Bryan T. Coombs, of Albany, passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 17, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family, following a courageous journey with brain cancer. He was welcomed into the waiting arms of those who went before him, including his grandmother, Louise Purcell; his uncles, Frank and Gene Purcell; and his faithful four-legged companion, Riley.
Bryan was born in Cobleskill, on June 25, 1979 and grew up beside his brother, and best friend, Shaun. He graduated from Cobleskill Central School in 1997 and went on to attend HVCC and SUNY Albany. Bryan's work in hospitality, banking and later with Fed Ex, allowed him to connect deeply with others, forge lifelong friendships, and touch the lives of everyone he met.
Bryan never allowed cancer to define him. Even in difficult moments, he showed up, seeking the everyday normalcy that many take for granted.
Much of Bryan's strength came from his humor. He had a sharp, wonderfully sarcastic wit, always quick with a joke, a text, a post, or a perfectly timed comment. An avid football and baseball fan, Bryan always cheered loudly for the New York Yankees and the Florida State Seminoles.
Bryan's happiest moments were spent with family and friends, at home in the beautiful Schoharie Valley, where he cherished quiet weekend drives with his mom.
Even near the end, Bryan's spirit of kindness and compassion endured, lifting others with his strength, courage, and hope.
Bryan will live forever in the hearts of his parents: Gail and Robert Wright; his brother: Shaun Coombs; his grandmother: Betty Foland; his aunts and uncles: Linda (Craig) Rumph, Kirk (Linda) Lawyer, Bruce (Lois) Lawyer, Jodi Strobeck and Terrie Purcell; many cousins and great-cousins and countless friends including his neighbors, and special friends: Sheila and Ray Hughes, and Michael Stycharz.
All are invited to visit with his family from 11:00AM-1:00PM on Saturday, January 31, 2026 at Coltrain Funeral Home, 134 River Street, Middleburgh, NY 12122. A funeral service will be held at 1:00PM immediately following visitation. Spring inurnment will be at the Middleburgh Cemetery.
Bryan's family kindly requests memorial donations in his honor be sent to the Logan Strong Foundation, https://loganstrongfoundation.org/ or to The Arc Lexington, 127 East State Street, Gloversville, NY 12078.
Please visit www.coltrainfuneralhome.com to share online condolences with Bryan's family.