Brian J. King

Brian J. King, 67, of Utica, passed away unexpectedly, Sunday, January 25, 2026.

Brian was born in Malone, NY, June 18, 1958, a son of the late Joseph and Joyce (Prue) King. He was raised and educated in Brushton and a 1976 graduate of Brushton-Moira High School.

Brian proudly served his country in the US Navy, from October 1976 to October 1980, attaining the rank of Navy Aviation Structural Mechanic Petty Officer 2nd class. He was assigned Squadron VF-33 and worked on F-4 Phantoms, where he completed 2 deployments as part of the Carrier Air Wing Seven (CVW-7), onboard the USS Independence (CV-62).

After serving his country Brian continued his education, at MVCC.  He received an Associate’s Degree in Electrical Science and became a certified Electrician. He retired after 32 years of service from the New York Power Authority.

Joined in marriage on May 30, 1997, Brian and Tracey (Trigger) King were proud of the family they raised.  

Bigger than life, Brian was a man who loved being with family and friends. To know him was to love him. He had many loving nicknames, including Coach, Kinger, Dilly Dilly, Brubby, Zeke, and The Legend, but, his most cherished nickname of all was Papa. He enjoyed spending his summers at Hinckley Lake at their family camp.  He loved nothing more than being on the lake, on his boat with a cold drink in his hand. Brian had a passion for motorcycling, hunting and boating. He had fond memories of coaching CYO basketball. Brian was bold, boisterous and an all-around jokester, he loved music and singing Karaoke. He was the life of the party and always had a big hug and kisses for everyone. He had a big heart full of love with a gentle soul. 

He was a proud member of the 2032 IBEW Union.

He was an active member of the Brushton-Moira American Legion Post 939.

Brian was strong in his faith being a devout catholic.

A most loving  husband, father, and papa, he is survived by his beloved wife, Tracey; children, Adam and Jessie King, Michelle and Tyler Sampson, and Aubrey and Courtney King; grandchildren, Eilee Brown, Nolan Sampson, Layla Sampson, Teddy Sampson, and George Sampson; sister, Bonita St Hilaire; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Raymond and Rhonda Trigger, Stacy Brian, and Eleanor and Brock Lookhart; nieces and nephews, Jay and Karen St Hilaire, Dan O’Hara Sr., Jana St Hilaire, Joelle and Mark Cartier, David Brian, and Amanda and Jose Rivera; and also many other aunts, nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, and cousins.

He was predeceased by his parents, Joseph and Joyce; brother, Richard King; brother-in-law, Leonard St Hilaire; and nephew, Jamie St Hilaire.

Relatives and friends may call on Monday, February 2, 2026, 10:30 to 12 Noon, with a prayer service and military honors at Noon, at The Matt Funeral Home, 700 Rutger St., corner of Mohawk St., Utica. Interment will be in Forest Hill Cemetery, Utica.

In Brian’s memory, please consider a donation to the Brushton-Moira American Legion Post 939 or to a Veteran agency of your choice. Donations to the American Legion can be sent by mail to the Brushton-Moira American Legion Post 939 at PO Box 52, Moira, NY 12957.

The family would like to thank the Deerfield Volunteer Fire Company for their rapid response and care for Brian, as well as, the staff of Wynn Hospital for their care and compassion during this difficult time.

Online memorials at www.MattFuneralHome.com

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