Riley A. Branstrom

Riley Branstrom, self-proclaimed FIRST Robotics nerd and a 2012 graduate of Hightstown High School, regrettably passed away May 6, 2013, at the burgeoning age of 18. Arthur and Mary Branstrom welcomed the fun-loving boy into the world on July 1, 1994, in Rockville, Maryland, and introduced him to an older sister. After moving to East Windsor, New Jersey, they welcomed a second daughter a few years later. Like many Branstroms, Riley felt at home in Michigan and enjoyed summers up north. The young man excelled in graphic design, science, and mathematics, and he had begun to attend University of Rhode Island in pursuit of a degree in marine biology and engineering. Bidding Riley goodbye are his parents; his sisters Rachel, 22, and Hayley, 15; paternal grandmother, Erma Branstrom; maternal grandparents, Judith Gaudette, Mathias and Mary Lu Gaudette; godparents, Robert and Terri Branstrom; numerous other aunts, uncles, and cousins; team Mercury 1089; and many friends who were fortunate enough to know him. Visitation for relatives and friends will be held from 3:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. Friday, May 17, 2013, at the Glackin/Saul Funeral Home, 136 Morrison Avenue, Hightstown, New Jersey. A memorial service will also be held in Gladstone, Michigan, on Tuesday, May 21, followed by burial in Holy Cross Cemetery in Escanaba, Michigan, on Wednesday. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made in Riley's name to either Mid-Atlantic Robotics (via check mailed to Treasurer, Mid-Atlantic Robotics, 154 Old Clinton Road, Flemington, New Jersey 08822) or American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (www.afsp.org).