Brian Henry Marcus

Brian Henry Marcus, 80, of Scottsville, VA, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, at his residence. He was born on December 22, 1944, in Fresno, California, to the late Morry and Margaret Marcus.

After graduating from Highland Park High School, Brian went on to attend Brandeis University and Harvard University, laying the foundation for a distinguished career in higher education and fundraising. He served as Dean of Students at Brandeis University and later as the Associate Dean of External Relations for the College of Visual and Performing Arts at George Mason University. As a faculty member, he guided graduate students in the management of nonprofit institutions, specializing in fund development and the vital role it plays in sustaining the arts and education.

A gifted and deeply committed fundraiser, Brian helped secure more than one billion dollars in support of landmark cultural spaces. His efforts were instrumental in the creation of the Landsberg Theater and the Sidney Harmon Center for the Arts for the Shakespeare Theatre of Washington; Sally Mae Hall for the Levine School of Music; and the Hylton Performing Arts Center on George Mason University’s Manassas campus.

Brian was endlessly curious and passionate, especially about travel, the U.S. Constitution, and the history of American presidents. In retirement, he found great joy and purpose serving as an interpreter, guide, and educator at Montpelier, the historic home of President James Madison and his wife Dolley.

He is survived by his husband, Thomas Torrance; his sister, Jan Erdman of Webster Groves, Missouri; his nephew, Nathaniel Erdman of River Forest, Illinois (along with Beth, Nat’s wife, and their three children: Violet, Leo, and Marcus); his niece, Maggie Erdman of Webster Groves, Missouri; his stepson, Mark Torrance of Canton, Texas (along with Erica, Mark’s wife, and their children Hudson and Harper); his mother-in-law, Florice Torrance of Nashville, Tennessee; and his sister-in-law and her husband, Nancy Skinner-Sage and Mike Sage of Nashville, Tennessee.

An outdoor service to honor Brian’s life will be held on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at the Virginia Blue Ridge home Brian and Thomas shared for 23 years.

An online guestbook is available at www.compassionatecremationva.com

Compassionate Cremation Services of Ruckersville, VA is handling the arrangements.