Brandon Nicholas Totoian

Brandon Nicholas Totoian was born on April 16, 1986 in Fresno, CA to Don and Gerri Totoian. On November 9, 2025 at the young age of 39, Brandon passed away. Brandon always had a smile on his face, brought joy to all who knew him. At 18 months of age, Brandon was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy. He began various types therapy at Exceptional Parents Unlimited to work on speech and motor skills until he was three years of age. He was then able to transition to Special Education schooling at Houghton Kearney Elementary. Brandon enjoyed going to school and was loved by all of his classmates and teachers. He would later continue his schooling and therapy at home until the age of 18.

Every summer Brandon, his parents and sister Stacey would take their annual summer trip to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. He always enjoyed watching all of the excitement on the Boardwalk and riding the famous Merry-go- round. Sometimes there would be a special trip to Monterey to go to the Aquarium, or the family cabin at Shaver Lake. Brandon also enjoyed being spoiled while being cared for by his grandparents when his parents went on vacation.

At age 16 Brandon developed pneumonia, and due to complications during his hospital stay, he had a tracheostomy and feeding tube inserted. After his hospital admission, which was 9 weeks to the day, he was mostly bedridden at home, requiring 24 hour care. Despite all of this, Brandon was very healthy, and rarely became ill. This is largely in part to the endless dedication and devotion of his parents. Brandon was also fortunate to have many wonderful, kind therapists and nurses who cared for him throughout his life. After his father’s passing, his mother Gerri cared for him up until his last breath.

Although Brandon was mostly nonverbal, he had his own special way of communicating. He was always observing and listening. When you talked and engaged him, you would ALWAYS know what he thought about it. And his smile. It would light up the room and burn straight into your heart. His laughter was contagious and would brighten any day. Brandon was the heartbeat of the family.

Brandon was preceded in death by his father, Uncle, and grandparents, and many other beloved family members. He is survived by his mother Gerri Totoian, sister Stacey Rowley, brother-in-law Rand Rowley, and many cousins, aunts and uncles.

"Brandon was exceptionally special, and his memory will live in our hearts forever."

In Lieu of flowers, the family requests a donation in Brandon’s memory to be made to one’s Charity of choice.