Obituary: Brian J. Chepya, 30, Of New Haven

NEW HAVEN, CT — (From West Haven Funeral Home): It is with deep sadness and heartbreak that we share the passing of Brian James Chepya, 30, of New Haven, CT. Brian was an entertainer at heart, a gifted musician and was always proud of maintaining his dapper appearance.

He was creative and skilled in many areas, whether it was playing the guitar or piano, acting, singing, writing, and even performing stand-up comedy. He was a true performer, whether he was on stage, with his family, or working as a retail associate; he was jovial and engaging with a contagious laugh and sharp wit.

Bri especially loved performing with his late father, writing scripts and lyrics, and spending time with his friends and family. He was always up for a good time—a broadway show, stand-up comedy, a concert, or just grabbing a bite to eat with his mom. Whether the topic was music, sports, philosophy, spirituality, movies, TV, or politics, he always held his own strong opinions in conversations and loved a good, lively argument.

To many of his friends, he was known as “Lil’ Bri,” a nickname given to him long before he finally hit a growth spurt after high school and became the tall, lanky, and handsome boy we all knew and loved.

Bri loved his family and friends deeply, especially his mother Sheila Hughes, his sister Emma (Joseph) Voytek, his aunt Maureen Haggans, and cousin Katie (Warner) Rodriguez, and strived to make them proud. He was predeceased by his dear father Peter Chepya, his favorite uncle and godfather Gordie Haggans, and his scottie dog, “Pep-pep.” He is now reunited with them, and at peace.

Ram Dass said, “Death is like taking off a tight shoe,” and for Bri, this is particularly true. His soul is now free of the body and mind that often held him captive. While his family would give anything for Brian to be here with us, we know that he is no longer in mental or physical pain. We ask for your prayers, good energy, love, and kindness, as we go forward and attempt to navigate life without our bright light of a son, brother, nephew, cousin, and friend.

For more information and to leave online condolences, visit West Haven Funeral Home here.