Obituaries

Amy L Renzulli from Oak Park, IL

"I will always remember Brandon as a kind and thoughtful person. He was generous about sharing his thoughts and often provided a unique perspective about things he cared deeply about. I am receiving many emails and messages from his School of Rock students and parents and it is abundantly clear that he was loved and cherished as a very caring and dedicated teacher. Brandon will be dearly missed by all of us."

Sadie Walton from Oak Park, IL

"Brandon was a kind soul, a talented musician, and a caring teacher. I got to know Brandon through working with him at School of Rock- he often sat out front in between students and chatted while I sat at the front desk, Brandon was my daughter's guitar teacher and had a profound impact on her. Through conversations during lessons, he helped guide her in her college plans (he was the first one to suggest Social Work to her as a possible career plan- the path she has ultimately decided to pursue). He encouraged her to help out during his Taylor Swift camp, as he thought it would be a good addition to her college applications. He planned to write her a letter of recommendation when it was time to apply. Brandon often told me what a cool kid she was and how she was going to go far! They often played the music of Elliott Smith together-whenever he said she was going to go far, I often thought- "don't go too far- stay who you are!". Thank you, Brandon, for encouraging my future butterfly!"

Christina DeCillo from La Grange Park, IL

"I was fortunate to know Brandon as a fellow instructor at School of Rock. He was always talking about his students, music, and would be my support group about “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” as I began watching it as an adult. for the very first time Brandon was always supportive of his students and truly enjoyed watching them thrive as musicians. He will be missed."

April Truhlar from Portland, OR

"I have so many wonderful memories of Brandon from the time his brother complained of him putting his initials in sidewalk cement to connecting through music and listening to him boast about his students' accomplishments. He was always there for me when I needed him. I'll love him forever."

Elliot Ross from Milwaukie, OR

"Brandon and I met at DePaul studying music as colleagues and became fast friends over music, movies and humor. We were college roommates but remained friends over 20 years. When I was leaving Chicago to move back to Portland in 2013, I remember him saying he would miss me and that it was a long time to be friends with someone. When we would play tunes together he challenged me more than any other guitarist. We would intimidate each other at times. We would quote Seinfeld and Lebowski in regular conversation as if everyone had every line memorized. “The sea was angry that day, like an old man sending back soup in a deli.” He was so funny. His level of sarcasm and humor rivaled mine and we would always make each other laugh. When times were hard and heavy we would listen to each other and give advice. He was a great guy. We were texting the last couple weeks reminiscing over past travels and favorite films. After all these years he was still telling me how much he loved, “Do The Right Thing.” Fight the Power, my friend ."

Joseph Thomas from Chicago , IL

"All praises and love to u and family"

Judy L Director from Berwyn, IL

"I remember Brandon as a kind soul who truly cared about the students. Thought we only shared a few conversations he embodied what music is supposed to be about..namely to make this world a kinder place"

Abigail Keane from Oak Park, IL

"I was Brandon's manager at School of Rock. Though I only knew Brandon for a year and a half, it was always obvious to me that he was an extremely ethical and compassionate man. Brandon joined our team during a turbulent time for our school, but always carried himself with one priority in mind; his students. He was never afraid to stand up for what he thought would provide the best experience and education for the kids he cared so deeply for. His passion for music and for his students will forever be remembered at our school. We will miss laughing with him in our lobby, while he shared his insight on music, politics, and psychology.I wanted to share some of the comments his students / his School of Rock community made while we had to share his unfortunate passing with them:"We will miss you my friend ❤️""rest with love brother Brandon 🫶🏾""Never had him but always loved seeing him in the lobby, RIP""He was an incredible person may he rest in peace 🫶""gone too soon. rest up man🕊️""truly an amazing teacher and human may he rest in peace 🤍""brandon was always so kind and supportive through everything, he was always ready to have a good day no matter what 🤍""This was my teacher, a truly amazing human and passionate about teaching what he loved""One of my favorite teachers and had such a great time teaching swifties camp with him. May he rest in peace""I’m so sorry. 😞 Brandon was a great teacher and from where I am sitting a great person.""Oh my gosh. He was incredible and the Steely Dan Show my son was in with him was phenomenal. What a major loss to our community way too young. Condolences to his family and friends.""Brandon was my teacher and also my mentor. He always pushed me to be the best version of myself and saw me as more than just a student, but as a person. We did lessons together for about 2 years and did a Taylor swift camp together. He was such a light in my life and always encouraged me to follow my dreams of becoming a therapist. He even helped me study for my AP Psychology exam. He was both an amazing teacher and a fantastic person. I am so grateful to have known such a caring individual. Fly high Brandon 🕊️🩷""Had Brendon in Study Hall a few times. He always smiled. He made me happy when he smiled. He was a fresh breath of air because when I come to school of rock and saw him I knew I was in good hands. He made me realize whatever problems I had I was going to be expected for who I am no matter. He always made anyone feel excepted regardless of their backgrounds or identity. He was a joy and overall a down to earth human that was like beating the most genuine person ever. I will miss him lots . My condolences go out to his family and the school of Rocks family. May He rest in peace.""I will always think of Brandon as a warm and generous person who had a great gift for teaching music. I learned so much from him and I am really sad he is no longer here. I will always think of him when I play Fast Car and Ripple. What a tragic loss for his entire community""James loved Brandon. He was a great show director and human being. Sending lots of love to his family and the SOR community.""Wishing all of Brandon’s students and colleagues peace and healing. May his memory be a blessing to you all.""So sorry for your loss. We send our condolences from Geneva, Schaumburg and Plainfield.""So sorry to hear this sad news. Sending my deepest condolences his family and to all those who knew him.""

jessica lipe from chicago, IL

"We’re really going to miss seeing Brandon around School of Rock. He made such an impression on those kids & all his coworkers. I’m so glad I got to cross paths with him for the short time I did. 🤍"

Jennifer Malone from Oak Park, IL , IL

"I am so saddened by Brandon’s passing. He was my co-worker at School Of Rock and we had many great conversations about music and life. I expected to see him on the sofa at break time last Monday, where we would typically talk shop. The previous week, we really bonded over our love of the band, Wilco. I never imagined that would be the last time I saw him. My deepest condolences to his family and loved ones. This is a devastating loss. We will be dedicating our Wilco tribute show performances to Brandon next weekend. He is already missed but his impact will be felt a long time. Peace."

Steve Edwards from Oak Park, IL

"I was one of Brandon‘s colleagues at the School Of Rock Brandon and I really connected while he was there and I really enjoyed chatting with him in between sessions. He was a brilliant musician and a really kind hearted soul that I connected with right away. I’m going to miss him, he had a great sense of humor amazing talent, and wonderful feel for music beautiful, warm smile, and a great laugh"

Maurice Carr from Chicago, IL

"Love, strength and condolences to Brandon's Family and loved ones. 🙏🏽❤️"

Quinn Van Hecke from Oak Park, IL

"I was a guitar student of Brandon's. He was very nice and funny and I loved learning from him. I was very sad to hear of his passing, and I wish for healing for his family and friends. He will be missed."

Langston White from Oak Park, IL

"I’ve had lessons with Brandon at school of rock and I taught camps with him there. He was always there with a smile and he was always insightful in lessons. My condolences to his family."

Jim Lunsford from Oak Park , IL

"Although I did not know Brandon outside of SOR, I partnered with him for seven months on performance shows. He was always involved with his students and it is clear he genuinely cared about his students. Our conversations ranged from show ideas to how the gigging scene was going. I will remember him as a kind and soft-spoken person who was invested in the development of his charges. I am grateful for our time working together. Wishing peace for his family and friends. Rest in peace, Brandon.With sincere condolences, Jim Lunford, SOR instructor"

Kristi Scardamaglia from Parker, CO

"Brandon and I went to elementary, junior high and high school together. I have so many memories of being young and free and just laughing with him. In our friend circle we had lots of inside jokes and one liners. My brothers grew up with Matt and I with Brandon. Along with everyone on our streets. As we got older everyone drifts apart living one’s life as I suppose one is supposed to do. But the memories of Brandon playing music will always be engraved in my head along with his smile. I don’t have anything to say to take away the pain just look for signs of him around you to get through the day. 🦋"

MARILYN A WESTERHOFF from ELGIN, IL

"Carla, I'm so sorry for your loss. Please take care of yourself. Old friend from SJN."

Warren and Connie Kurr from St. Charles, IL

"Chris and Carla, So sorry to hear about Brandon. Our prayers of healing to you both. Believe we will all meet again one day"

Karen Dix from St Charles, IL

"Brandon was in our Religious Education program as a kid. Carla was a volunteer and friend. My granddaughters went to School of Rock in Geneva, so I can certainly imagine the impact he must have had. My deep sympathy for the family and all who loved him."

The People's Music School from Chicago, IL

"We are deeply sorry for the loss of Brandon for all his friends and family, and are so grateful for he and his family choosing us as a recipient for memorial gifts. Brandon's memory is helping provide access to music education for low-income families and youth across Chicago's most underserved communities. Thank you."

Percival Leinartas from Oak Park, IL

"Brandon was by bass teacher for school of rock. he was a kind soul and a great man. I feel very bad for his family. Fly high, Brandon."