Obituary of Brandon Michael Russo

Our thoughts and prayers are with you

Our hearts are broken. We were lucky to know Brandon from his work at SONO coaching our son. Brandon was a loving person who will be deeply missed.

So sorry to hear of the sudden passing of Brandon. My heart goes out to the Russo family.

Dear Peter, Holly and Rebecca,

Our deepest condolences for the loss of your beloved Brandon. Eternal be his memory and may God be with you.

With love and respect, Mary, Peter and Andy Michailidis

Peter, Holly and Rebecca

I am truly sorry for your loss and extend my deepest sympathies to you all. It was an honor to know Brandon. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Sincerely,
Michael Paliotta

Peter, Holly and Rebecca,
Our hearts are broken over your loss. May the wonderful memories help sustain you. Please know that we are thinking of you all.
Mary and Craig Platt

I knew Brandon as his teacher and his coach and his friend. He was a wonderful young man, full of enthusiasm, energy, compassion, and love. He always put a smile on my face. My thoughts are with his family.

Our sincerest condolensces to Brandon's family and friends from Sean and Rob. Brandon was a terrific coach to my son. He always had a great way about him and put so much into the kids and their development. My son always came off the ice charged up from Brandon's lessons. He was selfless with others and a really funny and nice guy.

Brandon gave my 16yr old son private hockey lessons. My son loved him and spoke so highly of Brandon. Brandon had a real talent with the kids , he elevated my sons play, pressed him in practices but did so in a way keeping it light and fun.

Rest in Peace. Your were truly a friend to all and a kind and peaceful spirit.

Dear Peter, Holly, and Rebecca, I am heartbroken for your loss. Brandon was full of sunshine, and his warmth and light were beloved by all those who met him. He will be deeply missed. Sending my love.
Maide

Russo Family,

We are so sorry for your loss. I met Brandon several years ago when he started coaching my son's mini-mites program at SONO. He was a dynamic coach that truly enjoyed sharing his love of the game with the next generation of players. He will be greatly missed.

-The Greifzu Family

Dear Peter, Holly and Rebecca,
We are truly sorry for your loss. The love and joy Brandon brought to everyone will never be forgotten. Our hearts break for your family during this difficult time. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Wishing you peace, Kevin, Carolyn, Christopher and Ashley Holt

My deepest sympathy to the Russo family

Russo Family

We are very heartbroken on the loss Brandon. There are no words to say for the pain of losing a child. He was always a happy and fun coach- my kids loved him and he will be deeply missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Sending our love,

The Mallozzi Family

Holly, Peter and Rebecca: What a tragic loss. No words can soothe the pain you are all feeling right now. My deepest sympathies.

Peter, Holly and Rebecca,
Words can’t express how sorry we are to hear about Brandon!! He was a huge part of our family! He taught Joshua so much about hockey! He had such patience!! He was our first billet son and will always be our favorite!! Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this extremely hard time! We’re here if you need anything!!!
Phamilyforever!!
The Emery’s

Peter, Holly and Rebecca, we send our love and warmest thoughts to you all from here in Cole Harbour, Nova Scotia. We are saddened by Brandon's sudden passing and by the sorrow you undoubtedly are experiencing. He was a wonderful young man. Alexis will see you all Wednesday on our behalf and if I could get there to support you I would as well. Love you guys. Brad and the Crossley Family

Dear Russo Family,
I am so so sorry for this loss. Teachers aren't supposed to have favorite students or families, but it's impossible not to. Brandon was in my fourth grade class and was a joy to teach: serious (usually), dedicated (always) and eager to learn, he made our class a great place to work. I knew that his hockey and baseball were what really drove him, but he still put so much energy into school. I remember going to one of his baseball games and seeing that tenacity that I came to realize was part of the Russo profile. At the end of the school year, he gave me his baseball card. I still have it. I am praying for your family, for strength, and eventually the ability to abide with the good memories.
Much love from the old teacher.

Brandon was not only a great coach, but he was also an amazing person. Every time I saw him, whether he was on or off the ice, he always had a smile on his face and a good attitude. He had a passion for the game and loved to share it with others, including myself. He was not just my favorite coach, but he was also my friend. He was such a genuine guy and he was so easy to talk to. Even in the worst of times, just being around him put a smile on my face. I'm so thankful for all the memories I had with him, and I owe much of the progress I've made in hockey over the past few years to him. So thank you, Brandon, for all the great times we had together. I'll never forget you and the joy you brought into my life.

We were deeply saddened to hear of Brandon's passing. He was a great mentor and coach to Seb over the last three years. Seb had so much respect for Brandon and would always ask for lessons with him when he needed to work on something, no one else would do! Brandon always went out of his way to fit us in and met us with a ready smile. His enthusiasm and love of hockey was so apparent.
We will truly miss him and cherish our memories of him.
We send our heartfelt condolences to you all at this time.
Gone too soon...

Peter, Holly and Rebecca,
There aren't enough words to express how sorry we are for your loss. Please know that our heartfelt prayers and love are with you.

Bob, Barb and Jamie Smith

So sorry for your loss.

Peter, Holly & Rebecca,

We are so sorry to hear about your loss. Our condolences & Our Prayers are with you all.

Sincerely,
Karen and Bill Tavernise

Brandon lived life to the fullest in everything he pursued. I loved him dearly and will miss him terribly. Brandon, I'll carry you with me forever. Peter, Holly, and Becca, my prayers and utmost love are with you always.

Peter, Holly and Rebecca
Words cannot express how deeply saddened we are at Brandon's untimely passing. Mike, Ava and I are so deeply sorry for your loss. We hope the memories and love you all shared during the time you had will bring you so much comfort in the days ahead. Sending love to all of you.

I am so sorry for the loss to your family. My prayers are with Brandon and that you find some measure of peace and continue on as the kind and caring people that your are. Amen

Peter, Holly, & Rebecca,

We are deeply saddened by the passing of your beloved son, Brandon. He was a kind, caring and compassionate individual who always went out of his way for others. He will be greatly missed. Sending our love and prayers to you all during this difficult time. Whatever you're feeling, please know you're not alone. We're here to support you in any way we can in the weeks and months to come.

Love,

The Drake's (Kim, Paula, Don & Chase).

I will always remember our Thanksgiving Day Parade shenanigans, dinner, Yankee games and singing 24K Magic (girls style) in the back seat of the car while Mr. Russo and Brandon dealt with us girls (Rebecca, Courtney, Mrs. Russo and myself). They were real troopers keeping everyone in line :)

Peter Holly and Rebecca my heart and prayers go out to you. I will always cherish the memories we had together may God bless him and watch over him

Holly, Pete & Rebecca-
you are on our minds in our hearts and in our prayers. With deep condolences love Robbie & Angel

Brandon gave the best hugs, had the brightest smile and the biggest heart. The Sjodin family is devastated by the loss of our "5th son". Our hearts go out to everyone who was touched but this amazing young man. All our love to Peter, Holly and Becca.

Jeff and I are heartbroken to hear of Brandon's passing. Sending our love to all of you.

Sending hugs, thoughts and prayers to the family at this difficult time.

Peter, Holly & Rebecca, Sending warmth, love and prayers your way. I did not know Brandon, but I do know how very proud Joe was of him and how close they were. Joe's eye lit up whenever he spoke of him. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

We are heartbroken to learn of your loss. Brandon's huge heart, magnetic personality, and competitive spirit left an indelible mark on our family.

Peter, Holly & Rebecca,
While there may not be any perfect words, I hope that your loving and fun filled memories help each of you with the healing process. Brandon's name should bring smiles to your faces each time you think of him. The Durocher family sends along thoughts and prayers.
Love to each of you.
Coach D. & Family

I am so sorry for your loss, Brandon was a great friend and teammate. Thoughts and prayers are with you during this time.

I would like to offer you and your family my deepest and most sincere condolences.

Thank you, Brandon, for leaving us with an abundance of wonderful memories to live with and share. You are with us now and always.

May God Bless this family and accept our prayers and condolence.

My sincerest condolences to the Russo family. Brandon was an amazing character that lit up every room he walked into. My best memories from Salisbury were all with him and the rest of our Langdon gang. His energy was infectious and I'll never forget the way he used to jump into our celebrations after scoring a big goal! Rest in peace, brother!

So deeply sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you in this difficult time.

Dear Russo Family,
I'm so very sorry for the loss of your beautiful son, Brandon. I can't imagine a deeper pain. You all are in my thoughts and prayers.
With Love,
The Hindle Family

Peter, Holly and Rebecca,
We will miss Brandon terribly - his smile, his energy, and his positive spirit. We are keeping all of you close in our hearts and in our prayers.
With love and sympathy,
Scott, Julie, Stephen, Ryan and Olivia Seymour

The Avery family is thinking of you now and always. We send all the best and will always be here whenever you need us. We love you, Russo family.

Brandon,
I only just met you last year. In the short time I knew you, I learned quickly you were hard working, energetic, caring, kind and competitive. I am honored that I had the privilege to work with you and thankful I got to meet you.
I often mistakenly called you "Brayden" because that is my son's name and not far off from yours. We joked about it quite often in coaching sessions. I will cherish that time for sure.

To Brandon's family, friends, and loved ones my heart goes out to you all. It's obvious that Brandon was special. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time. May your hearts and minds be filled with all the wonderful memories you shared with Brandon.

Love to you all,
Angelina Weeks

As a young hockey player I always looked up to Brandon and the way he carried himself on and off the ice. I followed his foot steps to Salisbury school, which changed my life. If it wasn't for Brandon and the Russo family I don't know where I would be today. Thank you so much from the bottom of my heart for the impact you had on my life.

So sorry for your loss. I will never forget the compassion and kindness Brandon showed me the second I walked on campus as a young hockey hopeful here on the hilltop. He had no reason to go out of his way to talk to a little 4th former like me but that was just the person he was. His energy, enthusiasm, and dedication was contagious. Brandon will always be the perfect example of what a good Captain and even better person strives to be.

Rest easy buddy, loyalty and honor.

Very sad day to lose a great young man like this. He was my captain on all the CY teams and proved to be be a great leader and one of my favorite kids. Always smiled when he saw Uncle Dicky.
My brother in law passed this week so it's been brutal thinking of both of you and not being able to help. You leave great memories and will never forget you in the way back of dads SUV and yell out on the power play what do we do here and I went to answer and you said not you uncle Dickey the real coach Kenno. You dad drove off the road we laughed so hard.
You will be missed but never forgotten.

Dear Pete, Holly and Rebecca,

The news of Brandon's passing has left us shocked and saddened and we want you to know we are grieving his loss. Brandon was not only a wonderfully gifted hockey player but a genuinely kind young man who went out of his way after every game/practice to say hello and ask about our entire family (with sincere interest). We remember watching him grow up and all the fun we used to have on the road together. We miss those days, but feel blessed to have the beautiful memories. We are so incredibly sorry for your loss. Brandon was taken much too soon. Please know our love and thoughts are with you today and always.

Trish and Mike Paliotta

Peter, Holly, and Rebecca,

Michelle and I were devastated and heartbroken after we learned of Brandon’s passing. We are so sorry for your loss.

We really enjoyed getting to know Brandon when he coached Thomas 2 seasons ago. Brandon played a huge role in making that season enjoyable for Thomas!

We noticed early on that Brandon truly cared about developing his players. Brandon had a palpable passion for the game and tried to instill what he learned into the kids who played for him.

Brandon shared many stories about his wonderful hockey career with me and I vividly remember the smile on his face when he talked about winning Nationals.

Our boys were also saddened to learn of Brandon’s passing. Matthew recently participated in a group private with Brandon and told us afterwards that Coach Brandon ”made us work hard but I had a lot of fun”.

In short, Brandon was a tremendous young man and we will miss him dearly. Stay strong and always remember that Brandon made a difference in lives of others!

With sympathy and condolences,
Christian, Michelle, Thomas and Matthew Matzelle

Dear Peter, Holly, and Rebecca, We are so very sorry for the loss of Brandon, he was truly special. We had the honor of knowing Brandon from sixth grade on as you blessed us with him at Fairfield Country Day. Yes, Brandon was a great athlete; however, Brandon was a phenomenal young man. Working with Brandon in class, in the String Orchestra where he held his own on the violin among several talented violinists at that time, and when Brandon joined the Concert Choir during his ninth grade year; all of these days were a treasure to us. Brandon loved his classmates in every sense. He led by example to all of the boys, old and young. He was truly a brother to all of our students and we loved having Brandon with us for those special years. Brandon was a tremendous assistant to Mr. Paige as he organized each ensemble to enter for their part in the Holiday Concert each year. And approximately five years ago, Brandon returned to join his schoolmates in the singing of Betelehemu and the Carols at that Holiday Concert. His smile and joy lifted our spirits every time that we saw him. We were able to watch the beautiful service today, we loved the music, and we cried with all of you as we can only imagine that God needs Brandon for greater moments now in Heaven. Holly, we remember fondly our time with you and the boys in the String Orchestra as they played for Kevin and Dana Landesman's wedding. Such an honor and they played beautifully! Spending the time having pizza with the boys and you, after the wedding, is a shining memory of Brandon, you and all that your family gave to us at Fairfield Country Day. We will always remember Brandon scoring with our Varsity Hockey Team, Mr. McGrath and Mrs. Pearce, at Avon Old Farms when our young men beat the Avon Futures Team. We also remember watching Brandon and Quinn in the National Finals during their ninth grade year. Goodness, Brandon was and is goodness. Thank you for sharing him with us and someday soon, when we are together again and all are safe, hugs will abound. Know that you are in our prayers and you will continue to be as will Brandon Michael Russo. God's Blessings on your family.
Mary Nelson and Jim Balmer

Brandon was such a bright light at Salisbury! His charisma and good humor brought joy to countless friends. His passion for competition fueled others to aim high and achieve. His legacy at Salisbury will serve to inspire other boys who walk The Hilltop.

Our son, Rusty, was just four when Brandon graduated, but he knew to run into Brandon's embrace in the rink or the dining hall upon his sighting. I can only imagine the love that Brandon shared with his players during his coaching career. He was a giver!

There is a statue of a Knight looking over the hockey rink at Salisbury, a gift of the Russo family. I now know that one of our greatest Knights will forever be manning his post and looking down on generations of boys to come, playing a game that teaches so many life skills and brings such excitement to faces young and old.

Dear Peter, Holly and Rebecca,

We are heartbroken over the news of Brandon’s sudden and tragic passing. Please accept our deepest condolences to you and your family.

Every time we saw Brandon in the neighborhood, he was always smiling, friendly and positive. His zest for life was infectious and I know that he brought so much joy to the family because of his extraordinary spirit and heart. May all the beautiful memories sustain and bring comfort to you during this difficult time. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Sincerely,

Steve, Julie, Evan, Dylan and Kristen

Very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. May he rest in peace. --Shoykhet Family

Dear Holly and Family,
I was terribly saddened by the loss of your son, Brandon.

In my life, I can't even fathom the pain you are going through. We never expect that our children would enter eternal life before we do. Know that he is wrapped in the arms of our loving God and protector.

Please know that although I have only met Holly a couple of times, and never knew any of your family, Holly is truly a wonderful and caring Mom. Her smile and charisma make all that meet her feel welcome.

May your entire family grow stronger and more loving. I pray for your family and you will find comfort knowing Brandon has been reunited with his Grandparents and those who have gone before him.


My sincerest deepest sympathy to your entire family.

I had the opportunity to work with Brandon for a few years. He had a quick wit and a great sense of humor. He always put a smile on my face. Boy did he enjoy a homemade meatball!! Thanks for sharing him with us. He made the world a better place.

Dear Holly, Peter and Rebecca,
Mere words cannot express the sadness and school I feel o the loss of your beloved Brandon. He was truly an exceptional young man. My thought and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Please be comforted in knowing he was loved and try to remember the good times shared with him.

My deepest condolences;

Betty Corraro

Dear Holly, Peter and Rebecca,
We are deeply saddened to hear about Brandon. Brandon was an amazing young man and I will cherish all the memories we shared on and off the ice. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.

Our deepest condolences;

The Peltz Family

Peter, Holly and Rebecca, words can't express how sorry we are for your loss. Love, the Edson Family

Dear Peter and Family,

We are extremely saddened by the passing of Brandon. We will be forever grateful for the time Brandon spent working and instructing our son Justin on and off the ice. God bless you and your family and give you strength.
Peter, Kim, Justin and Lauren DeLucia

Dear Peter, Holly and Rebecca,
We were so saddened to hear about Brandon. Our hearts are broken. Please know we are praying for your strength and sending love your way.
The Downing Family

Brandon I will miss you bother! Ned Corkery Salisbury school class of 2004. Brandon one of great guys ever!

Hello Holly, Peter & Rebecca,
I hope this short note finds you well and remembering all of those wonderful memories of Brandon. The entire hockey family here at BU and throughout this great game we love is thinking about the three of you on this anniversary day. GOD BLESS !!
Brian Durocher & Family