**UPDATED 12/23/2011**
"Brian was never able to recover
from his deep sadness over the death of his brother Alex..."
Brother of Fallen Marine Takes His Life Due to Complicated Grief
Roslindale,
MA - This week, the Foley and Arredondo
families lost their 24 year old son Brian. Brian Arredondo tragically
took his own life on Monday,
December 19th in Norwood, MA.
The
holidays can be stressful for those who have lost loved ones and face
an empty chair at their dinner table. As most families prepare for the
holidays, the Foley and Arredondo families are making Brian's funeral
arrangements. Victoria Foley, mother to both Brian and Alex, must face
the holidays with her youngest and surviving son Nathan and then funeral
services soon afterwards.
The end of the Iraqi war and the return of U.S. troops marked the end
of everyday worry for the families of those serving. Unfortunately for
the families who lost loved ones in that war, it did not bring an end
to their grief and suffering. Their loved ones would never return.
This was the case for the Arredondo and Foley families. Brian was never
able to recover from his deep sadness over the death of his brother
Alex, a condition called complicated grief.
Alex
Arredondo was killed in military action in Iraq August of 2004. He
left behind his parents, his brothers Brian and Nathan,
extended family and friends. His father Carlos and stepmother Mélida
drew strength and tried to make sense from their loss. Their tireless
devotion called attention to the cost of war that includes the loss of
human life and grieving families. Brian also supported and participated
with Carlos and Mélida on this work.
Since Alex's death, the biggest concern for the Arredondo and Foley
families has been their son Brian who was in a deep depression and
struggling. Now, all who knew Brian must come to terms that despite the
time, concern, interventions and love that was shared, it was not
enough
to save him.
Wake information - Mann and Rodgers Funeral Home
44 Perkins
Street
Jamaica Plain, MA 02130
Calling Hours 4 - 9
Tuesday, December 27,
2011
Funeral Mass - St. Thomas Aquinas Parish
97 South Street
Jamaica Plain, MA 02130
10 a.m., Wednesday, December 28, 2011
The
funeral mass will be followed by a procession and internment at Rural
Cemetery at intersection of Pemberton and North Street, Walpole, MA.
Brian will be laid to rest next to his brother Alexander.
In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to aid with
funeral
expenses to the
Brian Arredondo Memorial Fund, c/o The Cooperative Bank,
40 Belgrade Avenue, Roslindale, Ma 02131.
*****
**UPDATED 12/21/2011**
Message from Melida Arredondo:
Please let all of the folks who came to last night's vigil for
Brian that it meant so much to Carlos and me to see them there.
Wake information - Mann and Rodgers Funeral Home
44 Perkins Street
Jamaica Plain, MA 02130
Calling Hours 4 - 9
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Funeral Mass - St. Thomas Aquinas Parish
97 South Street
Jamaica Plain, MA 02130
10 a.m., Wednesday, December 28, 2011
The funeral mass will be followed by a procession and internment at
Rural Cemetery at intersection of Pemberton and North Street, Walpole,
MA. Brian will be laid to rest next to his brother Alexader.
*****
Yesterday, the day chosen by the Obama administration as the official end of the Iraq War, Brian Arredondo took his own life. His older brother, Alex, who "always wanted to be a Marine" was killed during his second combat tour, in Najaf, Iraq, on August 25, 2004, the day of his father's 44th birthday.
Alex and Brian Arredondo, October 2003
To contribute to a fund to defray expenses of Brian's funeral:
Brian Arredondo Memorial Fund
C/O Cooperative Bank
40 Belgrade Ave
Roslindale,MA 02131
To send a card or letter to Melida and Carlos:
11 Seymour St
Roslindale MA 02131