Support The Family of Captain Brian Wolnewitz

Captain Richard “Brian” Wolnewitz, 44, passed away on Tuesday, August 16, 2022 following a courageous two and a half year battle with lung cancer. Shortly after he was born on February 16, 1978 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, Brian and his family relocated back to Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. Brian was recruited from Sun Coast High School to play football at Guilford College in Greensboro, North Carolina. It was there that Brian realized his true passion for helping others would be best utilized in a career as a firefighter and paramedic. Brian graduated from Florida State Fire College in March 2001 and immediately began his career at the City of Palm Beach Gardens Fire Rescue. Brian served his community for over 20 years working tirelessly to achieve the ranks of Fire Medic, Lieutenant and Captain. It was as a part of this brotherhood that Brian came to know numerous friends and colleagues whose love and support have remained steadfast through his most recent health challenges.

Despite meeting his one true love in elementary school, it wasn’t until October 12, 2013 that he married Julie Ann Wark Wolnewitz. Together, they have raised a beautiful family that includes his daughter Emma (19), and their twins Presley and Cooper (6) and Harper (3). In 2018, Brian and Julie found their forever home in Jupiter where Brian was frequently found working in the yard and in his garage, playing in the pool with the kids and proudly grilling up his favorite meats on his Green Egg. He followed in his father’s footsteps and was a dedicated and diehard Alabama Football Fan trying hard to never miss a game during the season.

When diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer on January 2, 2020, being the selfless man that he was, Brian made his top priorities clear. First, was to get better and beat cancer. Second, was to raise awareness about the countless risks firefighters face everyday while in the line of duty, including the inherent risks associated with inhalation and absorption of toxins. Third, was to raise funds so that other firefighters in his same situation would have the resources available to them to fight their battles. Brian’s efforts have helped raise thousands of dollars for Firefighters to the Rescue, an organization that helps families of firefighters, law enforcement, EMS providers and others during times of need. Following his diagnosis, Brian has undergone numerous medical treatments under the direction of Dr. Ben Creelan at the Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, FL. He also participated in and contributed to several life changing cancer research trials at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, TX and the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center in Seattle, WA. Brian’s hopes are that one day his participation in these trials will help change the lives of others with the development of live saving treatments for his specific, and very rare, type of cancer.

Preceded in death by his father, Richard Wolnewitz, Brian is survived by his mother, Christy (French) Wolnewitz, his faithful and loving wife of 9 years, Julie (Wark) and their four beautiful children, Emma, Presley, Cooper and Harper, his siblings, Jennifer (Chris) Carnes and Cory (Paige) Wolnewitz, and nieces and nephews, Christopher, Kayla, Jack, Austin and Logan.

Arrangements are being handled by Taylor & Modeen Funeral Home, Jupiter, FL. Visitation will be held on Thursday, August 25, 2022 from 4:00-7:00pm at Faith Lutheran Church, 555 US Highway 1, North Palm Beach, FL. A funeral service will take place at 1:00pm on Friday, August 26, 2022 at Christ Fellowship Church, located at 5343 Northlake Blvd., Palm Beach Gardens, FL. Additionally, the funeral service will be available to livestream online on Friday by visiting www.funerals.online.church.

Brian will forever be remembered as a loyal and dedicated husband and father and an exceptional leader within the Fire Service training countless others in their careers as firefighters and paramedics. Those who knew Brian will also remember his uncanny ability to tell a story (and there were many) and make you feel as if you were inside the story alongside Brian while it was actually taking place. Brian’s soft-spoken and gentle tone commanded an audience and everyone who had the pleasure of meeting Brian will agree that he was smart as a whip, loyal, kind, selfless, courageous and truly one of kind. He will be missed dearly by his family, many friends and colleagues. Roll Tide, Roll Captain Wolnewitz; we’ll see you on the top floor.

“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” – John 15:13

The family is asking for donations to help cover the cost of future family household needs, services, and child education to help ease the burden on Julie and her four beautiful children as the last wish of Captain Richard “Brian” Wolnewitz.

The Wolnewitz family appreciates the outpouring of love and support for Brian and are forever grateful for the community surrounding them.