Published November 29, 2019
MELROSE — Brendan “Melrose” “Woody” Woodworth, 24, of Melrose, died peacefully with family at his side on November 22, 2019.
Brendan is survived by his beloved parents, Alan and Maureen (Kenny), and his cherished sister and best friend, Meghan, all of Melrose. Brendan is also survived by his devoted grandparents, Patrick and Carole Kenny of Everett. He was preceded in death by his grandmother Margaret Woodworth. Brendan’s loving family also included his many aunts and uncles: Sheila, Steve, Diane, and Lyle all of Melrose; Stephen of Bourne; James of Malden; Patrick and Wendy of Hamilton; Jennifer of Surprise, Ariz., as well as many special cousins: Lauren, Kathryne, Nicholas, Caroline, Madison, Kelsey, Liam, Sean, Keith and Emily.
Brendan received a heart transplant at eight weeks of age and because of the kindness and generosity of his donor he brought 24 years of joy to all who knew him. Thanks to the expert care of an amazing and devoted team at Boston Children’s hospital led by Brendan’s admired cardiologist, Leslie Smoot, MD, Brendan lived an accomplished life.
Brendan attended Melrose Public Schools (Horace Mann and Melrose Middle School) and graduated Pope John XXIII High School in Everett, class of 2014. He received a BA degree in Communications and Professional Sales from Plymouth State University, Plymouth, N.H., class of 2018.
Brendan was just getting started in his professional sales career. He was employed at Staples Corporation as a business to business sales associate. He loved the challenge of connecting with prospective clients. He was recently recognized for quarterly quota achievements and was proud to be part of the Staples team.
Brendan’s passion was sports; both playing and spectating. He played youth sports in Melrose including hockey, baseball, and lacrosse. At Pope John, he continued playing varsity hockey and baseball. Brendan was an avid Boston sports fan and was especially devoted to the Red Sox and Bruins. In his quest to visit every MLB park, Brendan visited eight but none compared to his love of Fenway. He was recognized as a Red Sox/Children’s Hospital Shining Star in an on-field ceremony; one of his finest childhood memories.
Brendan traveled extensively with his parents, sister, grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. Family trips included multiple trips to Disney as a boy. More recently Brendan visited St. Thomas, the British Virgin Islands and skiing at Breckinridge, Colarado. With his parents and sister, Brendan celebrated his college graduation with a memory-filled tour of Italy. Brendan’s most cherished vacations were spent on Cape Cod. He loved spending time with family and friends by the ocean.
Brendan lived well and with purpose. He was truly a special and unique young man who had every gift but years. He was fiercely loyal and always a true friend. He was humble and genuine in the way he experienced the world. Being present and connected to family and friends was paramount to Brendan. Brendan’s sense of humor was his greatest gift. You knew by the sparkle in his eye that a mischievous prank or outrageously funny comment was next.
Brendan made our lives richer and our world better. His final gifts were his cornea and skin to enhance the lives of others. In honor of Brendan, please consider registering to be an organ and tissue donor at: donatelifenewengland.org.
Visitation will be held at the Gately Funeral Home, 79 W. Foster St. Melrose on Friday, November 29 from 3 – 7 p.m. A Celebration of Matthew’s life will be held at the Melrose Highlands Congregational Church, 355 Franklin St. Melrose on Saturday, November 30 at 10:30 a.m. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Brendan’s memory to: Boston Children’s Hospital, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston MA 02115 or Make-A-Wish Foundation, 133 Federal Street, Boston, MA 02110.
To send a message of condolence please visit www.gatelyfh.com.
