Brian S. Dillistin
LANCASTER—Brian Stevens Dillistin, 78, of Lancaster passed away peacefully in his home on September 17, 2025, surrounded by his devoted family.
Brian was born April 10, 1947, in Bridgeport, Connecticut, the second son of Howard and Barbara (Stevens) Dillistin. Brian graduated from William Flemming High School in Roanoke in 1965. He was drafted by the U.S. Navy in 1966 and completed boot camp with his elder brother, David. Brian was assigned to Coronado, California, and served on the USS Ranger until 1970 when he transferred to the Naval Reserve Manpower Center. He was Honorably Discharged in 1972.
Brian began an accomplished career in floor covering in 1970. Brian’s business ownership was a strong presence in Richmond with Capitol Floors & Decorating, America’s Carpet Gallery, West Broad Carpet Outlet, Stone Mountain Carpet Mill Outlet and The Floor Trader. During Brian’s 45 years in floor covering, he advocated for small business owners, supported local chambers of commerce, served on advisory boards and was affiliated with Richmond’s Home Building Association for many years. Brian was always willing to give someone a helping hand, to mentor them in the workplace and share his life lessons. After selling his business in 2016, Brian retired to his longtime, second home in Lancaster.
While Brian’s business acumen was known by many as he drove a “hard bargain,” he also lived with a benevolent heart and promoted positive change through his many contributions and interests. His philanthropy has benefited countless local and national organizations. Brian was passionate about giving back to U.S. veterans and first responders. He proudly supported young people in sports, the YMCA and The Boys & Girls Club of the Northern Neck. He supported organizations such as Friends of the Rappahannock and The Chesapeake Bay Foundation, both as a Legacy Donor. One of Brian’s greatest passions was for the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries.
Brian’s conservation efforts surpassed monetary donations and were demonstrated through his actions. He created a wildlife preserve in Lancaster and focused on the longevity of land and water with the help of organizations such as the Virginia Outdoors Foundation, the Northern Neck Land Conservancy and the Coastal Conservation Association. Additionally, Brian supported the Tidewater Oyster Gardeners Association and enjoyed cultivating his own crop, contributing to clean river water.
In addition to a lifetime of working hard and supporting good causes, Brian enjoyed playing hard. Throughout his life, he had many adventures from traveling locally and abroad, scuba diving, running marathons, snow skiing, golfing and throwing the perfect frisbee shot. He loved to captain his boat and be a part of memorable fishing experiences. His greatest adorations were hunting, fishing and preserving land and waterways of Virginia.
Brian is preceded in death by his parents; and brother, David Dillistin.
He is survived by his sister, Robin D. Freedlander of Lancaster; nephews, Kevin Dillistin (Leigh Anne) of Louisburg, N.C. and Brandon Dillistin (Laurel) of Lancaster; nieces, Amy Harvey (Derrick) of Mechanicsville and Sarah Califano of New Kent; great nephews and nieces, Emily and Pearson Harvey, Kylee Califano, Weston and Bowen Dillistin and Braydon Dillistin; as well as extended family and many friends.
The family asks that you remember Brian by making a donation to one of his favorite charities. Following a private family interment, a public celebration of life for Brian will be announced at a later date.
