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Brendan Cullen Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Brendan Cullen
Sponsored by Mom and Maura.
Vinnie
January 6, 2025
BMC... it's been 22 years since I heard your voice, your laugh, or saw that cheeky smile when you were cooking something up in your brain.... But I didn't forget you my friend, I keep in touch with your sister, I'm sure you're looking down on and keeping an eye on your beautiful nieces, and now... Nephew!
Life is weird, I've lost touch with so many friends over the years, but every year, I get that pit in my stomach the first week of January, remembering getting the news, and I come here, and I remember you, I have no doubt you would be one of the friends who I'd still be in touch with. Even if it was a Happy holiday's text message, or a once a year catch up over a beer and some dinner.
Til we meet again, I'll leave you notes here, and send them off into the universe, to find you wherever you are... And to Brendan's Mom, you raised a fine young man, who was a good person and friend, and that's what made him unforgettable. I did not have a lot of kindness in my life until I made good friends at Geneseo, so even though it was a brief friendship, it won't be forgotten.
Brendan's Mom
January 9, 2024
Vinnie and Justin,
Thank you for posting on this website. It is so comforting to know that you still think of Brendan. His friends meant everything to him.
Mom
January 9, 2024
Brendan,
Yesterday Tony and I visited your grave site. I read the Robert Frost poem "The Road Not Taken" and placed one red rose on your gravestone. Why that poem you ask and why just one rose? This is a ritual for me, for every event, your birthday or your anniversary, for twenty-one years. The poem opens my heart to the pain of losing you because you chose the road less traveled. The one red rose makes me laugh because that was your signature move with a female you were starting to like. Laughter and pain, memories of you bring both to me every day. And thank you for coming to me in a dream letting me know it wasn't my time yet. Someday I will see you again and until then, watch over your sister and her precious children. We love you and miss you.
Justin
January 9, 2024
21 years old friend. Time sure does move quickly these days. Thinking about you, and who you'd be today. Miss you man, as many do.
Vinnie B
January 8, 2024
21 Years you've been gone my friend, I always remember you without even it being intentional. October 28th will come and I'll suddenly think, its someone's birthday today... You would've just turned 40 this last October... And I would have been teasing you that I was still 39 til this upcoming July and calling you OLD MAN!
My only comfort is knowing our souls don't die, and maybe I'll see you again someday. I hope you're happy wherever you are, and know we think of you often and fondly my friend.
Maura
January 8, 2023
I´ve been dreading this day for years: you´ve been gone from this world longer than you were in it. I ask myself all the time what you would say, what advice you would give, but it´s been so long I don´t know who you´d be or what you´d say. Would you be married? Would my girls have cousins? Would you remember all those shared childhood things like watching Silence of the Lambs or threatening to throw my Backstreet Boys CDs in the toilet? Could we laugh at mom when she denies our tales and insist that it all happened the way we think it did? Just to have you on this earth for one more day, to talk to you, to get a hug from my big brother - I would do almost anything. Time hasn´t healed the wound. I miss you. I love you, Bren.
Justin
January 8, 2023
20 years bud...I don't write here as much as I used to. Life has gotten so busy. I do still think of you often. Our 20 year high school reunion is in a couple months, delayed a year due to covid. I still remember your graduation party. Crazy to think that 20 years has passed. I was reminiscing over the holidays and told some of our more exciting (perhaps more questionable) stories. Remember the after the battle of the bands at the middle school?!?! You're loved and missed by all those that knew you and were close to you. You'll never be forgotten.
Brian
January 6, 2023
Been almost 20 years, how crazy. Miss you bud!
Vinnie B
January 5, 2023
20 years ago you left the earthly realm for new adventures, And 20 years later your friends and family still miss you and think of you fondly. Rest in Peace my friend.
Tony
January 8, 2022
Bren, it has been 19 years since your passing and never a day goes by without a pain of missing you. Please keep watch over your Mom, Sister, Nieces and all that loved you, which are too many to list.
Vinnie
January 3, 2022
Still thinking of you buddy. Rest in Peace, never forgotten.
Mom
January 2, 2022
In a few days, you will have been gone for nineteen years, the same number of years that you were with us. How can that be? I don't worry that you are forgotten since your friends still post on this site and I know they think about you. All of us think about you, remembering your smile, your passions, your brilliance. No holiday or birthday or special day is without pain for those of us who love you. You are the missing piece, the empty seat at the table. All joyous events are bittersweet because you are not there. And saddest of all, Sabina and Fiona will never get to hug their Uncle Brendan. But they will know who you are through our memories of you. I love you forever. My heart may be broken but it still remembers.
Vinnie B
October 31, 2021
Happy Belated- Birthday my friend, the 28th came and went, and I kept thinking, it's someone's birthday today, and I want to wish them happy birthday, but then the pit in the bottom of my stomach came back, when I realized it was your birthday and I could do nothing but offer you a prayer, and not a text, or a phone call. I believe in reincarnation, an afterlife, another life, I know you're not gone forever, you're just on a new journey, somewhere else, maybe even as someone else, but your soul is eternal. So to the 1 lifetime of you I had the blessing of knowing, happy birthday, and I hope our paths cross again, in the next life so I can wish you a happy birthday in person, and raise a toast :)
Mom
October 28, 2021
Today is your 38th birthday and all I can think about is making your favorite dinner (lobster) and celebrating with your significant other and your children. We used to talk about you having children, being a Dad. One of the many losses that ripple through our lives, I will never know those grandchildren that should have been. I miss you, Happy Birthday, and I love you!
Justin
January 8, 2021
18 years man. The world today could use more people like you. All of us could. I have no doubt you would have been a force to have been reckoned with. Your memory stays alive with those of us who knew and loved you. As long as we remember you, our love for your will never fade - no matter how many years it's been. Miss you man, always.
Vinnie
January 3, 2021
I always think about you this time of year... my heart breaks every time I replay our last conversation in my head. I wished I had come seen you that winter break. We both could have used a friend. And I could use one now. I miss ya man.
J
October 28, 2020
Happy Birthday old friend.
J
January 9, 2020
Didn't get a chance to leave a note in here yesterday...was thinking about you throughout the day though. 17 years man. We were just kids. Almost impossible to believe it's been that long. You were brilliant back then and I have no doubt you'd be brilliant now. Miss you man.
January 8, 2020
Brendan, 16 years later with the pain and loss remaining. You were/are loved by so many and often looked up to, by so many of your friends and family. I can, nor will I, ever, ever, forget the many good times and will never ever forget who you are. Please look after your sister, niece(s), and especially your Mom.
October 30, 2019
Happy Birthday Brendan, know that I am always thinking of you and the life you could have had. Keep watch over your sister, nieces, and Mom. Miss You Every Day.. You are always in my heart.
J
October 28, 2019
Happy Birthday old friend...I don't think of you as often as I used to - life has gotten very busy these last couple of years. When I do though, I remember all the good times and adventures we used to have as children. Those memories make me smile and long for a simpler time. I hope you're out there looking over your family, friends and loved ones and know how much you're missed by all those who's lives you touched. You are adored and missed by many my friend. After all these years my heart still aches thinking about how you left us far too early. Miss you man.
Vinnie
October 8, 2019
17 years have gone by, and I still miss the friend you were to me. I still have the shooting star tattoo I got in your memory, to remind me of those care free years, those years when we were on top of the world. Now as an adult, I realize how those years we take for granted. But one thing has never changed, I still remember, and miss ya buddy. -Vmoney (the nickname you gave me still stands 17 years later)
January 17, 2019
Brendan, sorry I didn't write sooner. I struggle with the knowledge it is 16 years already seems like yesterday you were sauntering up the driveway and having smoke with me on the porch. I has a request "Keep watch over your sister and your beautiful niece, they both will benefit from your guidance,
as they grow up. I do miss you each and every day,and know you now know just how much and so many, friends, family love you.
January 11, 2019
I didn't really have a chance to think about you or talk to you on the anniversary day of your departure, January 8th. I spent most of the day with Sabina, playing, singing, reading books. When I look at her I see you and Maura when you were my babies - Mr. Piggy, Mommy Dragon and the Nighttime book. The memories are precious to me but at the same time they rip my heart to pieces. Why could I not protect you, both of you? How does a mother live the rest of her life with the knowledge that safety is not in her power, never was? I have my own prayers and I go on for you, Maura and Tony and all my grandchildren. My purpose is to tell your story, to educate my community, and to provide loving guidance to the little ones. You help me be strong. I love you Brendan! Mom
Vinnie Bertolone
December 27, 2018
I may not write here as often as I would like to, 16 years later and it's still like yesterday I remember sitting on my parent's couch on the phone with you, making plans for when we got back to Geneseo. The parties we would attend, the fun stuff we would do, concerts, movie nights, beer pong. we were teenagers and unstoppable. You missed school. You loved being home with Family but you had grown close with all of us at school too. I miss you my friend. I will never forget you.
Katy K
October 29, 2018
Happy birthday, my brilliant cousin. I miss you all the time. I'm going to see Sabina today. She's literally the best kid. She laughs often, like you and Maura. I think I want a kid too. I hope I have a crazy, smart, wild boy with your protective spirit (for me, you'll always be a protector). Dude, I admired you so much, I don't know if you ever realized.... but you probably did. Love you. I'll give Sabina a sloppy kiss for you.
J
October 28, 2018
Happy birthday old friend, miss you.
Brian
March 26, 2018
Hey, be on the lookout for your old friend from Delmar... show him the ropes! Love ya and miss ya bud!
Mom
January 8, 2018
Brendan, how did 15 years go by? It seems like yesterday that I last hugged you and talked to you about life. I miss you with every shattered beat of my heart. Tonight I looked at your pictures and saw Sabina, there is no denying she is part of you and Maura. Watch over the little ones, all of them and know we love you.
Ryan Sontz
October 8, 2017
My mom (Your Aunt maureen) always tells me of the love you had for me while you were here. She even tells me how we're very similar both looks and personality. I just wish I could see you again. As an adult, not you holding me as a baby. I feel you would've been the relative I could relate to the most. I know you would've been there to help me through all the tough times I've had. To tell me to never lose faith in myself. Although you weren't, I know you wanted to be so so badly. Your spirit has been my driving force throughout the years, because You wouldn't want my life to end before I reached my full potential. I love you, and thank you for watching over me. You are in my thoughts every day.
June 10, 2017
Brendan, as you know you are an uncle to Sabina Rose. I know you will be watching over her just as you have watched over Maura. We all miss and love you. Wishing you were here to see this blessed event.
Vincent Bertolone
June 8, 2017
It's been a while my friend, but every time I look at my shooting star tattoo on my arm... I think of you, and I smile. I know you are somewhere looking over all of us. Congrats on your niece, Maura had a beautiful baby girl, I know she has a Guardian Angel Uncle up there watching over her new precious life. I look forward to seeing you again some day. I'll never forget the shooting stars. You were one. Rest in Peace my friend. Til we meet again :)
Tim Donnelly
April 19, 2017
Although I never knew you Brendan we are distant cousins on the Kelleher side. Found your name while doing family research and have been deeply moved by the many loving tributes paid you. Glad you were able to spend a summer in Ireland. Hope you spent some time in Co. Kerry, where your ancestor Daniel and his brother Michael, my ancestor, emigrated from. You obviously touched for the better many people's lives and the smile in your photo lives in the hearts of them all. Rest in peace cousin.
December 21, 2016
Well Brendan, it is Christmas once again and you are truly missed by all of us that know and love you. You are never ever forgotten and never will I ever stop loving you. Watch over the little one as she will be bringing joy to the family in approximately six months. Merry Christmas with Love Tony
Vinnie B
December 20, 2016
You are 33 now, but I am still only 32, just want to point that out OLD MAN... every time December comes I remember the last time I talked to you... I told you if you ever needed me, I was here... I wish I could have done, or said more. But we were kids then, we had the whole world in front of us, and no clue the finality of our own mortality. But every time I randomly think of you, I know, you're not truly gone, and it brings a little smile with that pang of pain. I miss ya man... I hope you are resting peacefully, and smiling, knowing the world has not forgotten you, and is still a better place for the brief time you were in it.
J
October 28, 2016
I'll drink a Guinness tonight for your 33rd old friend. Thinking of you today, Happy Birthday bud.
Katy
January 8, 2016
Brendan, I think of you often. Today, I am texting with Maura and thinking of you and remembering how funny and sharp and brilliant you always were. How you were so good with wordsyou could light a fire with a sentence, bring a room to tears laughing, diffuse an argument with your humor. And in our family, arguments are pretty frequent, so that skill was amazing (I wonder if I learned that from you? I don't know. I did learn about humor from you, though. What it meant. How it worked.) You made the world brighter and funnier and sweeter and you filled it with sparks. I lit a candle for you today on my windowsill in Maine. It burns looking over my frozen yard. I wish you could see it and feel its heat and know how much you are missed.
tony knox
January 8, 2016
It is now 13 years since you left us and so many others that truly loved you. I miss you each and every day and I always have visions of you walking up the path to the porch to grab a smoke with me. Miss and love you lots..
J
January 8, 2016
13 years bud... Wish I had more pictures of you. Miss you, always.
Vinnie
December 24, 2015
It's Christmas eve, I just wish you were here, I'd probably be calling you to wish you a Merry Christmas if things were different. I always think of you my friend. You're always with me. I just wish you were still here. Someday I'll see you again, til then, rest in peace. And Merry Christmas.
October 28, 2015
Here it is another Birthday, you would be 32 years old today. Last night I went through pictures I have not looked at in years. Lots of tears but smiles too. And the signs I have been having from you - Frog and Toad, and the little boy in front of the house. And best of all the story about fetal cells found in mothers' hearts. I always knew I carried you and Maura in my heart. Watch over her and keep talking to me, I need you. I love you, Brendan. Happy Birthday, Mom
A Friend
July 11, 2015
Always thinking about you. Always.
Jessica Hollner
March 14, 2015
Spring is here and rides are coming out. At a red light next to me was a black Camaro the rest of the day could only think of you. Everytime I see one just picture you next to yours with that electrifying smile on your face. Miss you.
Christine George (Grier)
January 9, 2015
Very grateful this book is here to share memories, love and thoughts with others who loved you just as much. I don't think a day will go by that I don't' think of you and still not grasp that you have been gone for so long. Gone but never forgotten. Things are good for me, life has its blunders but married life is treating me well. Take care friend. Until we meet again.
January 8, 2015
Brendan,
It still hurts so much. In a few minutes I will go to your gravesite and read you messages from your friends. I am comforted by their memories of you and that twelve years later they still think of you. My life has new joy but no happiness can dull the pain of living without you.
Love, Mom
J H
January 8, 2015
Brendan, to this day you remain one of the smartest, most outgoing, loyal people I have ever had the honor of calling my friend. There are few days since you left us that I don't find myself reminiscing, fondly, of all the stuff we used to get into. I can't believe 12 years has passed already. It seems like only the other day we were getting into trouble in the woods behind the middle school, or the high school, or the pocket park by your Mom's house. You always had a plan though, and when you didn't you were such a smooth talker. I looked up to you more than you probably ever knew, so many people did, I'd like to think you know that now. You changed my life when I first met you, and again when I had to say goodbye to you. Not one day goes by where you aren't in my thoughts. I miss you so much man, everyone does. Love you.
Vincent Bertolone
January 6, 2015
As always. Still thinking of you, remembering you. RIP my friend
Tony Knox
October 31, 2014
Brendan, I finally reached a point where I can write about missing you. Never a day goes by without a memory about you popping into my head. You should know, "you are missed, loved but most of all never ever forgotten"
Vinnie Bertolone
October 1, 2014
Another year goes by, another birthday passes for both of us. As our friends get married and start families, I wish you were here, you would have been a great husband and father, just like you were a great friend. But you are never forgotten. Rest in Peace.
B G
May 16, 2014
:)
Christine Grier
October 31, 2013
There is not a day that goes by that I do not think about you and still cannot believe you are not with us. I miss you dear friend. :(
Vinnie Bertolone
October 31, 2013
BMC, Happy Belated birthday. I wish you were here sometimes, but I think of you every day, and in a way, that makes me feel like you are still here in a way :) It's not the same, but its better than nothing, you will never be forgotten.
Jessica
October 30, 2013
Brendan,
On Monday I thought about you all day. The memories we shared the plans we had for our thirties. Happy Birthday and missing you always!
Mom
October 28, 2013
You would be thirty today. Who would you be? A lawyer, a husband, a Dad? What I miss the most besides hugging you are your babies, my grandchildren. I could snuggle them and remember your baby days, look in their eyes and see you. Thirty years ago I looked into the brightest blue eyes, that soon turned brown, and I fell in love with you. My life is full, I have Maura and Tony, and Anthony and Kelly have given me three special grandchildren Anthony (Neens), Addy,and Hailey. I love them with all my heart and they give me great joy. I have put myself back together but a piece of my heart is missing. There is an emptiness, an aching to hold you, to hear your voice and your laugh. Life is moving on without you but how sad you are not here. Watch over Maura, hug me and know that many many hearts have been touched by you. We love you Brendan!
Jessica Hollner
January 23, 2013
Brendan, can't believe it has been ten years. I will never forget the day I met you in middle school and the friendship that we made and till this day I am sorry that we didn't talk daily anymore when we went to college. My sister and I still talk about our pack for when we turn 30. It's hard it would be this year. Brendan not a week goes by I don't think of you. I will go to Ireland one day in memory of you. Miss you so much Brendan.
Christine Grier
January 12, 2013
My dear friend. 10 years? I cannot believe it. I think of you always. Dinners at your dad's house and movie and pizza nights at your mom's. I keep those memories close. Miss you always.
P.S. I just bought a new black Camaro. Thought of you. :)
Love,
Christine
Patrick Marsteller
January 11, 2013
Ten years...still seems like yesterday we were hanging out, going for random drives in the camaro...miss you my friend, sometimes I feel like you're watching over me
January 10, 2013
I know the pain in your heart. I share this with you. Brendan is and will always be the love in your heart that keeps you going.
Love another Mom
Susan Danker
January 8, 2013
I'm so terribly sorry for your loss. The pain never goes away, but it does soften with time. My prayers are with you.
January 8, 2013
Thinking of Brendan today and Maura and Kathleen and Tony and Dorothy and Bill, my mom, my sons, Saad and my brother Bryan - all of our family and friends who came together on this very very sad day 10 years ago. My heart is with you all. Miss you and love you Brendan. Aunt joan
T H
December 31, 2012
Always in my heart and on my mind.
Christine Grier
January 31, 2012
Hi my friend. I think of you often and am grateful your family has kept this book going. I looked at some pictures of us the other day. Thought to myself, "Man I am getting old, where did the time go." I think what made that statement even harder to except was you not being here. I miss you.
Vinnie Bertolone
January 25, 2012
Everytime I hear Pink Floyd's "Wish you were here" I cannot help but think of you, I miss you, 9 years have gone by and it feels like I saw you yesterday. You are never forgotten and always in my heart buddy.
Mom
January 6, 2012
9 years ago I has no idea I would be writing in this book - I miss you so much!
Mom
January 5, 2012
You live in my heart.
October 28, 2011
Happy 28th Birthday, Brendan! You are missed and loved by so many - you are always in our hearts. Twenty-eight years ago I looked into your beautiful eyes for the first time, held you and felt that special bond that only a mother and son can have. I suppose it is better that I did not know then that I only had nineteen years to hold you. That is what I miss the most, hugging you. I found some pictures one of your friends took while you were driving the Camaro. You are wearing your cool shades and your hair is gelled and you have a "the world is mine" smile on your face. How can I be sad looking at that face. You are not gone, you are on a journey, cruising through time and space. One day I will be ready for you to pick me up and I will hug you again. I love you.
Vinnie Bertolone
May 24, 2011
This year would be our 5 year reunion from Geneseo, I still think of you often my friend, I hope to see you again someday :) Rest in peace BMC
Brian Grandy
April 12, 2011
Hey wassup buddy?.. Didn't think I'd forget about you, did ya?? Wish you were here man.. Miss ya!
Jamee S
April 10, 2011
Thought of you today...random yes, but none the less. Miss driving around with you in your blue camaro...
Christine Grier
January 17, 2011
I think of you always. I miss you and your family. Maybe I will visit them one of these days.
Vinnie Bertolone
January 11, 2011
Still think of you... Rest In Peace BMC
October 28, 2010
Brendan,
You would be twenty-seven today, a young man. Maybe you would be married, maybe even have children. I cannot help thinking about the losses that pile up as the years go by. I never got to see you graduate from college or get your first real job. I will never dance with you at your wedding or hold my grandchildren. I miss you so much. But today, on your birthday, I will celebrate the times we spent together. You were a beautiful baby who spoke your first word (cat) at 8 months; a little boy who loved nature and wanted to touch every insect and toad you found; a rescuer of lost turtles and stranded ocean creatures; a teenager who restored old Camaros and wrote poetry. You lit up my life for 19 years, and those joyful memories will always be with me. Happy Birthday. I love you..
Mom
Vincent Bertolone
May 25, 2009
Every now and then I think of you, usually when I am recalling happy memories of Geneseo, this morning I was looking for something in my room and accidentally knocked the frame with your picture in it down. Sorry about that :)
I hope youre peaceful and enjoying all that eternity holds. It is summer time almost, school is out, sometimes I think to myself I am going to see you in your Camero driving around with the windows down and the stereo going.
Rest in Peace my friend.
Just wanted to pay my respects, and let you know, no one has forgotten you, and no one ever will.
Also... people still ask me where I got the nic-name 'V-Money', every time they do I smile and say, oh that was my friend BMC, he came up with it one day and it stuck. I can still remember you or AJ, or even Pat greeting me with that familiar name when you all saw me... even if it was from across campus.
Mom
January 7, 2009
Brendan, tomorrow will mark six years of living without you. In the beginning, there was no living, only surviving. You and Maura and Tony kept me going until my heart could open up again. During the first year, I could not look at your picture without feeling excrutiating pain. Any picture - baby, little boy, teenager. I could not bear to see the beautiful soul that was taken from me. Now I have a picture of you on my desk at work, one where your famous smile lights up the eyes under your caterpillar brows. Next to your picture is Yoda, from your Star Wars collection. You look like Yoda in this picture, the way your ears stick out, the ears that you could curl in and pop open. Yoda reminds me that I have no idea what you are doing right now. I cannot understand the forces that brought you to me nor the ones that took you away. I imagine you as happy and at peace with yourself, on a journey in another land. Don't forget to say hello to me every now and then. Use a ray of sunlight or a light breeze, or the smell of mint in your old garden. And remember most of all to watch over Maura. You know you promised me. I love and miss you today and every day.
Vinnie Bertolone
December 17, 2008
Merry Christmas... 6 years ago I said goodbye to you... Walking down the hallway in Onondaga Hall... in your leather coat, t-shirt, and jeans... Carrying a cardboard box to put in your car to take home for the break. I talked to you all break on instant messenger, we talked about coming back in January how we were all going to get some beers, and have a crazy party. How you were going to move off campus with AJ and Pat. How I would have a couch to crash on and a place to hang out when we got back to Geneseo. You loved your family so much but you didn't have the same kind of friends back home, they weren't your 'college' friends. I thought I would see you in just a few short weeks. I talked to you up until Dec. 29th I think... then you stopped getting on instant messenger. I will never forget you, the short time we had, but the lasting impression you made on me. The shooting stars, the parties we went to. The all night paper writing for Sociology of the third world... (you of course got a better grade than me!).
Merry Christmas my friend... Happy New Year... I will see you once again someday, have some beers chilled... we will have a lot to catch up on!
Rest in peace
Kelly Vellano (Dobbert)
December 12, 2008
I'm not sure why I thought of you today...I remember the days I use to babysit for you and Maura...how much I cracked you up when I set the popcorn on fire and I got a face full of smoke. You are in my thoughts now and always. Merry Christmas Brendan!
Vinnie
October 29, 2008
Happy Birthday Old Man, yes despite only being 10 months older than me I call you old man... Either way you have not been forgotten, nor has your birthday :)
Mom
October 28, 2008
Happy Birthday Beece! Today you would be 25 years old, and I would be watching you blow out the candles on your cake and then giving you a big birthday hug. I keep thinking about this day 25 years ago when you came into our lives, bringing such joy. I loved you from the moment you were born and my love grew every day. I had you for nineteen years and I would never give that up. But nineteen years of loving you means the pain of losing you is almost unbearable. For Maura, for Tony, and for all the people I love, my heart goes on. And Brendan, you give me strength to keep loving. I love and miss you every day, and on this day more than ever!
joan cullen
October 28, 2008
Happy Birthday Brendan. I remember visiting your mom and dad when you were just a very little baby. You had the goofiest smile. And as a young man your smile could light up a room. I am thinking about you with much love in my heart. Aunt joan
Christine Grier
May 21, 2008
Just wanted to let you know that I was thinking of you and to this day and probably for the rest of my life I will never be able to grasp the fact that you are gone. Its something that will always be a wonder in the back of my mind. Love you always.
Vincent Bertolone
March 10, 2008
I think of you more and more these days, I am going to Ireland this summer, and I wish I could call you, or instant message you on the screen name I still have not deleted, to ask you where I should go, what I should see, I will say hello to Ireland for you, and think of you, as we all do, every day.
A friend of your Dad's
January 9, 2008
Five years have gone by Brendan. Although we never met, I knew your Dad. He was a good man, who loved you very much! I hope that you're able to look down and see what a profound affect your death has had on those who knew and loved you. If you can see that, then maybe you'll see just how extraordinary a person you really were! Rest in Peace Bren!
btw, I've added an entry for you on the Find A Grave website.
Trish Hall
January 8, 2008
Bren
So much has changed in the last 5 years, yet so much has stayed the same. You're still in my heart.
Vinnie Bertolone
January 8, 2008
Never forgotten... you are always with us.
Kathleen Kelleher
January 7, 2008
Brendan,
January 8, 2003 - Five years ago we hugged you goodbye and let you go, knowing we would never again see or hear all that made you special - the smile that came from your eyes, the way you tilted your head, your words of wisdom and questioning. Our grief and pain are more bearable today; we have learned how to go on living without you. And although we cannot see or hear you, you are still part of the future. Maura, your cousins, your friends, all of us have memories and stories to take with us as time goes on. Five years, ten years, a lifetime may pass and you will not be forgotten.
We love you, we miss you, we cherish every memory. Brendan, you are the song in our hearts.
Love, Mom, Tony and Maura
joan Cullen
January 7, 2008
Tomorrow is the day that Brendan left us. His gentle spirit was carried away.
Oh how I wish you were here.
All my love,
Aunt joan
Vinnie Bertolone
December 24, 2007
Merry Christmas my friend... and Happy New Year.
Christine Grier
October 31, 2007
I was sitting on my couch and the thought of just popped in my head. And to think it has been this long since I last saw you. I miss you and will always remember the good times we had. Happy Birthday.
October 26, 2007
October 28th 2007 and you would be 24 years old. Would you be going to law school, would you be in love, would you be driving a Camaro, would you be happy? I will never know these things and that breaks my heart. I miss you and it will never stop hurting.
Happy Birthday, Brendan. We love you and we cherish every moment we had with you.
Love, Mom & Tony & Maura
Vincent Bertolone
August 9, 2007
I just moved to Boston MA, I can not help but think about how much I would love to get that message online, from your screen name, the one I never was able to delete off my list. A message saying you would be up for next St. Patty's day and we would share a pint of guiness and celebrate all things Irish. I am not Irish, and you are not here, but you are in my heart, which to me makes me as Irish where it counts. I will always remember you and think of you first when I raise that glass in hopes that we will one day toast in Heaven.
M
April 29, 2007
I see your face at the most unexpected times in the most unexpected places...
Christina C
March 28, 2007
Thinking of you. Thanks for watching over me, i know i need it sometimes.
Love You Brendan
March 14, 2007
Brendan,
The smell of spring is in the air and the boys are out playing - young boys trying out their bikes, middle school boys skateboading in the parking lots, and college boys cruising around in their cool cars. And none of them are you.
I want them to be you - the dark-eyed, slender ones with charm and curiosity sparkling in their smiles. The ones who just have to try it all, but then go home at the end of the day to tell their tales of glory. I imagine them walking through the front door and calling out to their Moms.
And the question is not "Why me?", it is "Why any of us?" All of our children should be walking through the door tonight. If only you could.
I love and miss you with every beat of my heart, MOM
js
January 8, 2007
so its so strange to think its been 4 years. miss you more and more everyday. i think of you often and its strange how the littlest things remind me of you. you will never be forgotten.
Aunt Joan Cullen
January 8, 2007
Four years ago we lost Brendan. The days and months, the minutes in between then and now are a swirl of memories – snippets of moments so painful all I can do is ineffectually push them away and hope that some day the visual pain of these memories will be lessened. I still can not talk about this tremendous loss and its profound effect on this family tree – its branches extend in many directions – even the youngest buds are touched by it… People are often so surprised that I am still grieving. They don’t understand. Each and every day I think of Brendan and his Dad and what might have been. I think of Maura and how her world crashes and collides with all that was and all that has been and that which will be. This is a heavy, heavy burden for Maura and Kathleen particularly and they need all of our love and support. I wish them peace and grace and love. And gentleness. And above all kindness. Remember to be kind – to each other and to yourselves. It was kindness that got me through some of the roughest days these past years. The kindness I have shown others and the kindness that has been given to me. Once again I share with you this Irish prayer:
Do not hurry as you walk with grief
It does not help the journey
Be not disturbed
By memories that come unbidden
Let God support you
Be gentle with the one who
Walks through grief
If it is you,
Be gentle with yourself.
Swiftly forgive
Walk slowly
Pausing often
Take time, be gentle
As you walk with grief.
Vincent
January 5, 2007
Yes four years have past, and I still can see your smiling face as if it was yesterday, carrying your cardboard box of stuff to take home for winter break. I never knew that was the last time I would see you, but I will always remember your smile, and the friendship you gave me. Rest in Peace, and keep smiling.
January 5, 2007
Four years have gone by and you are in my thoughts as much as ever. Just the other day I found a picture of you, about age 6 at Howe Caverns. Your smiling curious face is shining out as you balance on a cave wall. I need to remember all the wonderful happy moments; I need to believe that you are still nearby, that you can hear me when I talk to you. I miss you so much and treasure every moment we had together.
With all my love, Mom
Christine Grier
December 31, 2006
Thought of you Brendan and miss you always.
Vinnie
November 2, 2006
Happy Belated Birthday, I miss you. Rest in Peace. I think of you daily. Shooting stars.
Genya
November 2, 2006
Brendan- Please forgive my tardiness in wishing you a happy birthday. I will forever have yours filed next to Nick's in my mind. We all miss you terribly, and remember you often.
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