Brian Matthew White

Brian Matthew White of Cincinnati, Ohio, unexpectedly passed away on October 5, 2024, at the age of 40. Brian was a loving husband, father, son, brother, uncle, and friend. Affectionately known as "Whitey," "Moose," and "Grease," Brian was born on February 14, 1984, in Mansfield, Ohio. He was a 2002 graduate of Mansfield Senior High School, where he served as captain of the football team. He graduated from the University of Akron in 2007, where he excelled both academically and athletically, starting every game as a defensive tackle during his sophomore, junior, and senior years, and serving as captain his senior year. 

As a Wealth Management Advisor at Northwestern Mutual in West Chester, Ohio, Brian was always the go-to financial guy for family and friends, living by the motto "thrift equals wealth." Everyone who knew Brian knows he loved to tout his football accolades and make his houseguests watch grainy video highlights of his football career. In 2005, Brian led the Akron Zips football team to their first and only MAC Championship. On October 4, 2024, his 2005 championship team was inducted into the University of Akron Sports Hall of Fame, and he enjoyed celebrating the occasion with family, friends, and coaches. Brian was an avid but long-suffering Cleveland sports fan, known to burn his jerseys during bad seasons and vow to never watch them again. But, of course, that never lasted. He passed on his love for football and the Browns to his eleven-year-old son, Bowen. As a coach of Bowen's basketball and baseball teams, Brian became a role model for young athletes, teaching them life lessons, sportsmanship, and the thrill of the game. Golf was another passion for Brian. Whether playing at his home course at Losantiville Country Club or organizing golf trips with lifelong friends, his competitive spirit was infectious, making every outing memorable. He was the glue that held his family and friends together. Brian shared a special bond with his sisters, Brittany and Brennan. He was not just a brother; he was a mentor, confidant, and someone they could always look up to. Whether cheering them on, sharing life advice, or simply being a source of humor and warmth, Brian’s influence helped shape their character and successes.

Brian married his high school sweetheart, Erin, in 2008, and together they built a beautiful life in Cincinnati. Their home was quickly filled with love, laughter, friends, and countless celebrations and impromptu gatherings that brought their neighborhood community together. Their greatest accomplishment is raising their two beautiful children, Bowen and Charlotte. Brian had a remarkable ability to bring people together, whether through spontaneous neighborhood gatherings, trips with friends, or cherished family traditions. His warmth extended to everyone he met. Brian enjoyed listening to all genres of music, and a microphone would never go untouched around him. He loved karaoke, singing, and playing guitar, often performing with his neighborhood band, "Just Jaci." 

Brian is survived by his wife of 16 years, Erin Thompson White; son Bowen; daughter Charlotte; mother Lorie (Rick) Rollins; father Charles (Kara) White; sisters Brittany White and Brennan (Mike) Zaller; in-laws C. Richard and Linda Thompson, Adam (Katie) Thompson, Olivia (Bret) Gordon, Ellery (Matt) Martinko, and Eden Thompson; and several nieces and nephews. Brian is also survived by many aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, coworkers, and neighbors. He was preceded in death by his grandparents and childhood friend Michael O’Neill. 

Brian loved living his life to the fullest and encouraged others to do the same. His legacy will live on in the hearts of those he touched. He will be greatly missed. Family and friends will gather for a Celebration of Life in his memory at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider a donation in Brian’s name to Stepping Stones Ohio (5650 Given Road, Cincinnati, Ohio 45243), an organization that provides invaluable resources to families with special needs children. As the father of a special needs child, Brian appreciated the local resources that supported his family.  Condolences and special memories of Brian can be shared with his family online at www.heritagecremationsociety.com