Obituary of Branden W. Merrick

Branden W. Merrick, 28, left this world to grace Heaven on January 27, 2016. He was born on March 3, 1987 growing up in Groveland NY, where he learned his love of the outdoors; hunting, camping, snowboarding, riding four wheelers and the simple pleasures of family and friends around a campfire. He graduated from Geneseo Central School in 2005, where he played football, wrestled and was chosen to participate in Natural Helpers, a peer program hosted by the school because of his friendly outgoing personality. He attended Alfred State College, and graduated from Monroe Community College with a degree in criminal justice. He proudly served as a corrections officer for the Livingston County Sheriff's Department where he met the love of his life, Carrie N. Sawdey Merrick. They married on September 10, 2011 and she sorrowfully predeceased him in 2014. Branden and Carrie leave behind their beautiful daughter, Hadley Grace Merrick, age 2, to love, share memories and to remind us that God's love is eternal. Branden was currently employed by the Town of Geneseo Highway Department. He was an exceptional person; kind and hardworking, with a gentle heart and magnificent spirit. He lived his life, and fought his disease, with unending strength, courage, hope, dignity and gratitude for every kindness extended to him. He is survived by his parents, Todd and Camille Merrick of Geneseo, his brother, Kevin of Conesus, and his mother, Michelle (Rick) White of Ithaca. Branden was blessed with a special group of individuals who provided him with friendship and care during his most difficult days, including, special aunts and uncles; Roxanne and Bob Loomis of Groveland, Glynda and Brad Valentine of Geneseo, his cousins and friends, Bowen and Rachel Loomis, Cory and Jason Valentine, Erwin Bugbee, Jimmy and Rachel Merrick, Amanda Schultz, Paul Ricotta, Mike and Krista Simpson, Kathy Root, and his best friends and guardians to his daughter, Steven and Jessica Coyne. Branden is also survived by his paternal grandfather, William Merrick and his maternal grandmother, Dorothy Pontillo. He was predeceased by his paternal grandmother, Dona Merrick, and his maternal grandfather, Michael Pontillo. He is additionally survived by many other aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, and a community both near and far that provided enormous support and generosity for which his family will be forever grateful. We, as a family, will always be changed by the outpouring of love, support and generosity from the Livingston County family we are proudly members of, including our individual friends and co-workers, and by those unknown to us, who were touched by the story of our Branden, and helped just because they were good people. Branden, nor we, ever fought alone. God Bless each and every one of you. Friends may call Friday, January 29, 2016 from 4-8 PM at the Rector Hicks Funeral Home, 111 Main St. in Geneseo. Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, January 30, 2016 at 10 am at St. Mary's Church, 4 Avon Rd. in Geneseo. Burial at St Mary's Cemetery in Geneseo will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Livingston County Hospice, 2 Murray Hill Dr., Mt. Morris, NY 14510 or Wings Flights of Hope, PO Box 872, Orchard Park, NY 14127.