East Windsor, NJ
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.
Riley
LeeAnn Verbrigghe Pratt - Escanaba, Mi
Art, Mary, Judy and family, I am so sorry for your loss.
Dan Skopp - Oak Creek Howetown: Escanaba, MI, WI
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your loved one at such an earl age. I am sure that God has plans for this young man!!!
Joyce VanDamme
Mary & ArtI am so sorry about Riley. My thoughts and prayers are with you always.
Donata Sizemore - Germantown, MD
My heart breaks for all of you…….
Lieve - Princeton, NJ
I am so deeply sorry for your loss. Children are so precious and you want to keep them safe and close all the time, but they have to learn to fly too. I never knew Riley, but I feel sadness and deep regret his life full of promise was cut short. He sounds like a great guy and the world will be a lesser place without him. To honor him, and to help other teens in their desperate moments, I will make a donation to the AFSP.