Brett Andrew Van Vort, 26

Brett Andrew Van Vort, 26, of Franklin, died suddenly in Chicago, IL, where he was a dedicated M.D. Candidate at Ross University School of Medicine. He was currently in his clinical rotation at Mt. Sinai Hospital in Chicago.

Born in Franklin, MA, he was the son of Debbie and the late Gene Van Vort of Franklin.

He is survived by his sisters Paige R. Van Vort and her Fiancé Mark Fusco of Boston and Jordan T. Van Vort and her Fiancé Bradley Mortimore of Kingston, MA, along with several cousins, aunts and uncles.

He was a Cum Laude graduate of Syracuse University and was selected the recipient of the Harold S. Mitchell Scholarship for his academic performance.

He was also a member of Syracuse University Ambulance (SUA) where he was a trained and licensed Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)

His unwavering commitment to be part of his school’s community to help others was all of who Brett was. Sports too, was an important balance he found between work and study, where he became a proud member of his school’s Club Wrestling Team.

Brett loved his family, especially his sisters, friends and was so grateful to all his mentors he admired along the way, who provided guidance and support.

He possessed strong communication skills, critical thinking, presence, compassion and resilience. All special traits in becoming a future doctor.

While in his third year of medical school, Brett was invited to work with the Resident in his Psychiatry rotation to further his cutting edge research in Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) specifically for Veterans.

This ignited his interest in research while exploring all other areas in medicine.

Brett will be remembered and honored by all who knew him, loved him and for those who had not had the privilege to meet him should know, this fine young man has left an indelible mark in this world to help others and be part of the future advancements in medicine.

He was admired by many for his perseverance, dedication, commitment to his craft and to his family. His infectious laugh and sense of humor, his thirst for knowledge and his ability to connect with people made him extra special and undoubtedly, an ideal candidate for a career in medicine.

There will be a private Celebration of Life at his home. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to any of these Research Hospitals to honor Brett’s memory:

Brain and Behavior Research Foundation

747 3rd Avenue

33rd FL

New York, NY 10017

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

501 St. Jude Place

Memphis, TN 38105

Breast Cancer Research Foundation

28 West 44th St.

Suite 609

New York, NY 10036

Arrangements are under the care of the Ginley Funeral Home of Franklin (www.ginleyfuneralhomes.com).