Add a Memory
Send Flowers
Make a Donation
Ronald Brandhorst-Gamboa
Ronald Brandhorst-Gamboa
Obituary
Guest Book
Ronald Brandhorst-Gamboa Obituary
Paid Notice published in THE BOSTON GLOBE on September 30, 2001.
Proud Adoptive Parents
Daniel Brandhorst and Ronald Gamboa changed their flight plans so they could return to Los Angeles from Boston on Sept. 11 with their son, David Gamboa-Brandhorst, on United Airlines Flight 175.
Mr. Brandhorst, 41, was an accountant for PricewaterhouseCoopers in Los Angeles and Mr. Gamboa, 33, was the manager of a Gap store in Santa Monica. David, 3, who was named for Daniel's brother, was adopted in 1998. He had, said Donato Tramuto, the friend they had visited in Maine over the weekend, "the spirit of Ron and the intellectual curiosity of Daniel."
Mr. Brandhorst and Mr. Gamboa had been introduced at a party 13 years earlier. Mr. Gamboa was the lighter side of the two. "He could make a rainy day look happy," Mr. Tramuto said. David Brandhorst, Daniel's brother, said "Ron was the other side that kept Dan civil."
In 1996, Mr. Brandhorst and Mr. Gamboa moved to Los Angeles, when Mr. Gamboa became a troubleshooting manager at the Gap and Mr. Brandhorst got on the road to his partnership at PricewaterhouseCoopers. David arrived in 1998, with Mr. Brandhorst and Mr. Gamboa there at his birth. Mr. Brandhorst, said Scott Pisani, a senior consultant at PricewaterhouseCoopers in Los Angeles, "was very intense and focused at work." But with the arrival of David, "he made a tremendous amount of time for his family," including taking his son to work with him.
Few people on the work side knew about Mr. Brandhorst's family. "My brother led two lives," David Brandhorst said. "A private personal life and a business life."
Mr. Tramuto said that Mr. Brandhorst himself was "very skeptical about what this lifestyle meant." But after years together with Mr. Gamboa and their success as parents, Mr. Tramuto said, "I told him that `you and Ron have convinced me that two men can really raise a child.' " The proud parents, Mr. Tramuto added, had planned to adopt another child.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Philip Smith
September 12, 2023
I bet you were the coolest tatay. ❤
June 18, 2021
Even though I never met you, I keep you in my thoughts especially with Dan and David as the 3 are one of those families that people have never forgotten since the dreadful attacks, RIP.
Kathy
September 10, 2019
Never Forgotten!
August 28, 2019
In memory of Flight 175 passenger Ronald. His passing was not in vain.
How you can show support
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Melissa Blue
September 23, 2014
For Daniel & Ron & their son David who are all together in Heaven now and at peace with God.
Barbara Boam
May 28, 2014
I walked a mile for you (mile #301) on 5/25/14 as a dedication to your life.
Sergio Pelaez
July 19, 2013
Hey Ron... its been a while since i wrote you here, but today out of no where i stated thinking about you.. maybe you just decided to stop by for a visit.. Well thanks, everything is fine on my end, as you may know i follow your advise and i am working on what i love.. thank your for that. Also i have traveled as you suggested (ITALY) and you were right its great. I miss you, and thank you for stoping by.. say hello to David.. for me please.
Sophia
January 20, 2013
You touched my heart today
Peggy Childers
September 11, 2010
To the family of Ronald Brandhorst-Gamboa:
Ronald gave the ultimate sacrifice and will be held in the hearts of Americans forever. I cannot and will not let our heroes of September 11 be forgotten. My deepest sympathy to you.
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org
Dawn
September 11, 2010
Miss you Ron!
Sergio Pelaez
April 12, 2009
As a coworker of Ron, I can say that he is a great man. Every time he would come in to work he will light up the room. No matter how difficult the times were at work, he would always bring up a smile to my face. I miss him, but I know that he is up in heaven still telling me to make sure I always do my best in everything I do, now matter what it is. I think that Ron would like us to forgive but now forget his legacy, to live our lives to the fullest and be truth to ourselves as he did.
I think about Ron all the times, and pray to god that him, Daniel and David are together as they were here and earth. God bless his family...
Craig
September 12, 2008
I think about Ron & Dan and little David all the time. You are missed, but never forgotten.
Doug Flynn
September 11, 2008
Never Forgotten, only sadness in what could have been.
Just another sad American
September 11, 2008
Your loss will never be overcome; you will never be forgotten.
Bobby
September 11, 2008
Ron,
Another year passes by, and we still miss you. So many memories, but not enough. Your nephews are doing great. We will always think of you and David.
Justin Jones
February 21, 2008
My heart is with their family, It is a trajedy that the family was together only for a short while.
samantha schilling
December 3, 2007
I'm so very sorry to see that this young 3 or whatever year old boy lost his life at such a young age. I'm 13, & I always thought about how scary it would be to lose my life at such a young age, but now I have realized It must be pretty scary.
My Deepest Sympothies
may god give peace to this dear child & his two fathers.
Jenni Herndon
September 11, 2007
Even though I didn't know these fine young men and their wonderful son, I want the families to know that I will always keep you in my heart and prayers. I am so sorry for your loss. As Americans we all share the heartbreak and will remember these fine people forever.
I wanted to leave a memorable note specifically for my hometown!!
P Tabbernor
June 10, 2007
In memory....
Michael Saccone
March 21, 2007
Ron
where do I begin, you did so much for me when we lived in NYC getting me the job at Gap, showing me so much about life. I remember the last time I saw you we were both in LA and we met for coffee you showed up in your new car with a baby seat in the back and I questioned it, that is when you took me to meet David he was sound asleep in his crib, he was so beautiful and such the angel. You told me all about yours and Dan's future plans and then we parted and never talked again I dont know why but I so regret it. I miss you and all the fun we had together. I will always remember the 3 of you and will never let you out of my heart.
ALL MY LOVE
Michael
lorraine ronalds
January 9, 2007
my deepest sympathy and regrets
Kristine
October 25, 2006
As I cross-stitched your name on the memorial that I am doing for all of the victims, I prayed for you and your family. Please know that your death was not in vain. We will always remember. God Bless.
Dawn Sproules
September 22, 2006
God Bless this special family.God has a a special place for these three smiling faces.My sincere sympathy to the Gamboa family.Your in my prayers
Joe Rotter
September 12, 2006
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
Bobby
September 12, 2006
Much love from your "Brother" and your 3 nephews. We miss you very much. There are not enough words.
Shannon Herrlinger
September 11, 2006
Remembering this day and praying for you and your family. God Bless.
Mike, Ron, Joe, John, Jeff & Julia
September 11, 2006
Ron,
We think of you often and miss you. This anniversary is bringing back a flood of memories. John and Joe are 8 now and their only memory of David, you and Dan, are the stories we tell them and the few pictures we have. We talk about your humor, which was such a vibrant trait that always brought laughter and smiles. We talk about Disneyland, Mammoth, St Victor's, eating out and the numerous afternoons or evenings at your home or ours. We talk about you casually preparing for the many impromtu meals with friends (I am still amazed at how you could entertain so effortlessly). You and Dan seemed to bring people together and everyone felt like you both were their best friends. We talk about Jeff, now almost 7, crying all the way home from your New Year's Eve gathering. We talk about last seeing you at John and Joe's Birthday party in late August 2001. We remember you and Dan holding Julia, who was less than a month old, and how you were hoping your next child would be a girl. You were excited about shopping for clothes for Julia. We thought there were going to be so, so many more fun times as our children grew up together. We miss you and all pray for you and your family every night. Thank you for being our friend and for sharing your life with us.
Ellie Utada
September 2, 2006
There is not one day that I do not think of you three.
Everyone misses you.
shirley edwards
February 14, 2006
RON YOU AND DAN WILL ALWAYS BE IN MY HEART. THAT WAS A BEAUTIFUL THING THE BOTH OF YOU DID ADOPTING THAT LITTLE FELLOW HE IS SO CUTE. I HAVEN'T SPOKEN TO YOU IN A WHILE BUT I WAS SADLY HURT TO FIND OUT ABOUT YOU AND YOUR FAMILY I REMEMBER THE DAYS WE ALL WORKED AT BAUER TOGETHER IT WAS ALWAYS A PLEASURE TO COME TO WORK KNOWING I'LL SEE YOUR HAPPY FACE AND TO HEAR YOUR CORNY JOKES (SMILE) THING'S HAVEN'T CHANGED BETWEEN US . RON ALL I'M SAYING IS I LOVE YOU AND YOUR FAMILY AND I KNOW WE WILL MEET AGAIN.
Anne D.
April 28, 2005
It feels so strange to be so close to someone i have never met.
I realise how fragile life is.
It is hard to find the right words.
Just remember that someone in Holland is thinking about you tonight.
I send love to all of you who knew them. Anne D.
T Z
January 25, 2005
May your sweet little family rest in peace always. May God be with you and your families.
Martin Guise
July 22, 2004
Of all the victims of the tragic events on sept. 11th 2001, the image of this little family is one that has lingered with me always. I can not express how injust and unfair it is that this little family didn´t have the oppotunity to grow, florish and have more wonderfull experiences together. You are all three in my thoughts often and I hope heaven really is a better place. I think it is. Now it is up to us to make this world a better place too. With admiration and prayer - Martin, Copenhagen, July 2004
Jason Mackey
January 29, 2004
Ron, I will never forget working with you, the conversations we had, the shotgun wedding present you gave me, and your one of a kind personality. I think of you often. I will always remember you for what you were most proud of which was being a great dad.
JM GAP SM,CA
Bobby Malubay
September 30, 2003
Oh Ron,
We miss you so much. It's hard for me to put into words what an absence there is now that you are gone. Rachel and I have the fortune of having another boy, your nephew, Noah Ronald. I promise you will live on. Nathaniel, has been growing up and reminds everyone of you when you were a baby. Your mom and dad really see you in him. We see you everywhere. Nicolas is always asking about you and David. Neiman is up there in heaven, too, can you look out for him every now and then?
Things have changed so much, Rachel and I bought a new house. I think you'd like it. I hope you heard the toast I gave during your mom and dad's anniversary party(I promise I'll take care of your parents while you are away). It was in the same room you gave your most excellent toast to Rachel and me. I saw the bench that Dan and I sat on while we had our long talk that night of our wedding. So many memories, I'm sorry about some of the things that are happening now, but I know it is what you and Dan would want.
Love your brother,
Bobby
Vickie
September 11, 2003
Our paths would probably never have crossed. But the courage of your decisions and love for one another shines boldly in each countenance.
Pat Rodriguez
September 11, 2003
Our community mourns the loss of a loving, Gay family. We could have known you, it's like we do. You will never be forgotten. I guess it's best that you were all together, although we wish you had never gone.
Pat, Maggie, Ray
Julie
September 11, 2003
God Bless you and your families. May God hold you and keep you.
Mike Rembold
September 11, 2003
Ronald,
I think of all of you often. You are truly missed. I cherish the memories I have of times we have shared. You and your family are in my prayers.
Love,
Mike
Ray
September 11, 2003
May your death not be in vain. May the day come when peace is the norm and we worry not about a tragedy of this magnitude again.
You, your partner and son will not be forgotten.
Adriana Favila
September 11, 2003
Ron,the Gap just don't make'em like you anymore.I will miss all the jokes the laughs and most of all everything thing David did the night before or that morning that was so cute!I remeber the long drive from San Pedro to Santa Monica
on the 405N.I would leave 1 hour before my shift so I could get to work on time,if you live in Los Angeles you know the 405!I would be so streesed by the time I got to work,and then thier was Ron! As happy as can be,the minute I would see him he would make some kind of joke that would just break the ice and would make me forget about the 405.I could honestly say it was worth the drive.I enjoyed being one of his Assistants and knowing such a person with a good heart.
May you all rest in peace!
God Bless all of us.
Richard Giaquinto
September 11, 2003
Two years later and the shock and disbelief remain.
Ron worked for the Gap as a store manager here in N.Y. and I had the pleasure to interact with him on several occasions. Although Ron was only an acquaintance, I do distinctly remember his perpetual smile and positive outlook.
He is in a better place and will have a lasting impact on many lives long after the events of 9/11.
BARBARA PERKINS
December 26, 2002
MY DEEPEST CONDOLENCSE AND MAY YOU REST IN PEACE
Yvette Barboza
December 5, 2002
My heart goes out to these three beautiful people. What an incredible story... two dads raising a little boy! I currently work for the newly developed government agency, TSA, and every day when I arrive to work, I remember "why" I am there. I don't think of the terrorists, however I remember all the people who were affected and I do my very best at my job every day, every minute in memory of everyone who lost their lives. I wear my TSA lapel pin everyday which displays the 9/11 symbolic message in memory of all who perished. God bless Ron, Dan and David.
Nancy Neumeier
October 8, 2002
It's hard knowing that all 3 of these people died. The little boy looks so happy being with them. This hits close to home since I have a 2 1/2 year old son and a 1 year old daughter. Please God, May they rest in peace.
Robert Alex Tacorda
September 16, 2002
I have been sadend by the lost of this couple. I have been reading alot about this couple. I am gay myself and I have a bf and it makes me sad to see this beautiful couple lose there lives to terorism. God Bless you and your loved ones. YOu guys are in my heart!
Robert
RONALD MIDDLEBROOKS Jr.
September 13, 2002
I am really not sure what to say, but I am so sorry for this tragic loss. may you continue to smile above as mush as you have done down here. May god continue to protect your family that you have left behind. I send my prayers to your and your family hoping for a healthy recovery during their ongoing years.
Ray
September 12, 2002
You and Dan were shining examples for our community. May you all rest in peace. You will not be forgotten.
Krista
September 11, 2002
God Bless you and your family. Be at peace.
jim courville
September 9, 2002
I am a Theology teacher at Saint Pius X High School and today we are commeorating the events of 9/11 last year. Each of our students is wearing a name tag of a deceased person. I am wearing Ronald's name tag, but also remembering his partner and child. All of you who loved him, you are in my prayers this week in a special way.
Mendy Knecht
September 7, 2002
I choose to think ...as that plane dove through the clouds that they knew in their hearts they were not falling but soaring like a eagle into the wind and that God took them long before their bodies ever hit the ground.
All were brave but those people who flew, flew for me and my daughter.
Napualokelani Wiley
September 6, 2002
What a beautiful family the three of you were. May God grant you all eternal peace.
Malama Pono
Kathryn Elkins
August 19, 2002
Despite the sorrow I feel for all the victims of 9/11, when I saw this picture, my face broke into a smile. What a beautiful family. What a beautiful cherubic little son with such two proud dad's. I know they held you until the end. May America learn that no matter what the "standard" family might look like, love is the only neccessary ingrediant for a successful family. God Bless you, and may you spend time with EJ, my Uncle's son who passed away a while ago, but also knew the love of an adoptive father.
Ada Torres
August 1, 2002
My heart goes out to both families of Ronald and Daniel. I wished I had met Daniel. He seemed to exude such a wonderful influence on Ron. I've remembered Ronald from my days at Rutgers University NJ. We had seven classes together as business majors. Despite of our hectic schedules between work and a full load of classes, we managed to say hello or briefly take breaks in hallways between classes. I also remembered him being nice and a humble fellow. We also shared many laughs during our numerous senior class projects. I was working in Manhattan when the attacks occurred. It broke my heart when I saw his name listed on CNN the next day and the picture of the of them with their three year old baby son featured in Los Angeles Times. I really miss my college friend so much that the only memories I have are from our college days. Another memory that I will remember is that beautiful picture of the three of them. God Bless you and your families.
Kathy Swaringen
June 12, 2002
On June 4, 2002, 1 mile was walked to honor the life of Ronald and all the family, friends and loved ones he left behind. May you find some comfort in knowing that you do not grieve alone.
Ronald, may you and your family rest in peace. You will never be forgotten.
Bobby
May 17, 2002
I thought about you today, just like everyday. We were supposed to grow old together. I promise I will take care of your sister and your family. Your nephews miss their Uncle Ron. You also have another one on the way.
I wanted to wish you a Happy Birthday, I'm sorry it's late. Just like old times, huh?
I Love and Miss You...
Patrick Gaughran
April 18, 2002
To Ronalds Family. I went to St Albert the Great Church in Louisville Ky back in the late 70th and 80ies. I also went to Trinity High. I remember your Son and your family, you all seemed so happy. I was in lower Manhatten they morning and will never forget that day. I want you to know that I feel for you and everyone who was effected.
God Bless
Patrick Gaughran
New York, New York
Formally of Louisville Ky
heather t
March 11, 2002
Ron,
I will never forget you. Our times as "roomies" were great. Hanging out all night playing cards and watching "The King and I." All those days at Bauer...great memories. I Love you always. Heather
Pam povlin
March 11, 2002
I am also an adoptive parent of a sweet little 2 year old boy named Noah. we are also on the list to adopt another child. This story broke my heart because I could relate to these wonderful people so much. I can only take comfort and make sense of this by thinking that maybe there are 3 angels in heaven now matching children with parents who want them so badly like we did. I will be praying for these 3 very special people every day.
-Pam in Florida.
Teresa Jahn
January 12, 2002
We are deeply sorry for your great loss. Our hearts cry with you.
America Cries
We see your sorrow-
and our hearts cry....
We can not erase your pain
but you do not have to face the anguish alone-for we-
-the American people-
are beside you.
We so desperately want to have the touch that brings you comfort,
the strength that gives you courage,
and the words to lighten your spirits.
And when we are left speechless
may the silence of our nation weave love into your hearts
to ease your sorrow.
May you find healing through our nation's strength as we-
-the American people-
face this difficult time together. Our hearts are with you. Teresa Jahn
Dixon, IL
Will Wallace
November 30, 2001
I met Daniel and Ron in Colorado skiing. They were a great couple and spoke frequently and lovingly about their son. I broke my heart to hear of the deaths. I can only take comfort in the example the set for all of with the lives that they led.
Rena Bretz
November 27, 2001
On a recent trip to Albuquerque NM, I purchased a 'Mercy Band'. It is a silver wrist band and it has your name engraved on it. I will pray for your family and friends daily. You will never be forgotten.
S Romero
October 17, 2001
I know you are in a better place than where we are at, god bless those you left behind in this time of grief
Erika Taylor
October 9, 2001
My partner and I met Ron, Dan and David one night in July while waiting for a table at a local restaurant. We talked for about 45 minutes. They were such a great family, so funny and friendly. Ron spoke about the pleasure he got from being a dad, and told me that they were on the list to adopt another kid.
Their death is a real loss to the world. Although I only met them once, I think of them often and send my condolences to the friends and family of this wonderful couple and their beautiful little boy.
BARBARA BOLIN
September 28, 2001
MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS GO OUT TO YOU ALL.MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALL.
RONALD MAY YOU REST IN PEACE.
September 26, 2001
Rest in peace.
Candace
September 26, 2001
I just read today about Ronald, his partner and their 3 year old son. I honor them for their adoption, what sounds like their wonderful parenting, and their contribution to our world.
Anne
September 26, 2001
This past week, I saw a photo of a memorial service held in Syracuse for David. In the photo, a participant held up a photograph of the three of you together. I was happy to see it. The earliest story in the local paper had not mentioned Ron at all, but subsequent references acknowledged that this was indeed a family of three that was lost. You are all in our thoughts.
Proud American
September 25, 2001
Rest in peace Ronald...Your country will miss you.
Showing 1 - 72 of 72 results
Make a Donation
in Ronald Brandhorst-Gamboa's name
How to support Ronald's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Ronald Brandhorst-Gamboa's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
Sponsored