Michael F. Brabson

Michael Franklin Keeling Brabson, 71, was born on October 8, 1953, and passed away on August 29, 2025, in Paterson, New Jersey.
In 1963, at the age of 10, Michael was adopted by William and Acquilla Brabson. The family moved from Alabama Avenue in Paterson, New Jersey to Newman Street in Hackensack, New Jersey. The transition brought big changes to Michael's young life.
He didn't always take to the new lifestyle, and though his grandparents offered him stability, what truly appealed to him was the freedom he had once known. Michael valued independence even at that young age - so much so that he ran away at least once during his first year after being adopted.
Over time, Michael grew to appreciate his adoptive parents' guidance and eventually embraced the full family lifestyle. While his earliest interests were simple - GI Joe figures and comic books - he began to open up about his own likes, dreams, and personality. William and Acquilla's patience helped him navigate childhood with confidence and a sense of security, laying the foundation for the man he would become.
Michael was, and will always be, about peace - a true believer in "live and let live." This guiding principle shaped the way he approached relationships, challenges, and life itself.
During his teenage years, Michael wrestled scholastically at Hackensack High School, demonstrating both his physical strength and competitive spirit. Around his sophomore year, he was introduced to music theory and the alto saxophone.
Michael's extraordinary musical ability required only one year of formal education - after that, he developed mastery over every instrument he touched. Over the years, he mastered the alto, soprano, tenor, and baritone saxophones, flute, piccolo, violin, clarinet, drums, and guitar. His immediate and extended family - including Uncle Warren and cousin Jim Jim - were among his greatest supporters, nurturing his passion and talent.
By 1970, Michael joined a local band called The Deltas, and after graduating from high school in 1972, he enlisted in the Army. Unfortunately, he was unable to complete basic training due to a skin condition known as lupus, which flared in the summer heat at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri.
Upon returning home, Michael threw himself back into music. He spent time searching for a group and steady gigs and eventually found his place performing with the Sam and Dave duet, touring primarily in Canada with a smaller tour in Europe. Music remained the heartbeat of his life, and his exceptional talent left lasting impressions on everyone who heard him play. After many years of performing, Michael returned home and began dating the love of his life, Joni Blakely, with whom he had a son, Mikey. Life was not always easy for Michael - he went from job to job, hustling tirelessly to provide for his family - but he never stopped striving or giving his best effort. He remained a kind and loving soul to the end, living by his principle of "peace" and the belief in living and letting live.
Michael is survived by his son, Mikey Blakely, his brothers Kevin Lamar David Brabson and William Adrian Lee Brabson, and a host of aunts, uncles, and cousins who loved him deeply and will miss him dearly.
Michael Franklin Keeling Brabson's life was defined by resilience, extraordinary musical talent, passion, love, and the freedom to live authentically. He will be profoundly missed, but his spirit and legacy will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.