Brian Michael Stansberry

Brian Michael Stansberry, 59, passed away March 3, 2026 after a courageous battle with cancer. He was the husband of Phil Risinger and the son of Bill and Pat Stansberry. Brian's years on earth were full of life, and his exceptionally loving nature resulted in a lifetime of being everyone's favorite everything. He was the favorite friend, the favorite uncle, the favorite student, the favorite brother, and, admit it, Mom, the favorite child, deservedly so. During his early childhood in rural Texas, even as a kindergartner he was able to charm his school bus driver into letting him sit on the engine hood, dutifully honking the horn every time Brian asked. You couldn't be around Brian long without laughing. He had a quick, razor-sharp wit, the kind of humor that effortlessly enlivened every room he was in. His mind was brilliant in so many ways, often exemplified in his endless stream of hilarious, spontaneous one-liners. Allowing him to accompany you to a somber event was risky, because he might whisper something that would make you burst out in uncontrolled laughter. Meanwhile, he would remain stonefaced, or maybe let that one dimple show. Brian spent almost 40 years together with his loving husband, Phil. They built a successful business together from the ground up, the perfect complements to each other. Their home was a place filled with love. On the rare occasions when they were apart, Brian's conversations would always eventually come back to Phil, pointing out something Phil would like, or find funny, or hate. Phil was devoted to Brian's happiness, indulging his every whim, or at least most of them. Brian's favorite place to be was on his front porch enjoying the evening breeze with Phil and his favorite dog of all, Aachen. Brian's legacy will forever be marked by love. He loved people, eclectic art, dogs, especially dogs that were rejected or mistreated by others, his garden, anything funky and offbeat, specialty chocolates, diverse music, RV camping, unconventional t-shirts and shoes, quirky gifts, and traveling, with a particular affinity for Puerto Vallarta and Provincetown. Everywhere he went, Brian outshone everyone else, not because he ever tried to, but because of his generous, loving heart, his sense of humor, and his genuine compassion and care for others. The world was an infinitely better place when he was in it. Left to cherish Brian's memory are his beloved husband, Phil Risinger, his mother, Pat Stansberry, his sisters, Michelle Sandwell and Sharla Johnston (Lew), his brothers, Robin Stansberry (Sarah), Tracy Stansberry (Hope) , Stuart Stansberry, and Scott Stansberry, his sister-in-law, Penny Conner (Mike), his nieces and nephews, and countless friends who all adored him. He was preceded in death by his brother, Kevin, and his father. Brian's legacy will be carried on through his family and the many friends whose lives he touched. A celebration of Brian's life will be held on Saturday, April 25, when his prized garden will be in full bloom. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made on behalf of Brian and Phil to Friends of PV Animals, a stray dog rescue charity in Puerto Vallarta.

Brian Michael Stansberry

March 23, 1966 - March 3, 2026