Brian James Lenz

Brian was born in New York City to parents William Lenz from Germany and Della Lyons from Ireland.

He grew up on Long Island, NY, with his brother William Jr. and sisters Anita and Rosemary. Brian attended John Jay University in New York, NY, and then served in the U.S.Navy. Brian met the love of his life, Cherie Baron, in a little Long Island town of Bayville. He retired from the New York Police Department and after living in New York they moved to Fort Myers, Florida, where they raised their 3 daughters. Brian was a respected and well-known business owner in Cape Coral, Florida for 26 years and after selling their business they moved to Sylva, NC. 

He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years Cherie Lenz. 
Three daughters; Kellie Held (Mark), Donna Robertson (Noel), Colleen Muench (Kyle)
5 Grandchildren; Austin Robertson (Jessica), Preston Robertson, Blake Robertson, Kylee Muench and Lillie Marks
2 Great Grandchildren; Nathaniel Robertson and Ashtyn Robertson
His sisters; Anita Badalian and Rosemary Stuber
Many nieces and nephews and his closest friends, as they called themselves, the Crazy 8's, Ron and Marie Mann, Bobby and Roseanne Alvino, Rainer and Rosemary Drugula and many other dear friends. 

Brian has always had a passion for cooking and being outdoors. He loved being on the water and he loved these mountains but he loved his family the most.  He taught us to love like no other, to fear no one but to respect everyone, understand the importance of commitment, hard work, and dedication and to have fun while living life. He touched so many lives, he made us laugh everyday and his famous quote "Strong like Bull ", was true, and he was, until the very end.

A Memorial Mass will be held 3:00 PM Friday October 6, 2023 in the Chapel of Appalachian Funeral Services.