Christian T. Martin-Braginton

Our world got a little darker on May 15, 2026, when we unexpectedly lost Christian Thomas Martin-Braginton, just 29 years young.

Christian’s story began on October 15, 1996, when Kenneth and Margaret welcomed a beautiful, blonde-haired, blue-eyed baby boy into the world. He was the fourth of eight Martin-Braginton children—a rough-and-tumble crew who always had each other’s backs.

From the very beginning, Christian was easygoing, curious, and full of life. As he grew, that curiosity turned into adventure—and sometimes mischief. Whether he was climbing makeshift ladders to the roof, jumping off without hesitation, or chasing his next idea, you could always tell he was up to something by that sly, unforgettable smile. He loved to laugh, and his smile had a way of making everyone else smile too. As he got older, his style became just as recognizable—almost always dressed in black and rarely, if ever, seen without his beanie.

He was smart, always wanting to learn, build, and figure things out. He would try almost anything once and was never afraid to follow his curiosity wherever it led. He was mischievous and affectionate, known for his Eskimo kisses—his special way of saying goodnight—and you often had to hide the teapot because he would ask for tea again and again until he finally got it. He was also an animal lover with a soft spot for anything in need, known to rescue squirrels, pigeons, chipmunks, turtles crossing the road, and even an owl.

Christian’s life changed forever in 2010 when Keri Bugg captured his heart. In 2013, he found his true purpose when he became a father to Ceara-Leigh (Cece), and in 2016, their family was completed with the arrival of Aviana (Bonnie). He was incredibly proud to be a girl dad and poured his heart into his family.

He loved the simple, meaningful moments—mini golfing, water parks, movie nights, spontaneous adventures, and even capturing Pokémon together. He especially enjoyed being the official taste tester for Cece’s kitchen creations. Being outside was his happy place, and he could walk for miles before eventually discovering his love for longboarding.

More than anything, he loved making his girls laugh. He was known to “torture” them with tickles—starting with one finger on their collarbone, saying “he’s just resting,” before sneaking up to their neck. Then came “he brought friends,” as he used his whole hand, leaving them in fits of uncontrollable giggles. Those moments were pure joy, and they will carry that laughter with them always.

Everyone who knew Christian knew how much he loved his longboard—but even more, how much he loved sharing it. Nothing meant more than longboarding with his “Bonnie.” Aviana had been riding alongside her dad since she was just two years old, and those moments were everything to him.

Christian kept his circle small, but if you were in it, you truly knew him. He didn’t like everyone—but when he liked you, he loved you. Deeply and loyally.

He had a one-of-a-kind sense of humor, often delivering the perfect one-liner at the most unexpected (and sometimes most inappropriate) moments. He liked to make people laugh, even in serious times, and those who knew him best will never forget it.

Christian was also a doting uncle who adored his nieces and nephews, always ready to joke with them, spend time with them, and make them feel special in his own unique way.

Christian is survived by his loving wife, Keri; his daughters, Ceara-Leigh and Aviana; his mother, Margaret-Leslie; his siblings Danielle, Devin (Samantha), Damian, Craig, Cadence, Bailee, and Blaine; and his nieces and nephews, Landon, Miles, Noah, Darren, Lily, Lucy, and Ryleigh. He was preceded in death by his father, Kenneth; his maternal grandparents, Elaine and James Martin; and his paternal grandparents, Dorothy and Kenneth Braginton.

Services will be held on Friday, May 22, from 5:00–7:00 PM at Betz, Rossi, Bellinger & Stewart Funeral Home, 51 Fremont Street, Gloversville, NY.

To his girls, Christian was perfect. And to all who knew and loved him, he will always be remembered for his adventurous spirit, his fierce love for his family, his mischievous smile, and the way he made life a little more fun just by being in it.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to assist in caring for his girls - gift cards to Walmart or Price Chopper, nearby restaurants like Domino's, Ruby Tuesday or Applebee's, or Stewart's gas cards are the most helpful right now. A meal train is also being organized.