Brandon J. Taft

Taft, Brandon J. Age 26, of Elmira, NY, passed away very unexpected on Tuesday, October 31, 2023. He was born on August 7, 1997 in Elmira, NY to Jodi Austin and James Taft. Brandon graduated from Elmira Free Academy with high honors and was goalie for the EFA Lacrosse team. He completed the Criminal Justice Program at BOCES. Brandon was a veteran of the US Marine Corps in which he was honored to serve alongside his Marine Brothers. He was employed by Isaac Heating & Air Conditioning. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and target shooting. He was a very caring and compassionate person who always like to help others and enjoyed spending time with his family. Brandon is survived by his parents Jodi Austin and James (Wendy Cota) Taft; brothers, Alan (Carrie) Curkendall and Anthony Curkendall; sister, Tammy Scheffert; half-brothers, Sean Cota, Tyler Cota, Jordan Taft, Jayden Cota and Jeremiah Taft; half-sisters, Amber Cota, Meaghan Cota and Sara Taft; grandmother, Judy Granick; along with several aunts, uncles, cousins and many nieces, nephews. Family and friends are invited to call on Tuesday, November 7th from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm at the James D. Barrett Funeral Home. Funeral services will take place there at 1:30 pm with Pastor Jeff Redner officiating. Interment will follow in Maple Grove Cemetery with full military honors. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Brandon’s name can be made to the Wounded Warrior Project. A celebration of life will take place following the interment service.