Brian Reginald “B.O.” Ovitt, 84, of Sheffield, passed away on Friday, February 6, 2026, at East Mountain Hospice House in Lakeville, Conn., surrounded by his loving family.
Brian was born in Sharon, Conn., on May 5, 1941, the son of Ronald and Edna (King) Ovitt Mansir and step-son to Edwin Mansir. At an early age, he worked at Freund’s Farm, Nelco Metals, Pfizer, Custom Extrusions, and as a painter at Gilligan Brothers. He later went on to establish his own successful painting contracting business.
For 59 years, Brian proudly served as a member of the Sheffield Volunteer Fire Department. He was proud to be recognized as the longest serving member of the department. He was known for his dedication to his community and his steady presence throughout decades of service.
Brian enjoyed many hobbies throughout his life, including hunting and skeet shooting, bowling leagues at The Cove, snowmobiling, gardening, playing cards, and coaching Little League. He enjoyed raising golden retrievers with his wife Alice. He also loved traveling, especially vacations to Maine and road trips to Saratoga, where he enjoyed watching and wagering on the horses. A loyal Red Sox fan, Brian’s greatest joy was spending time with his family. He was also rarely without his favorite sidekick, Shelby, his beloved pup.
Brian is survived by his wife of 64 years, Alice (Ward) Ovitt of Sheffield; his daughter Felecie Joyce and her husband Kevin of Sheffield; and his sons, Michael Ovitt and his wife Lisa of Sheffield and Travis Ovitt and his wife Jayme of Niskayuna, N.Y. He is also survived by his brothers, Robert Ovitt of Southfield and Garry Ovitt of Sheffield; his sister Eleanor Heineman of Wethersfield, Conn.; five grandchildren, Kendra Ball (Roger), Alexis Ovitt, Jonathan Ovitt (Caitlyn), Sydney Ovitt, and Whitney Ovitt; and four great-grandchildren, Riley Ball, Roger Ball, Matthew Ball, and Amelia Ovitt. Brian also leaves numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Brian was predeceased by his six brothers, Ronald, Roger, Raymond, Carlton, Wayne, and Jerry Ovitt; his sister Joy Ovitt; and his grandson Ryan Joyce.
A funeral service for Brian “B.O.” Ovitt will be held on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at 11 a.m. at the Birches-Roy Funeral Home, 33 South Street, Great Barrington, MA, with Pastor Regina King officiating. Family and friends are also invited to calling hours on Friday, February 20, 2026, from 4 to 7 p.m., at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy in Brian’s memory may be made to either Sheffield Volunteer Hose Co. #1 or East Mountain Hospice House. Donations for either organization may also be mailed in care of the funeral home. Condolences and additional service information may be shared on the funeral home’s website. The family of Brian Ovitt would like to thank all of Brian’s caregivers, the staff at Fairview Hospital and the staff at the East Mountain Hospice House for the wonderful care that they provided.
