Brian Robert Hastings, age 77, of Harwich, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on Monday, August 24, in the comfort of his home, surrounded by his loving family.

Brian was born in Framingham on February 19, 1949, the son of the late Clyve and Thelma (Stiles) Hastings. He was raised in Framingham and graduated from Framingham South High School with the Class of 1967.

On August 9, 1969, Brian married his high school sweetheart, Mary (Noonan) Hastings, at Saint Stephen Parish in Framingham. Together, they began their married life in Framingham before settling in Mendon, where they raised their family. In retirement, Brian and Mary made their home on Cape Cod in Harwich. They shared 57 years of marriage and a lifetime of memories together.

Brian attended Northeastern University and Framingham State, earning degrees in Public Administration and Education. He spent 35 years as a math teacher at Holliston High School, where he also coached soccer and track. Teaching and coaching were an important part of Brian’s life, and his impact on his students and athletes extended far beyond the classroom and playing field.

Even in retirement, Brian continued doing what he loved, coaching soccer and tennis at Sturgis Charter Public School on Cape Cod. But perhaps the coaching role closest to his heart was with Special Olympics. Brian had the privilege of coaching his daughter, Amy, along with many other Special Olympics athletes. In 2017, he and his family were honored with the Special Olympics Family Award in recognition of their dedication to and support of Special Olympics athletes on Cape Cod.

Brian was also an avid athlete. He loved playing in the Cape Cod Senior Softball League and was inducted into its Hall of Fame in 2026. He also enjoyed curling and was happiest when he was active, creating something with his hands, or spending time with the people he loved.

Brian had an incredible talent for drawing and building things. A handful of lucky people will forever treasure the handcrafted Christmas ornaments he meticulously created and painted each year, then secretly delivered on Christmas Eve. It was just one of the many quiet and thoughtful ways Brian brought joy to the people around him.

Brian also had a special love for his horses and dogs. He built barns at both his Mendon and Harwich homes for the horses he loved so much, combining his love of animals with his talent for building. In recent years, Brian and his beloved therapy dog, Millie, volunteered with Dogs on Call at Cape Cod Hospital and visited local schools with Hearts and Paws Comfort Dogs.

Above all, Brian loved his family. He leaves his beloved wife of 57 years, Mary; his son, Kevin S. Hastings and his wife, Michelle, of Holliston; his daughter, Amy L. Hastings of Harwich; and his grandchildren, Campbell, Peyton, Andersen, and Brady Hastings of Holliston. He was predeceased by his parents, Clyve and Thelma Hastings, and his brother, Philip C. Hastings.

A funeral Mass will be held at Holy Trinity Church, 245 Main Street, West Harwich, Massachusetts, on Tuesday, September 1, at 11:30 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Brian’s memory to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute or The Grateful Mug Cafe in Harwich Port, which provides meaningful training and employment opportunities for adults with special needs.http://www.thegratefulmug.com

I’m very sad to hear the news of Brian’s passing. I will miss him very much at all the Special Olympics events. I was fortunate to coach along side Brian for many years. He was an amazing coach and mentor. His love for all the Athletes, especially Amy, of course was always very obvious…on and off the fields and courts. He alway went out of his way to help whenever possible. Often seen volunteering to set up the soccer goals prior to a tournament that he was coaching in or volunteering to keep score at a Basketball game when someone didn’t show up. I’m honored to have learned some from his example. We shared a lot of laughs over the years. I was also very fortunate to be the recipient of his beautifully detailed handmade Christmas ornaments that I will treasure even more now. My thoughts and prayers are with you Amy, Mary and family. So long, Brian, I’ll miss you.

A wonderful man. I’m grateful for having him in my life.