Brian Robert Nelson Jablonski

Brian Robert Nelson Jablonski, age 65, born on September 20, 1959, died after an extended illness on April 3, 2025. He is survived by his loving wife of 27 years, Allison Belsches Jablonski; three children, (Lucy Jablonski, Amy Jablonski, Lily Jablonski); siblings, Mary Jablonski (Karen), Ian Jablonski (Julie), Elsa Lawrence (Tom), and Helen Goins (Neal). He was predeceased by his parents, Werner and Marion Jablonski.

Brian was born in Midland, Michigan, to Werner and Marion Emerson Jablonski. He lived an adventurous childhood with his siblings, spending lots of time outdoors, including summer trips to the Emerson family farm in Sutton, Quebec. At the age of 12, Brian and the family moved to Leominster, Massachusetts. There, he played ice hockey, skied as much as possible at the local ski hill, and graduated from Leominster High School in 1977. He earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Massachusetts-Amherst in 1983. His first professional positions included human services work in residential youth care. Ultimately, Brian moved to the Washington, DC area, and then on to Virginia, and he never looked back.

Once settled in Charlottesville, Brian earned a master's degree in teaching from the University of Virginia and began his teaching career in middle school science and math. He taught for over 30 years, touching thousands of lives throughout his career. He was a beloved faculty member at Buford Middle School in Charlottesville and Sandusky Middle School in Lynchburg.

Brian met Allison in January 1996, upon entering the biology lab where Allison was teaching at Piedmont Virginia Community College. After final grades were submitted, they began dating and were married in January 1998. Soon thereafter, Allison accepted a professor position at the University of Lynchburg in August 1998; they relocated together and built a committed life in the community. Lucy and Amy were both born in Lynchburg. When Allison was on sabbatical in 2005-2006, the family spent the year in Charlottesville, culminating in Lily’s birth and Brian earning his PhD in Special Education from UVA.

Brian was an active member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Lynchburg, VA, teaching Sunday School, attending adult mission trips, and serving countless meals with the Men Who Cook and at the Daily Bread. As an affirmed tree hugger, Brian hiked the Appalachian Trail, was active in the Sierra Club, and led his family in sustainable living. From installing solar panels and raising chickens to aggressive recycling, Brian led by example. He cycled thousands of miles, sometimes a simple daily commute to work, or a life-changing cross-country bike trip from Charlottesville to Washington to visit his brother, Ian. When he turned 50, Brian decided to become a runner to stay healthy. He trained for and ran both the Richmond and NYC marathons.

Summers were spent tending the vegetable garden and chickens, and working on house projects. Brian invited the children and friends to take part in “Cooking Camp,” where he taught them how to make their favorite foods. Reading with the kids was a favorite activity. He loved traveling with his family, and his best moments were spent with his children and Allison. You might remember Brian whenever you wear your favorite baseball cap, listen to your favorite Grateful Dead song, or savor a cold IPA.

A funeral service will be held at 1:00 pm on Saturday, April 12, at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 605 Clay St. in Lynchburg. The family will receive visitors on Friday, April 11 from 5:00-7:00 pm at Tharp Funeral Home, Lynchburg. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Daily Bread, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church Lynchburg, or Rush Homes.

Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Lynchburg, is assisting the family.