Brian A. Emery, 82, of Dagsboro, Delaware passed away surrounded by his family on June 20, 2023.

Brian was born in Buffalo, NY on February 26, 1941, son of the late Al L. and Helen P. Emery. His family moved to Delmar, New York when he was a small child. He graduated from Bethlehem Central High School in Delmar in 1959.

Shortly after graduating from high school, he joined the U.S. Air Force where he underwent technical training in Texas before embarking on a three-year tour of duty in England with the USAF Security Service. Before being discharged from the Air Force in 1964 he was assigned to the National Security Agency where he was subsequently hired as an intelligence analyst. He attended the University of Maryland - University College, during his early years of employment at NSA.

In 1996 Brian retired from NSA as a manager having spent a total of 37 years in government service. He enjoyed a multi-faceted cryptologic career at NSA with assignments in analytic, staff, liaison and management positions including three years as NSA Representative to two major U.S. military commands in the Far East. During his career he was awarded NSA's second highest honor, the Meritorious Civilian Service Award, for "Distinguished service while managing NSA's response to a high interest problem."

It was while Brian was in Japan that he met his future bride and forever best friend Sandy (Shull) Emery from Hermitage, PA, who was at the time employed by the Department of Defense Overseas Schools Program as an English teacher. Brian and Sandy were married in 1974.

Following retirement from NSA in 1996, Brian worked for Allied Signal Corporation as a Research Consultant and Liaison Officer. Brian and Sandy then relocated from Annapolis, Maryland to the Bethany Beach area of southern Delaware in 1997. Brian became a Realtor shortly after moving to Delaware and enjoyed a successful second career in real estate sales lasting 20 years before finally retiring in 2018.

Brian volunteered his time and service to his community by serving on various Boards and Committees and was the founder and "Commodore" of the "Bethany Beach Navy" in support of Operation Seas the Day which provides wounded warriors and their families a free week in Bethany Beach. Brian was a member of St. Ann's Catholic Church in Bethany Beach and also served as an altar boy for several years as a child at St. Thomas Catholic Church in Delmar, NY.

Not long after their move to southern Delaware Brian and Sandy began spending a portion of each winter in Marathon in the Florida Keys putting down roots and establishing friendships in both Delaware and Florida that would last the rest of their lives.

Brian was an outgoing person who was always ready with a quip to address any situation. Friends would say, "Tell us what you really think Brian." He was handy and could fix or build almost anything he set his mind to. He loved his family and looked forward to times with his grandchildren. He assisted with his kids' athletic teams and was a second baseman himself in high school. During his high school years, he also was a drummer in a rock and roll dance band. He loved to fish, work in the yard, do various home improvement projects or spend time enjoying his Jeep. He was always busy with something. He and Sandy spent many hours on their boat or on the beach while he fished, and she read. He was also a long-suffering Orioles and Redskins fan!

Brian is survived by his wife of 49 years, Sandra S. Emery, their two children Meghan A. Pfeifer and her husband Joe Pfeifer of Westminster, MD, and Ryan D. Emery and his wife Kim (Decker) Emery of Frederick, MD plus four grandchildren - Liam and Aidan Pfeifer and Leigh and Grant Emery. He is also survived by his brother Dennis Emery of Mulberry, Arkansas.

Services will be private. The family suggests those wishing to provide a remembrance please do so by donating to Hope for the Warriors or a charity of their choice.