Contributions to the tribute of Zachary Brafman

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Tuesday, October 15, 2024

Abe and Carol, my deepest condolences to you and your family. I cannot imagine the pain you are going through. May the memories you have comfort you in this time of sorrow. Bonni and Paul O’Neil

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Olivia McKenna posted a condolence

Tuesday, October 15, 2024

Zach brought such a friendly, humorous energy to any room he entered. He was always witty and kind in the time I knew him. I recall several times throughout middle and high school in which Zach would welcome anyone into his group, regardless of who they were. I have a few specific memories of this, but the one that sticks out the most was teaming up to win a costume contest in 7th grade to get the candy. We hardly knew each-other, but he had no problem teaming up in our Harry Potter themed-costumes to achieve a goal, even one as silly as a sweet-treat prize. I am so sorry to hear of his loss. Although we weren’t very close, I always thought so highly of him. Thoughts and prayers to the Brafman’s. Zach will be dearly missed by the community.

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Hannah Weiler uploaded photo(s)

Tuesday, October 15, 2024

Zachary brought so much joy into all our lives. He was our “baby” cousin, and he was loved by each and every one of us. While some of my favorites memories I have of him is during “Hogwarts Camp”, one of my favorite memories I had with him was when he told me how he loved to take broken things and fix it to be better than brand new, or to take something apart that worked just fine, just to see in detail how the system worked. There was so much joy in his words and expression, and to me, that was so special. Not many people in this world want to take the time to examine a system to see how it works, let alone, doctor and fix mechanics out of pure enjoyment. At the time, he was dissecting Nintendo electronics, and because of this, I gave him my game boy advance that my grandmother had previously gotten me. At the time, I was no longer using it, and seeing the joy in his face when I gave it to him made it well worth giving it to him. I miss his brilliant, caring, and curious spirit, and he was truly one of a kind ❤️

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Hannah Weiler uploaded photo(s)

Tuesday, October 15, 2024

Zachary brought so much joy into all our lives. He was our “baby” cousin, and he was loved by each and every one of us. While some of my favorites memories I have of him is during “Hogwarts Camp”, one of my favorite memories I had with him was when he told me how he loved to take broken things and fix it to be better than brand new, or to take something apart that worked just fine, just to see in detail how the system worked. There was so much joy in his words and expression, and to me, that was so special. Not many people in this world want to take the time to examine a system to see how it works, let alone, doctor and fix mechanics out of pure enjoyment. At the time, he was dissecting Nintendo electronics, and because of this, I gave him my game boy advance that my grandmother had previously gotten me. At the time, I was no longer using it, and seeing the joy in his face when I gave it to him made it well worth giving it to him. I miss his brilliant, caring, and curious spirit, and he was truly one of a kind ❤️

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Hannah Weiler uploaded photo(s)

Tuesday, October 15, 2024

Zachary brought so much joy into all our lives. He was our “baby” cousin, and he was loved by each and every one of us. While some of my favorites memories I have of him is during “Hogwarts Camp”, one of my favorite memories I had with him was when he told me how he loved to take broken things and fix it to be better than brand new, or to take something apart that worked just fine, just to see in detail how the system worked. There was so much joy in his words and expression, and to me, that was so special. Not many people in this world want to take the time to examine a system to see how it works, let alone, doctor and fix mechanics out of pure enjoyment. At the time, he was dissecting Nintendo electronics, and because of this, I gave him my game boy advance that my grandmother had previously gotten me. At the time, I was no longer using it, and seeing the joy in his face when I gave it to him made it well worth giving it to him. I miss his brilliant, caring, and curious spirit, and he was truly one of a kind ❤️

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Adrianna Murphy posted a condolence

Tuesday, October 15, 2024

Q: What will you never forget about Zachary? A: I have not spoken to Zach since we graduated high school, but I remember from an early age playing at St. Mary’s afterschool with him. We used to play with the wooden building blocks and the red bricks in the gym. In high school we had numerous classes together. He always brought a light and positive spirit to class as well as always making the people around him laugh. He will truly be missed.

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Joshua Rowland posted a condolence

Tuesday, October 15, 2024

I grew up on the pee wee wrestling team with Zach. This is where I met the amazing Brafman family. I couldn’t tell you the amount of practices we went to together. It was a lot. Mr Brafman would take us to many practices in the off-season, whether it be to Cornell, or Bombsquad at the Ithaca Mall, and we would get food together after practice. I even remember going to his house a few times to workout or go over techniques. His favorite thing to show me was his antique arcade games. I remember so clearly going to wrestling camp with Zach. I got so homesick, but Zach helped me get through it. He was an amazing bunk mate. He was always so enjoyable to be around and a great guy to talk to. He was always making jokes, and knew how to put a smile on your face. Whether it was me cheering him on at tournaments or him cheering me on, he always had a positive attitude. Later on wrestlers from other schools would ask me about Zach, and they would point out how strong he was. I would proudly tell them “thats my wrestling partner”. One of my favorite memories I have with Zach was in car rides to practice, or even at tournaments, he would have his Nintendo and play games. He would let me play with him, and would destroy me in every game. Zach was loved by all and will be missed. Prayers to his amazing family.

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Bailey Marks lit a candle

Monday, October 14, 2024

So sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you, and I hope you find all the time and space you need to grieve a beautiful life taken too soon.

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Ethan posted a condolence

Monday, October 14, 2024

Zach was one of my closest friends during our time at St. Mary's, and I'm so saddened to hear of his passing. Even in elementary school he was quick witted, mastering chess and quizzing us with all kinds of trivia during free time. He wasn't afraid to be unabashedly himself, and he was able to accomplish a lot by that. He was an amazing friend to me from a young age, and I'll never forget my memories with him. Brafmans, you will be in my prayers during this time. While this news comes far too soon, I know a piece of Zach lives on in everyone he's touched.

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brooke pike uploaded photo(s)

Monday, October 14, 2024

Q: How did you meet Zachary? A: Zachary and I met during high school, I was new in 8th grade and he welcomed me with such big warming smiling. He was such an amazing person. We went to Long Island together for a selected school trip and he taught me so much. he was truly amazing and was always so kind!

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Oliver lit a candle

Monday, October 14, 2024

Zach and I were never close in middle or high school, but I’d be lying if I said he wasn’t one of the smartest and generous people in my grade. I remember seeing some of the pieces of tech he fixed and having some fun conversations about video game related things. I’m very sad to hear of his passing and I hope he rests easy. Thoughts and prayers to the family.

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AnneMarie Farris posted a condolence

Monday, October 14, 2024

Carol- I am so sorry to hear about your son. My heart goes out to your entire family. I will pray for peace for you all! Love, AnneMarie (Bennett) Farris

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Vincenzo Perfetti posted a condolence

Monday, October 14, 2024

I had the pleasure of knowing and working with Zach as a lifeguard in the summer of 2023. Zach was always enthusiastic about working, especially at Yaman Beach. He was always very generous to me and helped teach me the ins and outs of being a lifeguard. Zach was also always available to fix some of the older technology at the beach, and it was like magic seeing things come back to life. I will miss his mentorship and jokes while on the job. He will truly be missed by all. I express my deepest and sincerest condolences to the Brafman family; you will all be in my prayers. Sincerely, Vincenzo Perfetti

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Katie Bardsley posted a condolence

Monday, October 14, 2024

I’ll never forget Zach as a baby, crawling to greet me at the door the first time I went to the Brafman house. I considered him another brother as I was over all the time and he would come try to play with Chelsea and I whenever I was there. He was truly a good sport when we would play “The Kraken” game - pretending The Kraken from Pirates of the Caribbean would get us (and him) and jumping on the couch as fast as we could to get away from it. I think it was a terrifying experience for him but he continued to play with us nevertheless. Seeing him again recently at Chelsea’s wedding was such a gift. His humor and intellect were unmatched. He will be so missed. Sending all my love from Michigan. I am incredibly sorry for this terrible loss. I wish I could be there to honor Zach’s life in person. The whole Brafman family is in my thoughts and prayers. Love, Katie Bardsley

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Dan Devlen posted a condolence

Monday, October 14, 2024

I was so happy for, and a bit jealous of, Zack when he got a photo of himself with William Shatner. Very cool kid.

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Dr Lee & Jane Christoferson posted a condolence

Monday, October 14, 2024

We did not know Zachery, but knowing his parents we are confident he was a kind, caring and very personable young man. We pray for his family and celebrate his life. God bless them. Lee and Jane Christoferson

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A posted a condolence

Monday, October 14, 2024

Those we love don't go away, They walk beside us everyday, Unseen, unheard, but always near, Still loved, still missed and very dear. Love is strongest in the dark. May Zach's family keep his Love always.

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Maria Sokolova posted a condolence

Monday, October 14, 2024

My deepest condolences for your loss. Praying for your family. Ronny Diaz and Andrea Czimmer, mothers. My heart is with your family.

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The family of Zachary Brafman uploaded a photo

Monday, October 14, 2024

In loving memory of

Zachary

2002 - 2024