Brian Paul Sturgis

Brian Paul Sturgis, 59, of Elizabethtown, PA, was called home to heaven following a long and hard-fought battle after suffering a severe hemorrhagic stroke in November 2023, which was later followed by debilitating seizures and a progressive neurodegenerative disease in the Parkinson’s spectrum. He passed peacefully at home, surrounded by family, on Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 11, 2025. He was the son of the late Paul J. and Joan R. (Blades) Sturgis, born on May 24, 1965, in Camden, NJ.

Brian spent his early years in Upstate New York, graduating from Mountainside Christian Academy in 1983 before attending the Word of Life Bible Institute, both located near Schroon Lake, one of his favorite places. He went on to earn a B.A. in Computer Information Systems from Cedarville University in 1987, followed by an M.B.A. in Management from George Mason University in 1990. Brian dedicated much of his career to the consulting and tech industries, serving as a senior partner at Arthur Andersen, then working as an independent project management consultant at Engelhard before joining VCE and EMC—organizations that would later be absorbed by Dell Technologies. There, he spent the past 15 years as a principal systems engineer, earning respect for his expertise, work ethic, creative mind, and strong character.

As a steadfast follower of Christ, Brian lived out his faith with humility and purpose. His relationship with the Lord guided every part of his life—his family, his service to others, and his work. One of his lifelong goals was to hear, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” He served faithfully at Hershey Free Church, where he taught and led Sunday School for many years. More recently, he was an active member of LCBC Manheim, regularly attending with his family. Brian also led two nonprofit organizations—one locally in Elizabethtown and another tied to his brief tenure as a management professor at Cedarville University—both focused on addressing the spiritual, physical, and mental health needs of the community.

With an insatiable curiosity and a drive to excel in everything he did—whether flying planes, operating boats, running marathons, diving into detailed home projects, studying human physiology, or building the ultimate in-home gym—Brian was remarkably meticulous. His attention to detail and organization helped bring his visions to life and he never did anything halfway. Brian was brilliant, funny, charismatic, humble, and kind. He loved journaling and began each day with prayer and devotions, faithfully lifting up to the Lord the needs of the people he loved most.

He was a true sports enthusiast, especially when it came to the Phillies, Eagles, and Sixers. He loved attending games with his son and friends, coaching his son in youth basketball and baseball, and riding bikes with his daughter along their favorite local trails. He shared a strong and lifelong bond with his wife and often tried to convince her to join him on a run—to which she’d occasionally concede. Together, they explored places like Hawaii, Bali, Jamaica, Disney, and more. His passion for being present and building shared experiences and memories was matched only by the joy he took in planning them down to the smallest detail.

Brian completed over 15 marathons and even qualified for the Boston Marathon—a rare achievement that reflected not only his physical endurance but also his deep mental resilience. Running, for him, was both a discipline and a metaphor: life is a marathon, not a sprint. That mindset carried him through the hardest chapters of his life. He gave everything to his recovery, fighting with courage and grace until his final breath. Though his mind and body began to fail, his heart and spirit remained strong. He leaves behind a legacy of intentional living, unshakable faith, and fierce love—a reminder to pursue excellence, prioritize what truly matters, and run life’s race with endurance.

Surviving Brian are his wife of 33 years, Donita M. (Shaum) Sturgis; his children, Michelle M. (Sturgis) Zumpano (Dan) of Lynchburg, VA, David J. Sturgis of Lititz, PA, and Summer J. Sturgis of Elizabethtown, PA; his grandchildren, Aiden and Gianna; his sister, Karen J. (Sturgis) McIntyre (Andy) of Suffolk, VA; as well as many beloved nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends.

A public Celebration of Life will be held at 10:00 AM on his birthday—Saturday, May 24—at LCBC Manheim. A time of refreshment and visitation with family and friends will immediately follow at the church. A private burial will follow at Hershey Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that any desired donations in Brian’s name be made to LCBC Manheim or Hospice & Community Care, as both demonstrated God’s love throughout his journey.