“Hi everyone – my family and I want to thank you all so much for your love, thoughts and prayers. It is with great sadness to say that Braden is no longer with us. We would appreciate your continued prayers, support, and privacy as we navigate this tremendous loss during this time. Thank you all so much and God Bless,” the message from the family read .
We lost a great musician and a caring person. Here’s all you need to know about Braden Pontoli’s demise. Pontoli’s loss was mourned by many online. “On my first day as a student at Baldwin Wallace Conservatory, Braden Pontoli took me to dinner and invited me to hang out before choir callbacks. I will NEVER forget these two above-and-beyond displays of kindness in moments when I really needed them. I’m sharing a link to some of Braden’s original music and would encourage anyone to check out his work,” one shared . Ella Hanley and I are grateful we have this amazing memory of such a special time with Braden Pontoli. We were so blessed to have you at Avon Lake Learwood Middle School. All three choirs begging you to sing the high notes at the end, and you literally brought the house down when you surprised them by complying! “Your energy and zest for all forms of music was infectious! Your AL choirs were so large the fire marshal made you separate concerts on different evenings at the PAC. We could sit and listen to you sing and play the piano all day. It was more than your profession or your calling – it was an incredible gift to anyone lucky enough to listen. You went over and beyond sharing your gift. And now your voice will forever be with us. You were such a special person Braden!
During my first week in Pittsburgh after I moved in 2015, he drove me around and answered all my questions about his hometown. Years later – it was such a blessing that you offered voice instruction across the country over the pandemic, invited us into your parent’s home, and gave a very depressed and defeated 16 year-old girl (who tore her ACL) the best birthday present – a day in the recording studio with you!!
Another added “We’ve been saying for days we are “sick to our stomach” that you were missing but we never imagined this!! We will never forget your last concert with the Men’s Choir singing “Africa” by Toto. We are heartbroken beyond words and just can’t process that you are gone,” they also said.
Pontoli’s partner had earlier shared that the music artist had disappeared after going for an in-person interview near Broadway Avenue and 4th Street around 10am on Tuesday.
