Brian Kobylarz

Brian Kobylarz, age 68, a beloved member of the Norwich, CT community and of the Society of Motion Pictures and Television Engineers, sadly passed away on March 13th, 2025 at Backus Hospital in Norwich. 

Brian came into this world in 1956.  He was born in Garfield, NJ to his proud parents Fred and Dorothy Kobylarz.  Brian was predeceased by his father in 2021 and his mother in 2018.  Brian is survived by his siblings Jeff and Diane, numerous cousins and his loving aunt and uncle. 

Shortly after Brian’s birth, the young Kobylarz family moved to Connecticut and settled in Farmington where Brian attended school.  As a young teen, Brian enjoyed exploring how gadgets worked and he was drawn to his parents’ Retina 35 mm camera.  Brian quickly learned the utility of the many features of this camera at an early age.  At Farmington High School, Brian joined the photography club and he convinced the family to convert a bathroom to a dark room so he could develop his film. 

Brian attended Windham College in Putney, VT and Northern Vermont University in Lyndon, VT.  He graduated with a degree in Photography in 1978.  While in college, Brian earned class credits for filming part of his month-long cross-country road trip in a van.

After graduation, Brian worked as a cinematographer for several local clients.  In 1980, Brian moved to Norwich to produce videos for General Dynamics. In 1982, Brian’s entrepreneurial spirit encouraged him to establish his own firm – Tele-Cine Productions – where Brian could deploy his technical expertise and creativity for his many clients. 

Brian became a member of SMPTE in 1983 and was continually active with this society through 2024.  Brian’s dedication to enhance the organization was recognized at the Society’s annual gathering in 2015 where Brian was presented with a Citation for Outstanding Service.

Brian strongly believed in serving the local community to improve its quality of life.  Brian served several years on the Norwich Chamber of Commerce and the Norwich Revitalization Zone committee.  Brian also took great pleasure in moderating numerous debates among local politicians which helped the community better understand its major issues.

Brian will be remembered for his high work standards and his enthusiasm for his craft, his genuine caring nature for all living things, his impressive self-taught DIY skills, his warmth, his happy disposition, his eagerness to share his knowledge with others and entertain all around him with his witty remarks.   His voice and presence will be greatly missed.

Calling hours will be 1 to 3 PM on Sunday March 23rd at the Cummings-Gagne Funeral Home 82 Cliff St. Norwich, CT. Please visit www.cummings-gagnefh.com for full obituary and to leave condolences or share a memory.

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