Brandon Anthony Napiwocki, 25 of Valparaiso, passed away surrounded by his family on Monday, March 25, 2024 due to complications from Propionic Acidemia. He was born on July 9, 1998 in Evansville, IN to Tony and Lisa (Martin) Napiwocki and graduated from Valparaiso High School in 2017.
Brandon had an incredible smile. To know him was to love him. He could be standoffish to people, but you knew you had a friend for life if he gave you one of his signature snorts. Brandon’s life, although short, was full of adventures and excitement. His favorite things were his many trips to Disney World, riding on the toll road, and CHRISTMAS. He enjoyed playing video games, eating Arby’s curly fries, organizing his DVD collection, and watching Disney Movies, Big Bang Theory and Bear in the Big Blue House. The most loved movie Brandon watched over and over and over again was Elf.
Brandon made a big dent in his bucket list. To name a few, he lead the team onto the field at a VHS football game, rode in a fire engine and police car, went up in a hot air balloon, went to the Bears, Cubs and Sox games. His biggest bucket list item was being the Ambassador in the Valparaiso Popcorn Parade. Brandon participated in Porter County Special Olympics. He competed in track & field and swimming but found his passion in bowling, where he bowled on a Saturday League with his team, The Gutter Rats. He also bowled on a Monday Unified League with his dad. Brandon’s last adventure was going to Las Vegas to bowl in a national tournament where he won two medals. Brandon was very loved and will be dearly missed. Our world is a little less bright without him.
Brandon is survived by his parents, Tony and Lisa Napiwocki; brother, Matt Napiwocki; aunts and uncles: Robert (Michele) Martin, Deanne (John) Koonce, and Judy (Frank) Felker; honorary aunts and uncles: Christy (Jim) Lampa and Tracy (Scott) Anderson; best buddies: Shane and Blake; caregiver: Becky; many loving great aunts and uncles, cousins, friends, and Brandon’s Special Olympics friends that loved him so very much. Brandon was preceded in death by his grandparents: Bobby and Jackie Martin, and Chester and Josephine Napiwocki; and cousin, Dax Lampa.
A visitation will be held on Tuesday, April 2, 2024 from 3:00 – 8:00 PM at Moeller Funeral Home, 104 Roosevelt Rd., Valparaiso. A service will be held on Wednesday, April 3, 2024 beginning at 11:00 AM at Moeller Funeral Home. Memorial donations may be made in Brandon’s name to the Propionic Acidemia Foundation, P.O. Box 151, Deerfield, IL so no other child will have to endure what Brandon did.
Brandon was truly a miracle. He fought so hard to stay with us. His doctors were amazed at his resilience. We would like to thank Brandon’s team at Riley Children’s Hospital, doctors: Hainline, Schamberger,and Karp, and their staff for the wonderful care they gave Brandon.
GUESTBOOK
My deepest sympathy in the passing of Brandon Napiwocki. He was such a special person. Heaven has received another angel. May he rest in peace!! -Doris Lavendusky
I am so thankful I got to know Brandon. He was a very bright spot in my life. I was fortunate to be the recipient of his snorts and to be his "Crazy Paula". So very happy to be with him in Vegas and to see him win his medals with his dad. -Paula Myers
I only knew Brandon, from the stories that Tony often shared, with me....Ours was a professional relationship spanning years of effort and good works. From those stories, I saw a few truths: The JOY of Brandon; The Love of his brother and especially the dedicated superhuman efforts of Tony and Lisa, who created POSITIVE, especially as the disease progressed, and darkness tested resolve. Thank you Tony and Lisa and Brandon for your example of dedicated unfailing Perseverance. -Edward Fay
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Brandon. He was a beloved patient of the Metabolism clinic. I feel honored that I was able to care for him. Prayers to your family. -Melissa Lah, MD
Our deepest condolences during this difficult time. We knew Brandon through Matt’s stories and it brought such joy to see him enjoying his Disney trips. Praying for your family and wishing you peace. Much love, -Carolyn and Rob Burkavage
I will never forget seeing Brandon at bowling on Saturdays. He was amazing. He always had that beautiful smile. Lisa & Tony were wonderful parents who gave him everything possible to make his life happy. Heaven has gained another angel! -Joan Dowdle
Our deepest condolences during this difficult time. We knew Brandon through Matt’s stories and it brought such joy to see him enjoying his Disney trips. Praying for your family and wishing you peace.
Much love, -Carolyn and Rob Burkavage
Tony Lisa and Matt, We are so sorry for your loss. Brandon was a beautiful man with the most loving parents. Our greatest memories of Brandon are his “great escapes” running down the street and straight through our front door. He was so much fun and always put a smile our face. We love you all and please know you are in our thoughts. -Klobucar Family
Lisa, Tony, and Matt, please accept our condolences on the loss of your amazing son Brandon. We are out of town or we would be with you today but know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers. Brandon was a joy to know and to be around and his smile was contagious. Thanks to you all he was able to live life to its fullest, he was blessed to have such a wonderful family. Sending much love. -Deb, Jerry & Taylor Wilson
