Brian Henry Desilets, 96, of Wappingers Falls, NY, died Thursday, December 22, 2023 at his home surrounded by family. He was the second child of four children born to Joseph Henry Desilets and Louise Marie Goguen on October 7, 1927.

A man of many faces during his lifetime, Brian began his adult life as a Marist brother. He started his professional career as a high school physics, mathematics, and French teacher at Dubois High School in Washington Heights NYC. Moving to Washington D.C in 1960, he earned his doctorate in physics at the Catholic University of America. He then transferred to Marist College in Poughkeepsie, NY as a professor of physics and mathematics. After leaving the Marist order in 1968, Brian met and married Kathleen ("Kay") Alice Rooney on August 15, 1970 when he began his most important role in life as a husband and a father. Transitioning his career in 1974 from Marist College to IBM, Brian worked as a research engineer contributing numerous US patents for technological advances. In 1991, Brian retired from IBM only to return to adjunct teaching at Marist for several more years.

Anyone who knew him would agree with the characterization of generous, genuine of heart, and faith-filled. A jack of all trades and an avid storyteller, Brian will be remembered with kindness by all whose lives he touched.

Brian is survived by his wife, Kay, and his three children Frances, Kathleen, and Felix; as well as seven grandchildren, Caitlin, Brigid, Aidan, Jack, Liam, Owen, and Finn.

The wake will be held at McHoul Funeral Home, In., 895 Route 82, Hopewell Junction, NY on Thursday, Dec. 28th from 3pm – 6 pm. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, Dec. 29th, at St. Columba Church, 835 NY-82, Hopewell Junction, NY at 10am with the burial at St. Denis Cemetery following the service.

Memorial donations may be made in memory of Brian Desilets to Franciscan Friars of the Renewal (Memo: House of Prayer), CFR Office, 421 E 155th Street, Bronx, NY 10455. (www.franciscanfriars.com – please include under special instructions House of Prayer).