Bryan Foli

A man of perseverance, Bryan Foli, 62, passed away on September 3, 2025, at his home, after a long and courageous battle with oral and lung cancer. He suffered thru surgeries, radiation, chemo and immunotherapy, sadly, treatment failed after 2 years. Bryan taught us that life is meant to be gratefully and passionately lived, despite the circumstances.

He was born in Panama City, Florida on April 2, 1963, and found his home on Beaver Island, Michigan. Bryan graduated High School from Kaiser High in Honolulu, HI in 1981. He held 2 bachelor’s degrees: French and Chemistry from the University of Illinois. He also had 2 master’s degrees: School Administration and Natural Sciences. He was 3 years into an Educational Doctorate when he moved from Champaign, IL in 2016 to Beaver Island, MI to teach high school Chemistry, Physics, and French.

Bryan is survived by his loving wife, Becca; his 3 children Connor (Hannah) Foli, Isaac Foli, and Eliza Foli; and his cherished grandchildren, Eleanor, Caroline and Amelia Foli. He also leaves behind his mother and father in-law, Sharon Henry-Warren and David Bowman; his sister-in-law, Lindsey Bowman and nephew Liam Bowman; and several beloved aunts, uncles and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, William Lee and Sandra Kay Foli.

Bryan’s life was directed by his love for God. In his youthful zeal, he majored in French because he wanted to be a missionary to Africa. Before beginning his teaching career, Bryan was a campus minister for 7 years at the University of Illinois. This is where he met Becca and after starting a family, he began teaching high school.

Bryan had a passion for life and learning. He was a thoughtful man who enjoyed deep conversations about anything spiritual, financial, historical or educational. A renaissance man, who could amaze you with his wealth of knowledge and interest on so many different subjects. You could always count on winning if he was on your trivia team. His interest and passion for craft beer led him to become a founding member of Whiskey Point Brewing Co. He really enjoyed his summers behind the bar greeting and talking with all those who visited. A quick wit and great sense of humor made him a fun bartender and easy to work with.

Besides a passion for teaching, Bryan loved being outdoors. He walked or biked to work every day for 15 years, in all kinds of weather! The summers were spent biking, paddleboarding and kayaking. Family vacations were always to Lake Michigan. Even though he was extremely weak from treatments, he looked forward to daily walks on the gravel roads of our wooded neighborhood.

Thankfully, with the care of hospice, Bryan was able to spend the last of his life at his home, with his wife and children, on Beaver Island. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. He is buried at Holy Cross Cemetery, Beaver Island Michigan.

Funeral services were September 13, 2025 at Holy Cross Church

Out of his love for the Beaver Island Community, donations can be made to the Beaver Island Food Pantry, PO Box 21, Beaver Island, Mi 49782

Arrangements are in the care of the Charlevoix Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes. Please sign his online guestbook at www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com