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BORN
1996
DIED
2019
FUNERAL HOME
Bryan Heffernan Obituary
of Groton
With deepest sorrow, we announce the passing of our beloved son, Bryan Peter Heffernan, age 22, of Groton, Massachusetts, on March 15, 2019. Bryan fought a long hard battle against DSRCT, a rare and aggressive form of Sarcoma cancer, with grace, dignity and determination for two years. He was born on October 14, 1996 in Lowell, the son of John and Christine (Natsios) Heffernan.
Bryan attended Groton Public schools and graduated from Groton Dunstable Regional High School in 2015, where he was an honor student and a member of the ski team. He was most recently enrolled at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, majoring in computer science.
Bryan had a thirst for knowledge and a unique group of interests which included math, science, computer science, downhill skiing, snowmobiling, art, and composing electronic dance music. Bryan's world revolved around computers. He was self-taught and knew both the hardware and operating systems like he was born with the knowledge. At age 15 he created his first online business, a Minecraft world that reached top 10 status worldwide for membership, with over 1 million unique players from 58 countries. Following his passion for computer science, he conducted research in artificial intelligence while completing projects in image recognition and stock market prediction. He also worked alongside a world-renowned professor contributing to open source libraries.
When Bryan was not on the computer, he enjoyed spending time in Maine at his family's vacation home and being spoiled by his Auntie Elizabeth Pierson. During his illness Bryan spent a lot of quality time with his Yiayia Cynthia Natsios. Bryan's favorite companion, however, was his beloved cat Sasha; they were inseparable, especially while Bryan was fighting through his treatments.
Bryan enjoyed traveling with his friends and family. Most recently, he went on trips to Paris, Greece, Las Vegas, New York, Washington DC, London, and Spain. Many of these trips included stops to see his favorite DJ, Hardwell.
Bryan is survived by his parents John and Christine of Groton, and his brother David. He also leaves his maternal grandmother, Cynthia Natsios of Tyngsboro. He is also survived by several aunts, uncles and cousins. He is predeceased by his maternal grandfather Peter C. Natsios and his paternal grandparents Joseph and Claire Heffernan.
HEFFERNAN - Family and friends will gather to honor and remember Bryan for his Funeral Mass on Wednesday, March 20, 2019 at 10:00 am in St. Catherine of Alexandria Parish, 107 North Main St., WESTFORD. Burial in Groton Cemetery will be private. Donations in his memory may be made to the Bryan P. Heffernan Scholarship Fund, c/o Elizabeth Pierson, Peoples United Bank, One Post Office Square, Boston, MA 02109. Scholarships are for Graduating Seniors form Groton Dunstable High Regional High School. Arrangements under the care of Badger Funeral Home, A Life Celebration Home, Groton. To share a memory or offer a condolence visit: www.badgerfuneral.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Bryan Heffernan
Sponsored by lowellsun.com.
Korrah
August 12, 2022
I offer my sympathy to Bryan's passing. He ran emenbee when I was young and that changed my childhood, the greatest of us dont deserve to be taken, I hope he has found peace <3
Lisa Maciejowski
December 30, 2019
Dear Christine,
I just saw the news of your tragic loss. My deepest and most heartfelt sympathy goes out to you. I cannot imagine the depth of your grief. Please know you will be in my prayers in the coming days. May your heart feel peace over time and treasure the memories of being Mom to this fabulous young man. With warmest of thoughts. Your old TKD friend, Lisa Maciejowski (formerly Gambuzza)
Justin Bocus
August 6, 2019
Bryan, as I know you as Pendar2, it felt like just yesterday I was joining servers on minecraft and none was welcoming but when I joined yours I got a welcome message from you. From that message I played on that server for over a year, this server was more than your average server, this server was more of a family and you was the one who kept it together. We spoke frequently and every time I wanted to get a higher rank I'd always talk to you because this server was worth it. What you created will never leave my life and I have always remembered everything I've done on that server. You are honestly such an amazing person and I will never forget everything you have done, RIP brother and fly high x
Monica Smith
March 28, 2019
My son Griffin is in the same fraternity as David. I ache for your pain. I loved seeing all the pictures of Bryan! What a beautiful bond of brothers... David talk to Bryan often!!! Try to think of it as a best selling book god gave you...you will always have it but you hated the last chapter...some people in life never get that best seller but you did. Griffin was crying when he told me and said mom David is the nicest kid!!! My prayers are with you all!
Matt C.H
March 25, 2019
My condolences to the family of this great man. He made both mine and many others lives better through something as simple as a minecraft server. Bryan shall remain forever eternalised for every single player who joined the server he graced us with.
andrew handle: bloodscore
March 23, 2019
he ran a world where many of us got to escape our own lives. some of them horrific. your son will live on in the hearts of so many gamers everywhere.
R. C.
March 23, 2019
Im so truly sorry for your loss. My deepest and heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Bryan. May the God of all comfort give you the strength you need. When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure in your heart and it lives forever. May the wonderful treasures fill your hearts with love and bring you peace, Hosea 13:14.
Miguel R
March 22, 2019
You've done a lot for me and my friends and my life. Thank you. I wish we could have talked more. Thank you for Emenbee, it's meant a lot to me.
Genevieve Lopez
March 21, 2019
Christine and family, I am so sorry for the loss of your son. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers
Alex Bowers
March 21, 2019
I knew Bryan from his minecraft server. I was there from near the beginning of his server known as Emenbee realms' peaking a huge player count of 1.2k + players at a time Bryan was shown to be not only determined to bring happiness to others, but a willing to participate in gameplay with his members of the server, the staff team, and help when needed! Bryan was a lovable person, a bubbly character to which bought happiness and smiles to people's faces no matter what was happening. To hear his passings has occurred shattered not only muself, but to the entire Emenbee community. He wasn't just a friend to us, he was a brother, a supporter, a mentor, a motivator, a light in the darkest tunnel and the lost just keeps going. On behalf of myself Alex' and the Emenbee community our condolences are with your family, friends, relatives, and other people who you knew through your lifetime. Fly high Bryan, stay strong man and you will be dearly missed! Much love Scythe_God AKA Alex Bowers
Ani Leal
March 21, 2019
Dear Heffernans. My deepest condolonces for such a loss. I'm so sorry and feel heartbroken at Bryan'd passing. By all accounts it seems Bryan was an amazing accomplished loving young man. My prayers and thoughts are with all you. Again, I'm so sorry that you are all going through this.
Ginny Dow
March 20, 2019
Christine and family,
Your friends from Emerson's cardiac rehab want you to know we are thinking of you and your family at this sad time. We know how strong you are but this is hard to imagine for anyone to bear. We will be saying our prayers for you and your family. Please know we care.
Bob & Becky Stewart
March 20, 2019
John,
So very sorry for your loss. We will keep you and your family in our thoughts and prayers.
Jenifer Evans
March 20, 2019
Bryan's love for learning and CS caught others in his web. After he started college, before heading downstairs with the dinks for gaming, he'd tell me about his classes, then he'd ask me what tech classes I thought were valuable. Bryan, Daniel, and I would stand around for 15 minutes indulging in serious geek talk and philosophy. We were lucky to have him in our lives, and we miss him! My heart breaks for David and John and Christine. Peace for all.
Debbie Wilkinson
March 20, 2019
Christine, John and David,
We were devastated to hear of Brian's struggle with sarcoma. We have so many memories of him at Prescott School and playing soccer. He was such a nice person who touched everyone he met with his kind smile. Christine, I remember us working together at Emerson and also as parents volunteering at Prescott. Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Debbie, Norm, Nicki and Brandon Wilkinson
Susan Scioli Bresnick
March 19, 2019
Christine, John and David - my heart goes out to all of you. I'm so glad I got to know Bryan growing up, the boys always ran out to greet me and the dogs whenever we walked by. Please know how sorry I am, bless his beautiful heart. - Susan Scioli
Daniel
March 19, 2019
I knew Bryan from his Minecraft server. Hearing of his passing truly shocked me, and I'm deeply sorry to hear about the loss of such a talented and great guy. I didn't have much contact with him over the past few years, but I'm glad to hear that he was at least able to pursue the things he was passionate about.
Timothy Duff
March 19, 2019
Dear Christine,
My heartfelt sorrow is with you and I am deeply sorry for the loss of your Brian.
My prayer is for the God of consolation to comfort you and your family in this time of sorrow.
God has been with Bryan throughout his life journey who has accomplished so much in such a short time.
We pray: Eternal Rest Grant to Brian Oh, Lord!
Let Your perpetual light shine upon him!
May Bryan rest in peace in the love of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen!
Paul Daigneault
March 19, 2019
My heart and prayers are with the Heffernan family. Please know that I am here for you John and your family. May Brian be graced with eternal life and you with eternal memories. Much Love PJ
Kerrie Hoffman
March 18, 2019
Dear John, Christine, and David, We are so deeply sorry for your loss. Wishing you strength at this difficult time. You are in our prayers.
Kerrie and Alex Hoffman
Jon LaBaire and Family
March 18, 2019
Dear Heffernan Family,
We are so sorry for your loss. We will be praying for you.
Juliana Jarvis
March 18, 2019
Dear Christine,
I'm saddened by the loss of your beloved son, Bryan, and my heart goes out to you and your family. It is clear that Bryan was a wonderful, caring, accomplished young man. You are all in our prayers. May his memory be eternal!
Juliana (Patsourakos) Jarvis
Cheryl King
March 18, 2019
Dearest Heffernan Family, I can not imagine how difficult this time must be. Please know many in the community are thinking of you and sending thoughts of healing hearts your way. You are a wonderful family and I hope you can take comfort in each other during this difficult time. Time heals. With love from the King family, Cheryl
Patty Sutherland Connolly
March 17, 2019
May the eternal light of Bryan's memory live in your hearts, and bring you peace during this time of sorrow. Love, hugs, and prayers from our home to yours.
Ann L Hodgson
March 17, 2019
So sorry for your loss, May he have eternal peace
Kathy Swiderski
March 17, 2019
Dear Chris, John and David,
My heart aches for you and your extended family.
May the memories of times shared with Bryan and the love and support of all those that surround you, bring you some relief at this painful time.
My prayers continue to be with you.
Deborah Babcock
March 17, 2019
My heart hurts for you and your family Christine. I'm sending my prayers for all of you. Greg and Debbie Babcock
Mary Krause
March 17, 2019
Wishing Bryan eternal light and peace.
Sending you my condolences and prayers for resilience, comfort and the peace that will, in time, come from knowing you are not alone and that you are loved.
Cynthia
March 17, 2019
I did not know your beautiful son or you his family personally but feel we have a connection . This cancer is horrible we know it first hand through my beautiful granddaughter Abby who was diagnosed with DSRCT in June 2018 . I am truly heartbroken for your family's loss I pray everyday a miracle breakthrough will happen to have a treatment that will be rid of this cancer once and for all! The world has lost another wonderful human being. My heartfelt condolences.
Lisa Mailloux
March 16, 2019
We are loved with an everlasting love, and underneath are the everlasting arms.. Holding your family in my heart today, All my love, Lisa
Ellen Jewart
March 16, 2019
So deeply saddened by the loss of Bryan. May God's presence be felt by all who loved him.
Ellen Jewart
March 16, 2019
So deeply saddened by the loss of Bryan. May God's presence be felt by all who loved him.
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