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AJV mourns the loss of board member Rod McBrien

Rod McBrien

Born: June 20, 1943

Died: March 30, 2009

Rod McBrien, 65, of Avon and New York City, formerly of Greenwich, NY, beloved husband of Janet Ralston, died suddenly, Monday, March 30, 2009, at Hartford Hospital. Born in Amityville, New York, son of the late Roger and Lenore (Terry) McBrien, he was raised on Long Island and served in the US Coast Guard during the Vietnam War.
A long-time New York City resident, McBrien was an award-winning songwriter and music producer. Through his company, Rod McBrien Productions, McBrien created and produced music for commercial recordings, national tributes, Orange Bowl and Fiesta Bowl National NCAA Championship Half-Time specials, special events and feature films. McBrien is also responsible for some of the most memorable music created for radio and TV advertising, for clients including Coca-Cola, Burger King, Campbell’s Soup and Miller Beer. He was the recipient of four Clio Awards and a two-time winner of the American Song Festival. His children’s musical, Adventures of Tails Island, was performed at Kennedy Center in Washington, DC, with a special command performance at The White House at the request of First Lady Nancy Reagan.
McBrien was a key player of the NYC recording studio scene, and though he had credits on the Top Ten and Number One Charts, he was most proud of his commissioned works for the Vietnam Women’s Memorial Dedication, Commemoration of The United States Air Force Fiftieth Anniversary, The Women’s Memorial Dedication, and his recently released CD Salute! The World War II Tribute Album on Curb Records, which was championed by President Bill Clinton and Senator Bob Dole, and featuring Kenny Rogers, LeAnn Rimes, Lee Greenwood, Crystal Gayle, John Pizzarelli and others. Last November, McBrien was honored for his musical tributes to those who served our country in the military services at a special ceremony at the Senate Caucus Room in D.C. Two of those tributes were performed the next day at the official Veterans’ Day services at the Vietnam Wall. At the time of his death, McBrien was serving on the Board of Directors of the Society of Singers, CitiHope International and American Jazz Venues.
Besides his wife Janet he leaves a son Rod McBrien of NYC; two step sons Charles Gaukel of Chile and Mark Gaukel of Saratoga Springs, NY and two sisters Jennifer McBrien and Roberta King both of AZ. Family and friends are invited to a Celebration of Rod’s life and love of music Sunday, April 5, at 5 PM at the Asylum Hill Congregational Church, 814 Asylum Avenue, Hartford. His family will receive friends Saturday from 5-7 pm at the Carmon Funeral Home & Family Center, 301 Country Club Road, Avon and Sunday from 3-5 pm prior to the service at the church. Committal services will be Monday April 6, 11am at Melville Cemetery, Melville, NY. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Citi-Hope International, www.citihope.org or Asylum Hill Congregational Church.
Memorials: In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Citi-Hope International, www.citihope.org or to Asylum Hill Congregational Church.