Brian James Marnocha

Brian James Marnocha, 34, of Mooresville, passed away on May 28, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of profound kindness, vibrant joy, and an unmistakable heart of gold.

He was the cherished son of Dr. Kenneth and Dr. Anne Marnocha. Raised in Zionsville, Indiana, Brian grew up alongside his two older brothers and his younger sister. 

Brian was a proud 2010 graduate of Zionsville Community High School. Following graduation, a job at Goodwill changed the course of his life forever, as it was there that he met his best friend and the absolute love of his life, Mary Blume.

Brian went on to continue his education at Lincoln Tech, graduating with a degree in electrical technology. While he possessed the skill and intellect for electronics, Brian’s true calling in life belonged to the animal kingdom. He dedicated many years to Petco, where he mastered the aquatic field and became an expert in the care of reptiles, birds, and small animals. Driven by a desire to challenge himself, Brian later transitioned into dog grooming. 

Shortly after embracing this new path, he brought his talents to PetSmart, where he served as the Lead at the Pets Hotel. For Brian, this was never just a job; caring for animals was his staple, his passion, and his authentic purpose. His deep knowledge and infinite patience made him an absolute favorite among his regular animal friends and the owners who trusted him implicitly.

Brian lived life with a spunky personality and was well-known for his playful shenanigans and his effortless ability to make people laugh. Truly, Brian never knew a stranger; he possessed a rare, beautiful gift for befriending anyone, anywhere he went. He had a way of turning any ordinary situation into a good time, creating vibrant moments that will live on as cherished memories for a lifetime. He was a constant comfort to those around him, always willing to help, to lend a compassionate listening ear, or to offer a warm, tight embrace that could instantly uplift any struggling spirit.

In his free time, Brian shared a deep passion for building complicated, large-scale Lego sets alongside Mary—a testament to their patience, teamwork, and shared sense of wonder. An avid traveler, he loved exploring the world with his beloved wife. Together, they shared beautiful trips to Gatlinburg and Sanibel Island, and they deeply loved eating their way through the Food and Wine Festival at Disney World. Of all his adventures, his absolute favorite was a trip to Ireland with Mary and his parents, where they shared the unforgettable experience of watching the Notre Dame football game together.

Brian is survived by his loving wife, Mary Blume; his parents, Dr. Kenneth and Dr. Anne Marnocha; his siblings, Adam Marnocha, Jason Marnocha (Samantha Scharlach) and Allison (Jordan) Sande; his nieces and nephews; Mark Marnocha, Lucian and Reina Sande, Braiden Miller, Emily and Anderson Schaible. 

He was preceded in death by his grandparents; Rita and Ervin Marnocha, Edward and Margaret Zielinski, and dear friend Renee Hostetter.

Memorial contributions may be made to Alliance for Responsible Pet Owners.

Family and friends will gather on Saturday, June 6, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m., with funeral services beginning at 2:00 p.m., luncheon to immediately follow.

All at Strawmyer & Drury Mortuary, 2400 North Lebanon Street, Lebanon, Indiana 46052.

Brian’s warmth, humor, and devotion to both people and animals will be profoundly missed. Though his absence leaves an immeasurable void, the love and light he brought into the lives of his family, friends, and beloved wife will never fade.