Brian J. Almquist

SALEM - Mr. Brian Jay Almquist, 68 of Salem, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Monday, November 17th, 2025.

Born in Manchester, New Hampshire, he was the son of the late Donald B. and Sandra J. (Adams) Almquist. He was raised and educated in and attended Hamilton-Wenham public schools.

An honorably discharged veteran Brian enlisted in the United States Army right out of high school. He served his country during the Vietnam War starting at Fort Dix, NJ, Fort Polk, Fort Lewis, making his way to Europe to service at Mannheim, Germany and finally to Guam. He received several medals and commendations including National Defense Service Medal and Expert M16 Sharpshooter for his brave service to his country.

Returning home from the service, Brian held a variety of jobs, he loved to tinker so there was very little he couldn’t repair, fix or build from scratch. He worked for several car dealerships as a mechanic. He later returned to what he knew best and that was the skating rink. Whether it was coaching, sharpening skates or driving the Zamboni, he dedicated his career to working as an ice rink technician, where he honed his skills and contributed to the joy of countless skaters and hockey players.

Getting on the ice as a young child, Brian developed his skating skills that he continued throughout his adulthood. He played defense for several leagues throughout the Northshore. His greatest joy came from teaching his children to skate and coaching in several youth leagues. He coached his sons and many of their friends in the Salem/Swampscott Youth Hockey and Salem Youth Lacrosse. Coach Almquist was also instrumental in coaching with the Salem High School hockey and lacrosse teams for several years instilling the importance of practice, determination and teamwork and most of all respect for each other. It is not difficult to say that Brian was an influential and supportive role model to many young athletes over the years. He will be remembered for his warm spirit, kind heart and deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Surviving Brian are his children, Kristen Almquist-Cevallos of Essex, Corey Almquist and Kyle Almquist, and his former wife Sally Raymond all of Salem, his granddaughter, Chloe Cevallos of Essex, his siblings, Lisa Lawrence and her husband, Raymond, Karl Almquist and his wife, Jennifer and Erik Almquist all of Florida. He was also the brother of the late Glen Almquist.

ARRANGEMENTS: Relatives and friends are invited to visiting hours at O’Donnell Cremations – Funerals – Celebrations, 84 Washington Sq., (at Salem Common) SALEM on Sunday, December 7th, 2025 from 1 to 4 PM.  A celebration of life will be announced at a later date. Expressions of sympathy may be made in Brian’s memory to Timmy’s Angels, 14 Preston Rd., Salem, MA 01970 or Venmo @timmysangels, Sue Byrne or to Salem Youth Lacrosse. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit www.odonnellfuneralservice.com.