Keith Paul Brzozowski

Keith Brzozowski, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania died on September 19, 2021. He was 66 years old. He died doing what he loved best in this world, playing music— busking with his friend on Forbes Avenue in Squirrel Hill.

Keith was a lifelong woodworker, carpenter, instrument maker and natural musician. He made his living as a set carpenter for opera, theater, television and film for the past 40 years. He began his film career in Pittsburgh working on George Romero’s “Creepshow” and ended it on a very high note with “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom.”  He maintained a woodworking studio wherever he was and used his gifts to create an array of amazing objects including: guitars, a violin, a kayak, lathe turned bowls, and even a dogsled, partnering with his wife Christine on many projects.

He was born in Amsterdam, New York, the eldest child of Charlie and Mary Ellen (Cooper) Brzozowski and lived in Syracuse NY for most of his young life graduating from Corcoran High School and Onondaga Community College earning a degree in Set Design and Technical Theater. He worked for many regional theaters and opera companies including Merry-go-round theater in Auburn NY, Syracuse Opera, Syracuse Stage, Santa Fe Opera among many others. He was a proud member of IATSE Local 489.

Keith could play anything by ear and had a true natural ability especially on the guitar which he took everywhere even on his motorbike strapped into the saddle bags, ready to play at any time and in any place with any person or by himself creating his own peace through music.

He is survived by his wife, Christine Dregalla and his two children, Clara Luna, and Eva Luc. He was predeceased by a daughter, Emily, and his parents. He is also survived by three siblings; Carole (Stanley Ayers) of Syracuse, Kenneth (Lisa) of Riparius, NY and New York, NY, and Joseph (Tracey) of Brunswick, Maine, many uncles, aunts, nieces and nephews, cousins and friends who loved having him roll in on his motorcycle full of jokes, lines from plays & movies, lyrics, songs, stories and funny noises. He was a friend to all and loved meeting new people and chatting it up with clerks, baristas, or people on the corner…

A private memorial gathering will be held in the Adirondack Mountains in early October. There will be a Celebration of Keith’s Life in Pittsburgh on November 1, 2021 from 5:30-8:30pm at The Mayernik Center, 498 Camp Horne Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15237498 Camp Horne Road

Pittsburgh, PA 15237oad

Contributions may be made in his memory to Hope Academy of Music and the Arts in Pittsburgh. Follow this link https://cathedralofhope.org/ministries-programs/hope-academy/donate-hope-academy/  to donate to the Scholarship Appeal Campaign. Give at any level to help Hope Academy offer a safe place for a diverse group of young people to grow through music, theater and dance. And while you’re at it: the next time you see a street musician, take a little time to listen, make real contact with them and throw a big bill in the guitar case and say thank you to Keith for his role in opening our minds and our hearts, eyes and ears to the artists.

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