Ryan Michael Brody

Ryan Michael Brody, age 28, of Culver City, CA, formerly of Mt. Lebanon, PA, passed away after a sudden cardiac event on April 12, 2025.  

Ryan was born October 20, 1996, in Pittsburgh to Michael and Debra Kolesar Brody, who survive. His parents instilled in Ryan a passion for learning, a deep interest in connecting with and helping others, a love of Pittsburgh sports, and an infectious sense of humor.  

He is also survived by his brother, Zachary Brody, of Mt. Lebanon; aunts and uncles, Susie Medved, Paul and Kathleen Brody, Mary Ann Brody and Nancy Ramsay, Thomas Brody, Patricia and Robert Scott, Kathryn and Robert Haines, Marybeth Kolesar, Terri and Anthony Rigano, Judy Kolesar, and Donna and Joseph Chambers; and cousins Sarah Kolesar, Lea and Brian Campbell, Rebecca and Michael Mossing (Ella), Hannah Ramsay, Sean and Melissa Brody, and Michaela and Adam Zalko (Archer, Summer). 

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, William and Carolyn Brody, formerly of Mt. Lebanon, and Albert and Caroline Kolesar, formerly of Industry, PA. 

Ryan attended Lincoln Elementary School, Jefferson Middle School, and Mt. Lebanon High School (class of 2014), where he excelled academically and played baseball and ultimate frisbee. He was active in Boy Scouts and attained the rank of Eagle Scout. 

In 2024, Ryan earned his Ph.D. in electrical power systems engineering from the University of Pittsburgh, where he also earned master’s and bachelor’s degrees in electrical engineering. As a graduate student, Ryan served as a teaching assistant and lecturer in electromagnetics, supported multiple research projects, and completed internships and co-ops with Eaton, Nikola Motor Company, Curtiss-Wright EMD, and Wolfspeed.  

Ryan had written on his LinkedIn profile that he sought “a career where I can use my knowledge and skills to help address large-scale societal issues … I am primarily motivated by the destructive nature of climate change and want to work toward sustainability in the energy and transportation sectors.”  

In April 2024, acting on his convictions and pursuing his dream career, Ryan moved to California. He joined Auriga Space in Garden Grove, CA, as an electromagnetic design engineer, using his expertise to revolutionize sustainable satellite launching systems.  

Away from work, Ryan had an interest in music and played multiple instruments. He also enjoyed a wide array of outdoor activities, including frisbee golf, snowboarding, surfing, hiking, beach volleyball, and pickleball.  

While Ryan’s studies and preparation for his career took him to various parts of the country, including Phoenix, AZ, and Durham, NC, before his move to California, he maintained strong connections to his lifelong friends from Mt. Lebanon.  

His friends and family share many stories of his unfailing loyalty, his intelligence, his love of lengthy late-night debates, his generosity with his time and knowledge, his dedication to helping others succeed, and his sharp wit.  

They also speak of Ryan’s tireless ingenuity, which led him to devise everything from creative light displays to a homemade flamethrower to a minimalist footwear option he dubbed “shoe-flops.” 

Recounting his life with his brother, Zach remembers a relationship defined by occasional sibling rivalries and countless instances of having each other’s back. He also treasures memories of his time with Ryan throwing baseball or shooting basketball in the backyard, sharing tents during Boy Scout outings, and attending Steelers games with their father. In addition, he recalls Ryan’s devotion to the family pets, dogs Bob and Lucy, and Earl the rabbit.

Friends recieved on Friday, April 25, from 2-4pm and 6-8pm at Laughlin Cremation and Funeral Tributes, 222 Washington Road Pittsburgh, PA 15216. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, April 26 at 10am in Saint Bernard Church, St. Michael the Archangel Parish, 311 Washington Rd, Pittsburgh, PA 15216. Interment to follow in Queen of Heaven Cemetery 

In place of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to The Trevor Project or the Greater Pittsburgh Community Foodbank. 

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