Brian J. Payne, 81, of Little Neck, NY, passed away on Wednesday, February 14, 2024, at Ozanam Nursing Facility in Bayside, Queens.

Born and raised in Woodside, Queens, Brian graduated St. Sebastian’s Catholic School and then Brooklyn Preparatory High School, Class of 1960. Brian then attended Fordham University for both an undergraduate degree in Mathematics and a Masters Degree in Education. Brian started his career as a Catholic High School teacher at Chaminade High School in Mineola, New York in the 1960s where he taught Mathematics before teaching for more than three decades at Cathedral Preparatory Seminary in Elmhurst, Queens, where he taught Mathematics, Advanced Placement English, Physics, and Chemistry.

Brian was a student athlete and then conference winning coach of Cathedral Prep’s Varsity basketball team, as well as many other CYO baseball and basketball teams. He was an umpire for CHSAA baseball and umpired championship and All Star games in both Yankee Stadium and Shea Stadium. New York sports were always important to him.

Brian was also an accomplished actor and theater director. Starting with college acting in Twelve Angry Men, he went on to become the Drama Director at Cathedral Prep, where he directed both plays and musicals for the school, and then became an integral part of the Theatre Box Community Theater group in Floral Park, NY, where he served as President. At Theatre Box, he acted as Scrooge in A Christmas Carol and he directed, produced, and volunteered his time for dozens of other plays and musicals, including such productions as Noises Off, Our Town, and My Fair Lady.

Brian was an active parishioner at St. Anastasia’s Church in Douglaston, Queens, where he served as a Eucharistic Minister, as the coordinator of the Altar Servers, and as a church usher for many years.

Predeceased by his mother, Kathryn Payne, his fathers, Peter Payne and Patrick Payne, and his brother, Roger; Brian is survived by his wife of 57 years, Jeanne Payne; his children Adam Payne and Amy Ricci and their spouses Laurie Payne and Lawrence Ricci, and his grandchildren, Evan and Liam Payne and Kaylin and Nate Ricci.

In lieu of flowers, those who wish to express sympathy may wish to consider making a donation in Brian’s name to the charity of their choosing.