Brian Petrauskas

Brian John Petrauskas, aka “Bristol McGee” to his friends, “Bryant Peters” to his Reedy Creek family and most importantly “Papa Smurf” to Bristol, died on November 24th surrounded by the 3 most important people in his life – Alisa, Bristol and Byron. He left this life knowing how much he was loved and how much he will be missed. Brian is survived by his wife of 27 years, Alisa. His son Bristol James, his parents Bernard and Karen Petrauskas and his brothers Brett, Byron and Brad. He also leaves behind many nieces and nephews – “Uncle Buddy” to Madison, Caiden and Ava and “Stone Cold” to Camden and Cailey. Brian grew up in Lexington and Pikeville, KY, he could remember every detail from his childhood and never failed to share those memories with you over and over – he enjoyed telling a good story! Those years in Kentucky gave Brian so many happy memories, rarely would he tell a story that did not include Brett, Byron or Brad. Together they were quick to get into mischief, fish, hunt, climb trees, beat up on each other, visit the ER, play football and baseball. He spent his high school years in Dale City, VA where he became one of the “4 Musketeers” – there he met his lifelong friends: Matt, McCarthy and Ondo. They were inseparable and shared many memories, uncharged felonies, camping trips, fishing, hunting, and leaping naked over campfires. Brian never shared a high school memory that did not include one of them. Brian and his fellow “musketeers” all attended ODU, where they were roommates for 4 years. At ODU they created memories that we cannot share in print. But rest assured if you wanted to hear about those times, Brian would happily share stories about the Taco Bell table, Motel 6, Melrose Pkwy, Baron’s Pub and many others. While at ODU he met his wife, Alisa. They were married in 1994 and enjoyed 27 years of amazing experiences – traveling, camping, creating a home, spending time with friends and family. They were a perfect match as his laid back and quiet demeanor offset her outspoken and bossy personality – he was the only one that was able to “talk her off a ledge”. Brian would often write notes to Alisa when he could not find the right card, a few sentiments from one of his last letters: “Marrying you was one of the best things that ever could have happened to me, you care for me like no one could ever dream. You have made my life complete, I love you more than you could ever imagine and I am honored to be your husband”. She will forever cherish their love and life together through those letters and all the wonderful memories – 143❤️. They were blessed with a beautiful son, Bristol James who was his pride and joy, and who he loved more than he could ever express. Brian enjoyed many hobbies such as fishing– whether he was in the Bay or offshore with Tim and Chad or on the Shenandoah with Byron, as long as his line was wet he was happy. He also enjoyed deer/turkey/dove hunting and was a member of the Reedy Creek Hunt Club where he has many friends and fond memories. He enjoyed hunting with Matt and Byron, spending hours sitting in the woods with 2 of his best friends. Some of his happiest memories hunting and fishing were spent with his “2nd daddy” Potchie (Walt Robinson). Whether in the woods, on the water, at the camper or talking on the phone – they shared a special bond. He was thankful for Potchie and the time they spent together. In the last few years Brian added golf to his list of hobbies and spent many hours on the greens with friends perfecting his swing. Whether he was fishing, hunting or golfing he shared every detail of his day with Alisa many, many times – Brian loved to tell his stories! But his fondest and happiest memories were spent with Bristol, he would spend hours watching him sleep as an infant, had to use a buck knife to change his diaper, sang Kookaburra over and over, rocked him to sleep most every night, taught him to shoot a gun/hunt/fish, helped him tie his first tie, took him 4 wheeling for the first time and so many other wonderful memories. Their best times were working on a car, moped, scooter – as long as it had a motor they would fix it together – often arguing about who was right – but rest assured it would get fixed. Brian was so proud to be Bristol’s Dad. Brian was grateful and blessed to have so many wonderful friends and memories with each of them - our Fitz family, neighbors, work families, fishing friends, golfing friends and so many more, he loved each of you and the happiness you brought into his life. We will honor Brian’s memory with visitation at Loving Funeral home on Saturday December 4th from 2pm to 4pm, there will be a reception to follow at Guads Mexican Restaurant in Harbor View @ 2051 Sun Harbor Road, Suite 100 from 430pm to 830pm. In lieu of flowers consider a donation for continuing education fund for Bristol; if you would like to contribute, please go to Zelle: inmemoryofbjp@gmail.com.

Brian Petrauskas

November 24, 2021