Brian J. Federici: ‘His smile was a beacon of light in a sometimes-dark world’

This section includes announcements of important events in our lives–births, graduations, engagements, marriages, and deaths. If you want to share an event with your community, please send a photo and a written piece to [email protected].

Brian Joseph Federici
July 21, 1952 – January 5, 2025

Brian Federici was a long-time resident of Arcata, CA having moved to Arcata in 1978. He was born on Long Island, New York and lived at the end of Long Island Sound close to New York City. With both his mother and fathers’ families from New York City areas he frequented the Big Apple and knew the places around town somewhat as a local. He served in the U.S. Army, PFC stationed in Germany near the Iron Curtain in an Armored Tank Unit. He loved to reminisce about the stories of his comrades there and his encounters with the local populace. His stories of those experiences were many and entertaining in their levity of seriousness of the times and the hilarity of the personalities involved.  

Brian worked in Arcata for Burlwood Industries from 1978 to 1984, being an incredible furniture builder with talent of taking native CA wood from the beaches and redwood burls making furniture into eye catching works of art. Brian also later made willow furniture and used his talents to create amazing willow art and beautiful expressive art displays often using his own hieroglyphics. His studio located at the SE corner of the old Creamery Building was an artist’s paradise of eclectic memories of life and the love of the wild outdoors. He ran his art studio there from 1984 to 2016 and was a frequent place for local friends, acquaintances and customers to roam his shop and immerse themselves in the art of living the dreams of the North Coast art world of expression of cultural freedom in this lifestyle of the Avant but on guard for humanity. The world became a better place with Brian in it. 

Brian collected friends from all walks of life. His unique energy resonated beauty and he became the centerpiece that brought many people together. Brian nurtured his friendships like a fine gardener. His smile was a beacon of light in a sometimes-dark world. ‘Come sit and talk’, he would say. And time would stand still. 

The Celebration of Life Gathering begins at 3:00 pm Saturday afternoon June 14th. A great local live band, The Breakers’ from Shelter Cove will be playing starting at 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm. If you knew Brian Federici and want to attend please come and enjoy the company of his beloved friends and family. Some food and drinks will be provided but feel free to potluck and share your food and drink with others. Alcohol will not be served.