Brian "Pony" Pornelos, 54, of Burlington, VT peacefully went home to be with his father Tuesday morning, October 19th, 2021. Born February 11th, 1967 to Emil Pornelos Jr. and Bertha Pornelos, Brian was the baby of 3 children with a smile that would light up any room he walked into. Growing up a 3-sport athlete, Brian was well known for his incredible athletic abilities. Brian graduated from Burlington High School in 1985. He went on to serve in the Coast Guard, stationed in New London, CT from 1988-1990, the same year he became a father. Upon finishing his service, Brian went home to Burlington to be closer to family and serve the community he loved. Always being a handy guy, Brians proudest project was the restoration of the Ticonderoga steamship at the Shelburne Museum; a project that will serve as a symbol of his talent forever.Brian was best known for all the time and energy he put into coaching young men, helping them become better athletes, and more importantly, better community members. For years, he coached Winooski Youth Football, Winooski Little League, Winooski Babe Ruth, Suburban Baseball, Winooski Middle School Baseball, Winooski High School Baseball, and Winooski High School Football. Brian had a unique ability to connect with people from all walks of life. He was the kind of guy who would give the shirt off his back if it meant he could help someone else in need. His infectious smile and laughter were beloved and he was always willing to lend a helping hand. Brian touched the lives of so many people and his zest for life was truly inspiring. His childlike curiosity and optimism gave him a lifetime of experience full of love and adventure. In his later years, Brians favorite place to spend time was his deer camp, The Gibou. A tight-knit group of friends who were able to create countless memories, made working, hunting, and sharing a never-ending number of laughs and love.Brian is predeceased by his father Emil Pornelos Jr. of Honolulu, HI, a man he loved dearly who served his family in a manner Brian sought to replicate. Brians legacy lives on through the lives of so many. He is survived by his precious mother Bertha Pornelos, loving son Kalani Pornelos, first wife and mother of his son Tracy Garland, ex-wife and biggest advocate and supporter Sandie Benoit, beloved stepdaughters Julia Marchessault, Anna Machessault, Lily Marchessault, his two fur babies Radar and Chloe, sister Lori Pornelos-King and brother Emil Pornelos III, and his loving nieces, nephews and extended family of cousins, aunties, and uncles. Outside of his family, Brian will shine on through the friends and communities he loved so much. He was incredibly fortunate to be loved by so many amazing people.Brians family wishes to extend their gratitude to the staff of Fletcher Allen Hospital, CareOne at Holyoke, and the McClure Miller Respite House; specifically, the care of Kristy and Michelle at CareOne Holyoke, and Debbie Benoit at McClure Miller Respite House. Without the love, support, and communication from these amazing professionals and their colleagues, Brian wouldnt have been able to go home as peacefully as he did.A formal service will be held at 10:30 AM, Saturday, October 23rd, 2021 at Ignite Church, located at 1037 So. Brownell Rd, Williston, VT, followed by coffee and donuts in the church reception room. A follow-up celebration of life ceremony will take place the following day, October 24th, 2021 from 26 PM at the St. Johns Club, 9 Central Ave., Burlington, VT. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Winooski High School Boosters and the McClure Miller Respite House.