AMHERST, MA.-Brendan James Schmitt died peacefully on January 21st, 2023, from complications related to Congenital Disorder of Glycosylation. He was 38 years old, having happily celebrated his birthday on January 12^th. He was surrounded by his loving family and the wonderful team at Cooley Dickinson Hospital throughout his last days.

Brendan (“B”) faced physical and cognitive challenges from a very early age, but everyone who knew him will recall that he lived a life of pure enthusiasm and joy. He graduated from Amherst Regional High School in 2007, where he worked as a morning cafe cashier, participated in the Best Buddies Program, and was the unofficial hallway greeter. From 2007 until 2022 he attended the program at Riverside Industries, where he developed many new friendships and connections.

B loved dancing at UMass ice hockey games, listening to the Beatles and Stevie Wonder, hugs (from anyone and everyone), and re-watching Disney movies and anything by Jim Henson. Some of his best memories include swimming at Cape Cod, cheering at his siblings’ games, hearing his brother-in-law play guitar, going to movies and eating buttered popcorn (one kernel at a time), and wheeling himself up to every possible social event. Despite his communication differences, he always knew how to express his affection for the people around him, to tell a good joke, and to celebrate holidays with his families. He quickly endeared people to him, from his dedicated teachers to his beloved personal care attendants, loyal friends and classmates, new family members, and even the patient wait staff at his favorite restaurants. B treated everyone like he was thrilled to be around them, whether they were a stranger or a well-known buddy.  

Brendan  is survived by his parents, Tim and Kacey, his siblings Timmy and Colleen, his sister-in-law Geneva, brother-in-law Tim, and his nieces and nephew, Lily, Ramona, and Cameron. He also dearly loved his incredible shared living family, Rosangela Marques and her children Keidy and Kelly, mother Esther, sister Neusa, husband Filomeno, and their beautiful extended family.

The Schmitt Family will celebrate Brendan’s life with a service at St. Brigid’s Parish at 122 North Pleasant Street, Amherst MA, 01004 on Thursday, January 26th at 3:00pm. They invite friends and loved ones to join them for the service and a reception to follow next door in the Parish Hall. Please dress colorfully to reflect Brendan’s bright spirit.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to “B’s Second Family” GoFundMe at https://gofund.me/5eabd14d.