NORTH ADAMS, Mass. —  Brian Henry Bauer, 78, of North Adams, died at home on Wednesday, November 4, 2026. The son of Edna Ruth (Shew) and William Henry Bauer, Jr., Brian was born on January 16, 1948 in Paterson, NJ.

Before graduating high school in Midland Park, NJ, Brian earned the rank of Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts of America.  He went to college at the Stevens Institute of Technology and the University of Connecticut, ultimately earning a B.A. in geology. In 1971, he joined the New London Fire Department in southeastern Connecticut where he served for 42 years; he retired at the rank of Lieutenant. Brian’s greatest pride was his three children: Robert, Barbara, and Grace, in whom he fostered a love of mathematics and science, reading, board games, and the outdoors. 

In 2020, Brian relocated to North Adams, MA. He cultivated deep friendships with fellow community members at the Mary Spitzer Senior Center. Known to the North Adams community as “Henry”,  he could regularly be found laughing with friends, working on puzzles, or playing card games. 

Brian is survived by his three children, Grace Ferris of Somerville, MA, Barbara Murphy of Sandy Hook, CT, and Robert Bauer of Southbury, CT, and his grandchildren Sam Murphy, Benjamin Murphy, and Pierce Ferris. He also leaves his brother, Kenneth Bauer of Weston, VT and nephew, Bryce Bauer of Weston, VT.  

Calling hours for Brian Bauer will be held on Thursday, November 19, 2026 from 2:00 - 3:00 PM, with a remembrance service to begin at 3:00 PM at Flynn & Dagnoli CENTRAL CHAPEL 74 Marshall St, North Adams, MA. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the North Adams Council on Aging. Please add to the book of memories at www.FlynnDagnoliFuneralHomes.com.