It is with broken hearts and profound sorrow that we announce the passing of Brandon Dolce, a beloved friend, trusted colleague, and cherished member of several close-knit communities. Brandon, a longtime team member at Percent Small Batch Brewery, and a dedicated educator at Cox Mill High School, passed away unexpectedly, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, humor, and a spirit that will be remembered for years to come.
Brandon wasn’t just someone who worked behind the bar—he was the heart of the Percent taproom. For years, his laughter, sarcasm, warmth, and unfailing generosity transformed ordinary days into moments worth remembering. His impact stretched far beyond pouring pints. He was the go-to guy for everything from customer service to troubleshooting the Wi-Fi, always with a wry smile and a wisecrack that made even the busiest nights feel lighter.
At Percent Small Batch Brewery, Brandon wasn’t just a staff member—he was family. A fixture. A legend. One of those rare souls who made you feel at home the moment you walked in. His energy was contagious, his presence magnetic. He had a gift for creating community in every corner he occupied.
To know Brandon was to know that humor and heart can live in perfect harmony. His jokes—sometimes cringeworthy, often outrageous, but always perfectly timed—were his calling card. But beneath the wisecracks and cheeky remarks lived a man of deep integrity, loyalty, and compassion. He could lift spirits with a sarcastic grin or a hug that said, “I see you.” It was never about the show for Brandon; it was always about the people.
That same compassion and commitment carried into his role as a full-time educator at Cox Mill High School, where he devoted himself to shaping the minds and lives of his students. He brought the same humor, patience, and fierce dedication to the classroom that he did to every shift at the bar. His students adored him—not just for what he taught, but for how he made them feel. Respected. Valued. Believed in.
Brandon also shared his time and talents with High Branch Brewery, weaving himself into yet another circle of coworkers-turned-family. His ability to show up fully and authentically in every role he played made him unforgettable. He didn’t just work with people—he connected with them. He built friendships that ran deep and wide, many of which became the most meaningful parts of people’s lives.
He was the guy who stayed late to clean up, showed up early to prep, and always made time to listen—even if all he said in response was a perfectly timed joke or a shoulder to lean on. Brandon cared, deeply and without condition.
As we face the immense pain of losing him, we are reminded that Brandon’s presence in our lives was a gift. His legacy lives on in every corner of the places he loved—in the warm hum of the Percent taproom, in the laughter shared by those who worked beside him, in the hearts of his students, and in the countless lives he touched simply by being himself.
In this time of grief, we offer our deepest sympathies to Brandon’s family, his closest friends, his students, and the entire extended family of Percent, Cox Mill, and High Branch Brewery. The grief is heavy, but so is the gratitude for having known him.
We’ll gather in his memory, we’ll tell stories, we’ll raise glasses, and we’ll hold tight to the joy he brought into our lives. Brandon, thank you—for every laugh, every lesson, and every moment you shared with us. You shaped our world with your spirit, and your absence will be felt forever.
We love you. We miss you. We’ll carry you with us—always.
Rest easy, Brandon. You were one of a kind.
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