Born September 17, 1974 in Chattanooga, Brian David Holt moved to Tampa when he was three and found a lifelong home in the Tampa Bay area. As a child, he spent endless hours playing outside and triumphing over his sisters in board games (a winning streak that continued beyond adolescence). A natural thrill-seeker, he quickly developed a love of theme park rides, especially roller coasters. Even as an adult, he raced from ride to ride, eager to introduce his nieces and nephews to his favorite drops, loops, and corkscrews.

In addition to his daredevil demeanor, Brian had a keen intellect, which led him to pursue many hobbies. He appreciated strategy in all forms, whether Advanced Dungeons & Dragons, speedrunningSuper Mario Bros,orsolving a Rubik's Cube in under thirty seconds. Although a formidable opponent in chess, Scrabble, pinochle, poker, and any number of board games, he exhibited patience and infectious enthusiasmfor those who wanted to share in his interests. He was fond of working out (especially the cheat day part) and slurpees. He also enjoyed boating, as it allowed him to spend time on the water, where he felt peace and serenity. Raised on MTV in the 80s, he loved music, especially alternative and industrial rock.

A genius with numbers, he began his career as a math teacher at Middleton High School. There, he contributed to Mu Alpha Theta by mentoring and coaching young math enthusiasts. His aptitude with technology inspired him to move to a career in programming, where he ledthe development of financial software for 20 years. However, hecontinued his work with Mu Alpha Theta throughout his lifetime, and he took great joy in helping students pursue their love of mathematics.

Though many pursuits demanded Brian's attention, his greatest priority was his family. He doted on his cats, Moxie and Rocky. The felines were slightly less spoiled than his beloved nieces and nephews, whom he cherished. His most important (and seldom rewarding) job was playing referee to his four passionate, opinionated sisters, all of whom thought they were his favorite. He treasured his grandmother, and he loved his mother.

His giant smile, dry sense of humor, generous spirit, and enormous heart will be missed by so many.

Brian is preceded in death by his grandfather Nicholas Pomponio, his grandmother Francis Holt, and his grandfather Eugene Holt. He is survived by his nonnie Alice Pomponio, his parents Rita and Eugene Holt, his sisters Heidi (Michael), Vanessa (Ahmet), Natalie (Jason), and Lisa (Jaron), his nieces and nephews Dominic, Julia, Gabby, Logan, Ava, Ryan, Claire, Henry and Emily, his aunts and uncles Barbara, Judy, Betty (John), Marian (Chris), Cathy (Roy), Marcia (Scott), Nick (Marian), Mark (Lorie), Carla (Rob).

"In lieu of flowers or if you wish to make a donation in Brian's memory, please direct your generosity toMu Alpha Theta.This organization, and the people and students involved, meant so much to him."