Brian M. Via, 35

December 02, 2020

Brian M. Via, 35, of Lancaster, passed away unexpectedly on December 2, 2020. Born in Lancaster, he was the son of Pam (Durham) Via and James Via. He married his best friend Cristina (Abessinio) Via on August 30, 2013 and celebrated over 15 years of the truest love you could find. They enjoyed traveling by plane, road trips, walking their dogs and planning their entire schedule around the Pittsburgh Penguins.

With a natural talent of drawing and tireless nights of tedious watercolor paintings/flash, he solidified his tattoo career for over 10 years. He admired his colleagues Adam Lenhart and Joe Martin and opened Golden Ages Tattoo collaboratively in downtown Lancaster. He will be loyally remembered for his bold tattooing style, genuine conversation and willingness to bond with people from all walks of life. His early tattoo years were deeply inspired by colleague Keith Elliot (Red Rose).

Growing up, even broken bones couldn’t keep off Brian off that BMX bike. He cherished his riding crew (you know who you are) and plentiful adventures with his longtime friends from high school Eric Holtry, Steve Bullard, Jon Thompson, Dan Weaver and Alexandra McCarty. From basement shows and live music to his cherished music playlists, he always was surrounded by song. He tried his hands at drums but found true rhythm and passion in his many acoustic guitars.

His spirit will live on through his beloved parents, wife: Cristina, sister: Christine (wife of Carlos Cruz) and his brother, Michael Via. He loved his nephews: Noah and Micah, cherished his Uncle Bob Via, Rick Via, mother in-law Linda Abessinio and cousins: Ricky and Katelyn Zielinski. He will also be sorely missed by his rescue dogs, Ellie Mae “Eeyore” (pictured) and Vinny (the most lovable “old-man” dachshund) and two cats. He was preceded in passing by his paternal grandparents: James & Joyce Via and maternal grandparents: Joseph A. Durham and Helen Hostetter.

A Celebration of Brian’s Life (and art) will be held on Sunday, December 13, 2020 at the Charles F. Snyder Jr. Funeral Home & Crematory, 3110 Lititz Pike, Lititz, PA. A viewing will take place from 11AM-12PM with a time of sharing beginning at 12PM. Brian cherished the time with his clients in his chair and always kept it real for his friends and family and his love stands true forever. His legacy shines on and so will we.
“Stay Gold.”

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to GoFundMe or PSPCA of Lancaster