Brian Carl Lenning

Brian Carl Lenning, beloved husband, cherished father, and loyal friend to many, passed away at home, surrounded by music and loved ones, on Monday evening, May 12, 2025, at the age of 61.

Brian was born on September 13, 1963, in Los Angeles, California.

Brian was a devoted father to his two children, Emma and Danny. He was their fiercest advocate and most passionate cheerleader—always lifting them up, standing beside them, and celebrating them with unwavering love and pride.

Brian’s career included a span of time with Marie Callender's, followed by focus on real estate as a mortgage agent. Work, however, was a means to support what truly mattered to him: his family and his friends and sharing the pastimes he loved with them. Brian’s love of writing showed itself early and was coupled closely with his passion for music. He shared memories of walking around his neighborhood, transistor radio to his ear, being inspired by the likes of Jim Croce to start writing himself. That artistic expression included the stage and film. Brian attended the Lee Strasberg Theater and Film Institute, honing the craft of acting and writing screenplays. Ultimately, music was the essential rhythm of his daily life. With an artistic soul, Brian never simply listened—he experienced music deeply, reading every lyric in the linter notes of an album to understand each word the artist chose to share. He brought in those he loved discussing memories and newly discovered items, sending special albums to friends, making sure his daughter had all the essential artists in her growing music collection, and offering film recommendations to others with a money back guarantee if they were not as delighted with the film as he was.

Brian met his wife through their local Rotary Club. From the start, they were instant friends. They quickly discovered a shared love of music, film, and football—even if their teams, the Buffalo Bills and Miami Dolphins, were rivals. When those teams faced off, they lovingly (and somewhat competitively) dubbed it the Miraflores Bowl. Theirs was a second marriage for each, and they often marveled at how much had to align for their paths to cross.

Brian was preceded in death by his parents, John Junior Lenning and Patrica Ann Mullin. He is survived by his children, Danny Lenning and Emma Lenning; his wife and partner in love and life, Abigail Lenning; his siblings Terri Davis, John Lenning, Mark Lenning, and Kristen Sodano; and his extended family, including his stepdaughters, Sarah Beronich and Rachel Beronich, and his former wife, Karen Lenning.

Brian had a gift for weaving connections—he made sure that love and friendships flowed between all of us in his circle, building a family that defied boundaries and held each other with kindness.

A Celebration of Brian’s life will be held on Saturday, June 28th from 1 – 5 pm at Abbie and Brian’s home, 1033 Miraflores Drive in Corona. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Cypress Home at Peppermint Ridge. This is where Brian’s son, Danny, resides. Donations may be made online at www.PeppermintRidge.org. In the “Notes” section online, please note that your gift is in memory of Brian Lenning for Cypress House Fund.

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