Touching Tribute To Basking Ridge's 10-Year-Old Connor Nemes

BASKING RIDGE, NJ — Staci Beyer is sharing a tribute to her nephew Connor James Nemes, 10, of Basking Ridge, who died peacefully on Tuesday, June 26, 2018 surrounded by his loving family at CHOP after he suffered a rare brain rupture that caused complications leading to his death.

Beyer wants to share Connor's impact to the community and all that he did in his short 10 years here.

Here is Beyer's tribute:

When Connor came into our lives on Jan. 14, 2008 we were forever changed. He brought so much joy to everyone. Connor was obsessed with the movie Cars, and even renamed himself Lightning McQueen for a period of time. Connor loved SpongeBob, his favorite episode was Grandma's Kisses, where SpongeBob was embarrassed of his grandma's kisses, and Connor always told his grandma, she could kiss him whenever she wanted!

To say Connor was obsessed with sushi, would be an understatement. Tsuru in Basking Ridge was his favorite sushi, and would have eaten it every single night if he could have. His standing order was a California roll, spicy tuna roll, a side of vegetable fried rice, with two sides of spicy mayo. Connor loved spending time with his family.

Connor loved playing Chess with his grandpa at night, and would often beat grandpa! Connor was on News 12 last year, when they were taking the down the Oak Tree in Basking Ridge, his aunt took a picture of him looking at the tree that was tagged "a forever photo."

Connor was obsessed with Legos and had hundreds of Lego sets that he built. Connor and his mom and sister, Brianna, would watch Impractical Jokers on TV, they shared so many laughs watching this show together. One of the jokers, Murr, even sent Connor a video during his time in the hospital and has reached out to Connor's mom as a support in his passing. Connor and Brianna loved movies, and would watch them together with one of their favorites being the Harry Potter series.

Connor often spent time with his aunt and uncle, at the park, playing games (Simpson Clue or Scattergories were his favorite), or just hanging out at their house. Those are our most cherished memories.

Connor was a New York Giants fan, a Yankees fan, and a Golden States Warriors fan. At his first Yankee game, he was on the "big screen" as he was chosen to pick the Deal of the Day. Connor took several trips to Disney with his cousins, Aidan and Mia. Connor loved Star Wars, and got to participate in Jedi Training while at Disney.

He took a trip to Washington, DC that was one of his favorites. He went on a cruise throughout the Caribbean with his family. Connor played on a basketball team at Branchburg Sports Complex. Connor trained each week with two of his best friends at Fitness Together in Basking Ridge.

Connor was an avid reader, he was reading the Harry Potter series before his passing. Connor attended camp each summer through the Basking Ridge Recreation Department, at Mount Prospect. At camp he was given the award, "Most Likely to be President." Connor cherished this award because he loved Abraham Lincoln and President Trump.

Connor's pajama day outfit at school seems to be memorable for so many, as our family often heard this from others. Connor would wear his pajamas, with his bathrobe over it, and slippers. He confidently and happily wore this outfit each year. Connor had Celiac Disease and had to eat a gluten-free diet, he felt so lucky that Gluten Free Gloriously by Bay Ridge Bakery was right in Stirling. This was his favorite place for sweets.

Connor was a young man of character. He was polite, respectful, and had the best sense of humor. He could make anyone laugh on their worst day. Connor was so full of love, he gave the best hugs and kisses. In the cards that were sent by students from Liberty Corner School, the students shared their insight into Connor as a friend. The overall theme was that Connor cared about everyone and made everyone feel welcome.

Connor was a Booster Buddy at Liberty Corner School, assisting the younger students in music class. Connor was a sensitive boy who always wanted everyone around him to be happy. Connor always told us that when he grew up, he would adopt all of the old dogs at the shelter that no one wanted because he wanted to take care of them.

Connor brought joy and happiness to everyone around him. His smile, his love, and his sweet personality were unlike any other. Connor was truly one in seven billion. He is missed every day and his family doesn't go one second without thinking of him, every second we had with Connor is cherished. He will forever be in all of our hearts.

Connor James you are so loved and so missed. As we carry on without Connor, our family would like everyone to take a moment and remember to hug and kiss your children each night, and remember every moment counts.

Our family would like to send our sincerest gratitude to Galloway and Crane Funeral Home. Michael, your sensitivity and kindness in the hardest days of our lives helped us get through. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

(Image via Staci Beyer: Connor James Nemes)

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