Kelvin M. VanBramer

Kelvin M. VanBramer was born on August 12th, 1959 to the late Florence M. LaMere VanBramer in Albany, NY. He was one of many children and maintained closer relationships with his siblings, Florence, Buddy, Becky, Carol, and Rob into adulthood. He took his role seriously as an older brother and did his best to offer space and support to his family as he could. 

Kelvin moved around a lot as a child. In his travels, he settled with his late aunt and uncle, Sally and Percy "Butch" Shell prior to meeting the absolute love of his life, Lisa M. Colombe VanBramer. After 4 years of courting, they tied the knot and offered a sanctuary for each other's hearts to grow and heal from a lifetime of trials and tribulations. 7 years later, they gave birth to their "miracle" child, Alysabeth - Alyssa. They went on to raise Alyssa with Kelvin's late uncle and best friend, Larry L. LaMere and Lisa's sister, Elaine F. LaMere, in their home of many years in Schenectady, NY. Kelvin and Larry worked multiple jobs together and truly enjoyed each other's company until his passing in 2020.

Kelvin was a playful "child at heart" with a contagious smile and a constant joke to be told. He offered a steady hand of support to his family for most of his adult life. During that time, he worked for almost 40 years at Ellis Hospital, playing many roles in the Environmental Services Department, as well as after hours at St. John the Evangelist School until his daughter went to college. He prided himself in his work, as well as his ability to give his daughter a childhood he didn't have by working multiple jobs, and loved to shower those he cared for with little gifts, laughs, and stories of the ups and downs that life has to offer. Prior to these occupations, Kelvin enjoyed working in the kitchen and carried that passion into his home life. He was always excited to share his cooking skills with his loved ones. 

Throughout his life, Kelvin enjoyed bowling with family and friends, earning his first degree black belt in Okinawan Karate, listening to country and R&B music, and soaking in the simple pleasures in life - like eating candy and fresh baked cookies, playing with his daughter and granddaughter, and watching game shows and Project Runway with his wife. He always had a smile on his face, offered a shoulder to cry on, and held even the most hard of hearing ears out to listen to whomever needed his support. He was a family man and a popular as the mayor in any job he worked. With his very little free time, Kelvin enjoyed watching action and martial arts movies, anything with dragons, Buddha, tigers, and wolves, going to the arcade, and playing fighting video games. He enjoyed sitting on his balcony or in nature and just soaking in the world around him. 

Kelvin retired in 2021 after working through the height of COVID, right before he helped his daughter give birth to his only grandchild, Emileigh. Emi was the light that Kelvin didn't know he needed. Always keeping him on his toes, he relished the joy she brought into his life. Rather than spending his days on a warm beach in Guam, upon retirement, Kelvin willingly took on the role of a hands on "Papa" to his granddaughter, and became primary devoted caregiver for his wife after lifelong illnesses.  

Of all of his attributes, Kelvin's love and loyalty were of the utmost importance to him and those around him. He took his caregiving roles very seriously, until his final days, when he passed the torch on to his children and other beloved caregivers. While uncomfortable and painful, the last few months of Kelvin's life offered him an opportunity to find comfort with receiving the love and care that he so freely gave to others. He developed a close relationship with his new son in law, Scott Roberts, and truly "adopted" him as his own son and close friend. None of the successes his family found over the last few months could've been possible without Scott's selflessness, and community supports donating to his cause. 

Kelvin died at home, surrounded by his immediate family on August 4th, 2024 in Clifton Park, NY after a painful battle with pancreatic cancer. He is survived by his wife, Lisa, his daughter, Alyssa, his son in law, Scott, his granddaughter, Emi, and his bonus grandson, Kaiden, as well as many brothers and sisters, aunts (Grace French, Annie LaMere and Violet Clark), nieces and nephews (Joee Daley, Dustin Bromback, and Unique Davis), and beloved cousins - including Billy Shell, Tom French, Steven LaMere, Arthur Coogan, and Chad Darwesh. His wife's cousins Sandy Kesting and John Pivacek held a dear space in his heart as well. 

He left behind friends at Schaeffer Heights Senior Apartments in Schenectady and many beloved colleagues at Ellis Hospital and St. John the Evangelist School. Kelvin loved figuratively adopting his daughter's friends, especially Courtney Shickle, Jordyn Albee, and Hailee Albee-Tisdale. He was preceased by his uncles Larry, Roger and Fred LaMere & Butch Shell, his aunts Sally Shell and Ann LaMere, his sister Florence Davis, and his close friend Marguerite, who gifted him his beloved cat, Spirit, who was by his side until his final moments.

In lieu of flowers, his family is asking for donations to continue funding hands on care for his wife to prevent her from entering a nursing home. Donations can be submitted via PayPal using the email Avanbramer89@gmail.com or via Venmo @Alysabeth-VanBramer.

We will be holding a non-denominational service at the memorial to honor his multiple spiritual beliefs as well as celebrating his life on his 65th birthday at New Comer Cremations and Funerals at 343 New Karner Rd in Colonie. Please bring an open and playful heart and memories to share with the family about their beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend.