Brendan Edmond Ridgeway

Brendan Edmond Ridgeway, 26, of Holly Springs, NC was called to celebrate the birthday of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in Heaven on December 24, 2023. He started the day with a beautiful Christmas Mass with his family before being called to Our Father’s home later that day. He was born to, cared for, and survived by his loving parents Ron and Diane Ridgeway of Holly Springs, NC along with his two brothers, Ian, a Sergeant in the US Army, and Kyle, an Officer in the Army National Guard of North Carolina.

Brendan donated his heart values, tissue, and skin graphs for burn victims. Brendan was a brain implant patient of UNC Neurology. His implant along with his entire brain was donated to UNC Neurosciences for Research to help others with Epilepsy. Brendan absolutely loved his Neurologist and her team.

Brendan was born and raised in New Milford, CT. He was non-verbal and diagnosed with Autism. He enjoyed playing baseball with the New Milford Special Olympics. He earned 9 medals including one gold and numerous ribbons competing with the Connecticut Special Olympics. He ran with the NMHS track team and the annual Torch Run with the NM Police. He had many wonderful teachers and therapists whom he loved and they loved him giving so much to support, guide and teach him.

At Holly Springs High School, Learn With The Best and Benefit Therapy Services, he again had wonderful teachers and therapists whom he loved so much and they loved him giving so much to support, guide and teach him. He enjoyed participating in NC Special Olympics events with his classmates earning additional ribbons.

Sadly, in 2015 he was diagnosed with Epilepsy and suffered weekly seizures, but our wonderful Holly Springs EMT’s, Police and Firefighters who responded each time became his friends and brought joy to his life.

Brendan enjoyed playing baseball with his friends and amazing coaches on the Miracle League of the Triangle Pirates Team.

At home, he would skip around the house listening to music which was such fun to see him happy as he suffered often. He enjoyed coloring, watching movies on his Kindle, family walks through the neighborhood, Durham Bulls games, and ocean waves on the Outer Banks.

Dad was his number one. He went out of his way on nights and weekends to be with his Dad and do their own special routines together. The last video on his kindle is Little Critters “Just Me and My Dad”. ❤️

Brendan was such a gift and we are forever thankful to God for the time we had with him.

In lieu of flowers people can make a memorial donation in Brendan's name to the Miracle League of the Triangle

https://www.mygiving.net/donate/Main-Donation-Page

All are invited to honor Brendan at his Mass on January 6, 2024 at 10 am at Holy Name of Jesus Cathedral, 715 Nazareth Street, Raleigh, NC 27606.