McIlvenna, Brian served in the United States Air Force in 1972 and 1973. He attended a trade school and became a welder. He was employed in Orange County as a welder and was quite talented. He later started working in car restoration and sales, which he enjoyed.

He grew up in Rome, New York in a family with 4 sisters and 3 brothers. he is survived by two brothers, Bradford and Brock McIlvenna, three sisters, Judy, Jaynie and Joann and a host of nieces and nephews. He is survived by his partner, Julie Johnson, 29 years together. She has two daughters and four grandchildren who look up to Brian as a father figure.

Brian was a long term member of an organization that dealt with substance abuse and he was an advocate of the AA program, in which he had 35 years of sobriety and helped many others with their sobriety. Brian has touched a lot of people's hearts during his 69 years. He was an inspiration for anyone dealing with substance abuse. He is so missed by his friends and family.