Moments
We remember Brandon for the special moments he shared with us.
Share your moments and memories below.
61 entries.
wrote on March 4, 2018
at
10:18 am
I will never forget Brandon for several reasons. Although, he was a really nice easy going pleasant to be around kind of guy, the main reason why he will always have a place in my heart is the fact that the kid had courage. The kind of courage that most of us will never have. He had the courage to embrace life to its fullest. He didn’t seem to care about negative comments, the occasional “ Debbie Downers” and the ones who never embraced their dreams and therefore have the need to say you wouldn’t achieve yours.
Brandon was naturally immune to those kind of people. And I can safely assume that Brandon never lost sleep over the questions of tomorrow. And I can definitely say he never gave a rat’s ass about the stock market, pension, health insurance, Obamacare....instead this kid focused on his family, friends, his passions and dreams. He was free. To the true meaning of the word. And I will always admire his capabilities to live freely so effortlessly. It’s just who he is .... Freedom. Freedom of expression. Freedom to be himself at any time. Any where. Freedom to smile at everyone independently of who the person were. Freedom to love.
While writing these thoughts “ With a
Little Help of My Friends “ by Joe Cocker came on the radio. And if you know the lyrics and Brandon as a friend you will understand why I felt the need to mention the connection.
Brandon’s ability to make friends knew no limitations. I never met someone before with so many “ assorted “ friends like Brandon.
Brandon was just ahead of his time. And for me an inspiration.
“Free as a bird
It's the next best thing to be
Free as a bird”
wrote on March 1, 2018
at
7:26 pm
I think about you everyday Brandon, all the memories we shared as kids upstate, I lived for those moments especially dragging each other on the snowmobiles and always crashing into things I look back at those moments and would trade anything in the world to spend just one more week with you and everyone else upstate. I love and miss you everyday.
Happy birthday?
wrote on March 1, 2018
at
6:59 pm
My last memory of Brandon was at my Grandmothers birthday party. I was so happy to see him since I didnt get to see him that often. I was so impressed by him and the great young man he had become and so handsome!! I was really happy that day because my son Ryan had met him for the first time and thought he was so cool!! Bad ass tattoo, Lol! Miss you bunches Brandon. Sending love and hugs.
wrote on March 1, 2018
at
5:47 pm
I remember the great time Brandon had with his cousins John, Kaitlyn, Kristy, Joey, Melissa, Tammy and Ryan at my mom'S 90th birthday party. Everyone was so happy to see him. Rest peacefully sweet Brandon.
wrote on February 1, 2018
at
11:25 am
Brandon and I have had man memories together but the one that has stood out to me the most was when he competed at his first BJJ tournament. He was so nervous coming into his first match but when he was out there it looked like he was right where he belonged. He had won his first match and that brought him to his final match of the day and where he had won and was able to take home the sword that he was talking about all day. That was one of my most memorable moments with Brandon and i was so happy to be in his corner that day. Miss you everyday Brandon and always thinking of you. Love you Chantelle
wrote on January 9, 2018
at
1:56 pm
21 years old, thought I had it all figured out, didn't really have much going for me other than a mediocre job and a dream to one day make it big somehow. I was always a "go with the flow" kinda guy. A plan was one of the last things I ever thought I needed. I was complacent. Had a decent job, drove a decent car, lived a decent life. I had no direction. That was until one day I decided to step out of my comfort zone and do something that I had always wanted to do; join an MMA gym.
I will never forget the first day I stepped into Strategic. I just walked in, I didn't call ahead. I don't call ahead. I was greeted by, Alfonse, who immediately made me feel like I belonged. He showed me around, I observed a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu class, taught by none other than, Tony Rivera. That is when I first came in contact with Brando. They were rolling, it was the first time I had ever seen such a thing. This scrawny little guy was tossing around much larger guys with ease. I'm allowed to say scrawny because I too fit that description. Once I saw that, I knew I needed to become a part of that. I then became a member of the Strategic family.
Fast forward 6 years and I am still an active member of that same family. I do not use the term "family" lightly. Not by any means. Alfonse, has become a big brother. John, is as close to a father as I'll ever have. Brando, he's my little brother, and always will be. I gained something that can not be attained through any other means from Strategic. I am a completely different person thanks to them. What used to be a lost, young man, is now an accomplished man, with direction, motivation, discipline, and will.
I owe it all to them. It is a debt that I will never be able to repay.
Brando and I had a unique relationship. When I say he was my little brother, he was. We spoke about girls, partying, our future, and our dreams. He definitely withstood his fair share of verbal abuse from me. Took it like a champ and dealt it right back. The laughs we shared will remain with me for a lifetime. Although he was a savage on the mats, he decided to redirect his energy towards a different passion, music. I gave him hell for it. So much so that he decided to make a guest appearance one night, he showed up in a gi, dusty blue belt and all, to try and show me up. I must say that he held his own, if I hadn't remained consistent all that time, I would have been in some trouble. He made sure to let me know that.
I know this is much more than a mere memory, Brandon and his family mean much more to me than just that. A lot of who I am today I can easily attribute to being a part of that family. I am forever grateful for that.
Oss!
wrote on October 16, 2017
at
11:53 am
Ill never forget the times I had with Brandon growing up throughout middle school. We used to always hangout and play some type of sport with everyone either at Truman school or the little league. We lost touch throughout high school but every time I saw him, no matter how long it had been, he would always make sure to see how I was doing. That was one of my favorite things about him. He was a genuine person who cared deeply for the ones he loved and I knew that he always had my back no matter how long I haven't seen or talked to him. Love and miss you brother.
wrote on October 12, 2017
at
8:50 pm
One memory I do have of him is when I saw him at the mall and he made me feel like i knew him since we were kids.His friendly and welcoming nature always had that affect on people.We discussed music and jiu jitsu, he was man of many talents and he will never be forgotten.
wrote on October 12, 2017
at
3:35 pm
"B-Dub" as we called him was one of my best friends when I attended SAE Institute in NY, we rode the train together almost everyday after we met. He always admired the way I produced and he started producing as well and asking me for tips and pointers. I don't know if he ever spoke about G.Carp, but yeah that's me! We became great friends and it was sad to hear about what happened, but I pray that all of his family and friends are doing well and I know he's resting peacefully looking down on us.
wrote on October 12, 2017
at
10:36 am
I had met this pure piece of positive greatness 5 years ago around this time in October. I was coming out of strategic academy when he was standing behind the counter talking to others that were leaving. I remember introducing myself to him and instantly noticing how happy and personal he was . It was an intrinsic light that shined from within him . He and I enjoyed talking about art, music, food and mma. He knew his stuff and was a honest open minded, awesome young man. He had a smile on him that can light the room and he carried a natural charismatic and warm vibe that could be felt by just about everyone. I will always have Brandon in my prayers and I will
Never forget him.
wrote on March 2, 2017
at
10:17 am
If I remember one thing that always stood out to me about Brandon is that smile of his. Always lit up the room. I joined the Strategic family when they first opened their doors and had no idea how blessed my life was about to become by gaining friends that turned into family. I was always impressed by Brandon. For such a young man, he always was respectful and full of joy and kindness for everyone. I never saw him in a bad mood, ever. That is a result of coming from a great foundation of his loving family which I am honored to know. Much love and respect now and always xoxo
wrote on February 28, 2017
at
1:24 pm
I am Honored and Graced to have known you Brandon, as you achieved more in your life, than I will ever achieve in 25 lifetimes. As God As My Witness, you are the only man on this Earth that made me want to be a better son, brother, and friend. I am forever and eternally indebted to you for every and all positive that came between us, and I am honored and extremely proud to tell my sons, one day, I was Brandon's friend.
Your legacy of kindness and benevolence will live on in every person who has stood beside you for a moment. This is more than I can ever, ever, EVER say for myself.
Thank You Brandon,
For Everything,
Love always and forever,
Andrew
wrote on February 21, 2017
at
9:59 pm
I met Brandon around my freshman year at the black path. Was always humble and a funny guy honestly I can't say one bad thing about him. My junior year in my gym period he use to always kick a freestyle and I thought he was talented he never rapped on no bs I really thought he had potential in the music industry and I always told him to pursue it no matter what. The only person I know that I could joke around with all the time he use to call me the white girl magnet lol but I'll never forget that man for as long as I live. Miss you dearly bro and I know you're in a better place now. One love
wrote on January 1, 2017
at
10:46 am
I'll never forget Brandon during my middle school years. He was always respectful and had a very laid back..cool demeanor. I couldn't imagine him being mad at anybody. We hung out a lot with big groups of kids wether it would be at Kyleel's house or at the lunch table. Oh man, I got to finally meet his brother Alfonse the other day and I brought up how I'll never forget the time at Kyleel's house party when they had people dance in the middle of the crowd and Brandon fearlessly went in. Everybody's reaction was like "Aye!!" :'D. He had such confidence and charisma that will forever be in all of our hearts as the kids who grew up with him. I don't recall any vivid memories after middle school of Brandon because we didn't keep in close touch, but whenever I did rarely see him it was all love. He reached out to me a couple years ago to record on one of his beats but unfortunately we never got a chance to collaborate. His musical talent was effortless, and I know his musical input into our community will forever be remembered and will inspire musicians and artists to continue in their craft! For the love of it, just as he did! I hope we all could reflect on the good in this man's life. I do strongly believe in a hope of seeing my fallen old friend again. A quote I use as the basis for that belief is in the book of John where it reads "Those in the grave will hear his call." I send my love and utmost respect out to Brandon's family and anybody who was affected by his passing. Hopefully some day we all could unite together and Brandon will be right there with us. Until then, God bless..and enjoy your lives just like Brandon would want us to!
wrote on December 19, 2016
at
12:29 pm
I met Brandon when he was just a little boy in grammar school. He would come into the real estate office that I worked at with his mom. He was always so polite and upbeat. Throughout all of the years that I had the pleasure of being friends with him and his family I never once saw him in a bad mood. Even throughout his teenage years where most kids would barely give you the time of day he always made a point of taking time to chat for a bit. In those moments he was always excited about something he was working hard at. Whether it was Sports, MMA, Music he put his all into it. The last time I saw Brandon was a great night! We all went to see his Uncle's band Lords of Mercey Play. In a crowd of hundreds with music blasting he still in that moment took time to stop and chat. Looking into his face and how lit up it was during our last conversation is how I will always picture him. Love you always Sweet Boy ???
wrote on November 25, 2016
at
5:46 pm
I met Brandon when he was born, I have been dear friends with his Mother Lori and Father John and family , Brandon always had the best hair the cutest smile and the most adorable laugh like his MOMS. Every year my daughter Lindsey and I would go to Brandons house Christmas, There always was lots of laughs , great food and music and being with my dear friends. The cutest thing I remember is when Brandon was younger and my daughter Lindsey was very young also. There would be delicious Italian cookies on the table with many many other treats. However Brandon , his grandfather Patsy my daughter and myself we always went for the same type of cookie, Brandons Grandfather use to tease and slap our hands lightly because we all wanted the same kind of cookie we all use too laugh so hard, Brandon always was very respectful. , I just will always remember his great smile laugh and how I use to make him laugh with my jokes., As some time slipped by I did not see Brandon for a little bit, However one day I walked into Shop Rite in Sayreville, and saw a from the back a tall , great hair young man in the isle, He turned to the side and I was so happy , but yet surprised how time went by so fast and the young man was our Brandon tall and Handsome and his profile was his handsome Dad Johns. I hugged him so hard and he was always gracious, I asked him what he was doing now , he told me music we talked laughed and I hugged him and again and told him how handsome and proud I am of him always, and loved him always, even though some time has passed by, He was helping his Mother Lori with a list she had given him , He was so cute making sure he got exactly what he needed for her, I called his Mom my dear friend Lori and told her guess who I am in shop rite with , she laughed, we texted back and forth also . The one thing I am so grateful about and the only thing getting me through this terrible nightmare. Is that I saw Brandon.and got to tell him how proud of him I was and how much heand his family meant to me always . The heartbreaking part was less then two weeks later, This horrible horrible news . My heart broke and is still broken. To see people you love so much in this much pain is horrific. I was so touched that Lori told me he came home from shop rite that day and said lovely things about me also, ... I am so sorry it took me this long to write on here not easy however there are so many wonderful things to say about Brandon , It just is very hard, ... I still picture him as that really really cute little boy grown into a gorgeous young man, My heart breaks every day . I go visit with him where he sleeps now. and tell him to keep up the good work giving his family the strength the need, .... I will always love you sweetest Brandon , I will always always have you in my heart, and you know how much I love your family. If we only had a time machine to get you back. I love you and will always be proud of the man you have become but was cut way too short of your dreams and goals you were out to achieve and I know you would have. Lindsey and I love you all very much ..
wrote on November 10, 2016
at
6:47 pm
I remember your highschool graduation party. Your mom and dad were so proud. Such a beautiful young man with his whole life ahead of him. I was so happy to see you at my
Mom's 90h birthday party, every one got to see you. I think of you often and look at your picture every day at work.
wrote on November 6, 2016
at
10:13 pm
I first met Brandon Narleski about five years ago when I joined Strategic Academy, a mixed martial arts and gym training center. He was probably in his early teens. I remembered always seeing him at the gym whenever I came to train at Strategic and have also trained with him. Brandon was deeply involved with mixed martial arts and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. He was very disciplined and dedicated to his craft. It wasn't until more than half a year later that I found out Brandon was the son of John Narleski, owner of Strategic. Brandon trained hard and was humble. He never sought special treatment.
Watching Brandon grow up during those five years, one thing that stood out was Brandon's smile. Despite being a teenager, Brandon always had a smile on his face, always had a positive outlook, and loved life. He loved to train martial arts, was passionate about music (his favorite saying was "I don't make beats, I make music"), and had a great network of friends and family.
Brandon enjoyed living, and also brought joy to those around him - his friends, his coaches, his family, his peers, his superiors - with his kindness, positivity and that infectious smile. He is sorely missed.
wrote on October 19, 2016
at
7:22 pm
I remember Brandon as a small child. A force of personality when he entered a room. He would enter with a ball of energy followed by a boyish raspy voice that could not be mistaken for anyone else's. He was such a boy's boy. Always laughing. Loving his drums. Running here and there and stopping ever so often to catch his breath. He had alot of energy.You could tell he was a fast thinker because he would run in, stop, catch his breathe and then speak. And would come up with a funny question or comment that would put a smile on everyone's face. As a child he played baseball. I could picture him wearing his baseball uniform and playing on the field. Asking "Brother" to watch him.
Brandon loved his family. And as a child, he always had time with Starr and Chyna. They would play as kids for hours, filling the room with their childish joy and laughter that you could hear from the other room. They were always together as kids. And his mom would always have an outing planned for all three of them, always together, going places especially during their summers. And she would always make it a priority to create those memories for Brandon, Starr and Chyna.
Brandon was very thoughtful with a charming sensitive side and loved his parents greatly. It would show on his face, how he looked up to his dad with alot of admiration and respect. When I'd come to visit he would always want to go wherever his dad was going. You could tell they had a strong loving father-son relationship. One time, he even saved some money to buy his parents a gift, an old boom box so they can listen to music together.
Brandon was beautiful child. A reflection of his heart loving family. Rest In Peace Brandon.
wrote on July 14, 2016
at
7:42 am
I haven't gotten the chance to meet Brandon but from what I have read Brandon is a special multi talented person may god bless you