035, on Tuesday, October 28th, from 12:30–1:30 PM, followed immediately by the memorial service.And finally, true to Brian’s spirit, a celebration of his life, complete with stories, laughter, and love, will be held January 17, 2026 from 4-7 PM at Bob’s Bar 4961 N High Street Columbus, OH 43214