Brian J. Bigalke, age 66 of Jersey City, New Jersey, died early Monday morning, July 15, 2024, at his sister's home in Manistee.

He was born on August 4, 1957, in Manistee, Michigan, the son of Robert and Lois (Vallee) Bigalke. He was a graduate of Manistee Catholic Central, Class of 1976 and of Michigan State University, Class of 1979.

After college he moved to Washington D.C. for a few years and then to New York City, which he called home for the remainder of his life. He worked for several non-profit organizations as a head conference planner and was able to travel the world, from the Great Wall of China to Istanbul, Turkey, and every where in between. He made friends in all of these places and even lived in Italy for 3 years before finally becoming an actor. He was a proud member of the Screen Actors Guild and has been a supporting and background cast member in numerous TV shows, films, and feature films. Most notable - 10 years on the cast of Blue Bloods, which he considered all involved to be family. Family and friends enjoyed spotting him in scenes of such films as: The Wolf of Wall Street, The Greatest Showman, Sully, Spiderman 2, and The Intern to name a few. He worked on Blue Bloods until this spring when his prostate cancer was not allowing him to anymore. His actor friends in New York are truly family to him.

Brian was also the set designer for the original "Real World" on MTV. His artistic gifts were displayed in his garden design and party planning.

He will forever be remembered for his personal style – from his designer glasses, impeccable wardrobe, and when he finally had to use it – his unique cane. He lived his life to the fullest and fought until the end. The last year of his life, he spent working, designing, visiting with family and friends, and doing things in NYC that he had always wanted to do.

Brian is survived by his mother, Lois Bigalke of Manistee, MI; his four brothers and one sister and their spouses: David (Janet) Bigalke of Brighton, MI, Harry (Bonnie) Bigalke, Joe (Jan) Bigalke, Steve (Gretchen) Bigalke and Laurie Blevins (Eric Gustad), all of Manistee, MI. Numerous nieces and nephews also survive him.

He was preceded in death by his father, Robert Bigalke.

The family would like to thank his numerous doctors at New York Presbyterian Hospital for their excellent and diligent care of our son and brother.

A visitation for Brian will be held on Saturday July 27, 2024 from 10:00 AM until 12:00 PM at Oak Grove Funeral Home in Manistee.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to New York-Presbyterian Fund, Inc. for their continued lifesaving research and education. New York-Presbyterian, Office of Development, 525 E 68th St, Box 123, New York, NY 10065.

Please visit Brian's page of memories at www.oakgrovefh.com to share a photo, memory, or condolences. Oak Grove Funeral Home in Manistee is honored to assist the family during this difficult time.