Salem- Daryl Mark Blonder, 31, of Salem, beloved son of Edward and Janice Blonder, passed away unexpectedly on November 11,2012.
Daryl was born on June 13, 1981, in New London and graduated from East Lyme High School in 1999. Currently he was employed at East Lyme McDonalds, Waterford Regal Cinemas, and occasionally in the family business, Design Essence Inc.
Interested in acting since he was a young boy, Daryl took to writing a screenplay, "Loveless" in his teens, for which an initial trailer was produced. Later he won the part of Ray Negron, a bat boy for the New York Yankees, in the ESPN mini series "The Bronx Is Burning." He was thrilled to work with John Turturro and Oliver Platt. He loved the movie business, where in addition to acting he worked as a caterer, driver, and production assistant.
Last fall, he published a remarkably poignant memoir, "Problem Child: Confessions of an Aspie", that chronicles his struggles with Asperger syndrome, obsessive compulsive disorder, and depression. Most recently, he developed an artful website that reached out to adults with autism spectrum disorders.
Daryl proudly described himself as a "road geek", having extensively traveled the country by car and was a member of "The Extra Miler Club." He actively participated in the effort to complete Route 11 in SE CT. He loved politics, and was a rabid Libertarian. Daryl so loved cats that he tracked down the great-great grandaughter of his first and favorite Cornish Rex Juliette and had her flown from Arizona to his home in Salem.
In addition to his parents, Daryl is survived by his Great Uncle Roland LaCasse of Niantic, Aunts and Uncles Sharon and Dr. Robert Leff of Hilton Head S.C., Dr. Jeffrey Blonder and Paula Wagener of Debary Fla., and several cousins. He was predeceased by his Uncle Louis C. Beaudreau of Waterford.
Daryl we will miss beyond words your many talents and your passionate yet sweet nature. You will be in our hearts forever.
It is very telling that you left us on Veterans Day. You surely fought hard and with great courage the toughest of battles.
We would like to thank all of our wonderful friends, family members, and doctors who reached out to Daryl during his life and brought to him so many bright spots and so much hope. You all know who you are.
A Funeral Service will be held on Friday, November 16, 2012 at 11:30am in Fulton-Theroux Funeral Home, 181 Ocean Ave, New London, CT 06320. Interment will be private. Calling Hours will be held on Thursday, November 15, 2012 from 6:00 until 8:00pm in Fulton-Theroux Funeral Home. Please visit www.fultontherouxnewlondon.com for photos, tributes, directions and more service information. Donations may be made in Daryl's memory to the Niantic Rotary Foundation, P.O.Box 339, Niantic, CT 06357 for their many charities.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Mom & Dad.
November 10, 2015
Steven Yount
I am saddened to find out Daryl has passed. I was searching online for people I went to acting classes with and just found out. We didn't know each other much outside of class but he was a good guy and I'm sad to hear he is gone.
September 22, 2013
Fred
I bought Daryl's book when I was first diagnosed with AS. He lived one town over from me and was one year older.
September 4, 2013
Brenda Wilson
Daryl, there is never one day I don't visit your picture and smile. You see, it stays in our Center at Ryan Woods Autism Foundation. You meant just that much to all of the kids and especially me. You will always be missed. I can see you know -- "now where is the next road going to take me." Travel on as much as you wish and think of us while you are having so much fun! Brenda Wilson & The RWAF Family
September 1, 2013
Beverly Ruiz
Even though he is gone is sprite still lives on. He is with is beloved father looking down on us. Let not your heart be trouble Daryl loved you guys much.
August 31, 2013
Regina Carreon
I just was looking on youtube and found a report on Daryl. Right now my nephew is struggling with Aspergers as he is going thru the tough transition to adulthood. I found Daryl's story to be very inspiring and am so sad to see he passed away. Surely he is in heaven and I can only hope he can pass some of his spirit down to my nephew. Sending my utmost condolences to Daryl's family.
Sincerely, R.Carreon.
January 9, 2013
Jan and Ed-I have wanted to write you a note since I read of Daryl's death. I am heartbroken for you. I had purchased Daryl's book the year before as a Christmas gift. How talented Daryl was in explaining his autism in such a beautiful and articulate way. My thoughts are with you
Dorothy East
December 6, 2012
Beverly Ruiz
Jan &Ed, My heart sank when l heard of the loss of your beautiful son Daryl. Even though l did not get the chance to meet him, but l know how special he was to your family. God will continued to make him be the angel he was on earth now looking down on us from heaven above.He will be miss greatly.
Love Beverly,Akissa and Neema.
December 5, 2012
Denise Lopez Sawyers
I met Daryl at RWAF and he made a huge impact on me when he was speaking to others about his experience with Autism. He will be missed. I am truly sorry for your loss.
December 5, 2012
Jennifer Woods
Hi Janic and Ed.
I am very sorry to hear of the passing of your son Daryl. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
The Woods Family of Cromwell and Middletown. Ryan Woods Autism foundation.
December 5, 2012
Brenda Wilson
Jan and Ed, Daryl was a loaned gift from God to you and everyone he touched. He was really special. He will be missed in the autism community. His many talents are now being shared by those in his chapter of life now and for this we have to be sad but grateful.
May God continue to shine his light on you and add years and joy to your lives.
Brenda Wilson, Founder
Ryan Woods Autism Foundation
100 Riverview Center, Suite 102
Middletown, CT 06457
860.788.7277
December 4, 2012
Rena Ann Kolodnicki
Janice and Ed,I am so very sorry to learn of the passing of your son Daryl. I went to school with him. I didn't know him very well,he will be sorely missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this most difficult time. He was truly a very special person.
November 27, 2012
Cassie Shanklin
I had the honor and privilege of working with Daryl at Regal. I always loved hearing about his travels, his experiences in the movie business, and his book. I have so much respect for him. My prayers are with his family. May his memory live on and give us courage.
November 20, 2012
Anne Garland
Jan and Ed, no words can express my heartfelt sadness for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you both.
November 20, 2012
Pastor Tim Dubeau
We are very sorry for your loss. Daryl made himself available one year to help us with Apple Fest prep and we were honored to get to know him. We join you in your grief.
November 19, 2012
Karen & Dennis Brunelle
Jan and Ed, I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your dear son Daryl. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
November 18, 2012
Danielle Alcoba
I am sorry for your lost, I worked with Daryl at Target. He was such a great worker and always added joy to our day. May he rest in peace.
November 17, 2012
Hanna
To Ed and Jan, Would that there were words to assuage some of your sadness. You are in my thoughts and prayers.Thank you for giving us Daryl. He touched so many lives, and was such an extraordinary soul. May your memories sustain you in the days ahead.
November 17, 2012
Carrie Mitchum
I am heartbroken to hear of Daryl's passing. He was a source of light and joy. My love goes out to the family. Daryl, forever in my heart.
November 17, 2012
Sue and Bill Cash
Jan & Ed - we were so sorry to hear this sad news. We remember Daryl spending time with his grandmother next door to where we lived...he was such a good kid....You are in our thoughts and prayers....
November 16, 2012
Lillian Scaplen
Mr.&Mrs. Blonder I am so sorry for your loss. I too will miss my friend Daryl I have known him for many years. He has always been a ray of sunshine. I will miss that.
November 16, 2012
Elizabeth
For your Spirit, know that it will not be forgotten.
November 16, 2012
Elizabeth
As a high school classmate of Daryl's, I will remember him as the kid I wish I had known better. We were in several classes together over the four years and I will always remember him for his spirit and his ability to keep moving forward regardless of the odds. Daryl will be missed. My thoughts are with you all.
November 16, 2012
Eleanor Bruce
Jan so sorry to hear about your lost! You are in my thoughts and prayers!
November 16, 2012
Dorothy Bruce
Janice,
I did not know your son but remember you from Oil Mill Road. My adopted son worked with Daryl at Regal for awhile and said he was a great guy. My heart breaks for you and your entire familly as well as all the friends who knew and loved Daryl. You are in my thoughts and prayers. May God bring you some peace in the memory of a wonderful, talented, brave young boy/man who brightened your life for awhile.
November 16, 2012
Ashley Roselund
I worked with Daryl at the movie theater. I didn't really feel like everyone liked me as much as I thought. But Daryl did. I know he did. He would make me laugh on my worst days. He made me so happy, and I loved him dearly. He was the reason why we all kept smiling with his mockery of us. Now that he's gone I feel like a part of me is empty. Work will 'never' be the same without him. I just hope he's happy wherever he is now.
November 16, 2012
Tim Purdy
Ed and Jan-
I was heartbroken to hear about Daryl. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. May his memory be eternal.
November 16, 2012
Andrea Stevenson
I did not know Daryl, but as the mother of a son on the spectrum , I read his book and thoroughly enjoyed his world view.
I was heartbroken to learn of his passing. You, his parents,gave the world a lovely gift in Daryl. May you find consolation in knowing that so many people were touched by such a fine young man. You bill remain in my prayers.
November 16, 2012
Michele Santaniello
Daryl you will be missed immensely. I will never forget our days hanging out together. I hope you have found eternal and complete peace. My condolences go out to you and your family. Love Shelly
November 16, 2012
Rob Lavin
Daryl was an all around nice guy, I met him on the set of the Bronx is Burning and it was easy to see how many people liked him by how quickly he was given his own trailer and more screen time. Great kid, driving on Sunset in LA (where his billboard is) will now always remind me of that inquisitive young man I was so lucky to have met. Rest easy buddy.
November 15, 2012
Jan and Eddie,
Our sincerest condolences on the loss of Daryl. He sounds like he was a remarkable young man. You are in our thoughts.
Tom and Kathy Dziadosz
November 15, 2012
Jonathan Simon
My sympathies to the Blonder family. Daryl was a good friend of mine throughout my time at Regal, as a projectionist we talked a lot when he was upstairs, and I enjoyed hearing the stories of his travels, and of movie sets. The last time I talked to him he was writing a book, an autobiography he called it, and I was so happy when I saw that he had it published. He was the most interesting character I have ever met, here's to you buddy, rest in peace.
November 15, 2012
John Greenwood
Very sorry for your loss.
November 15, 2012
Bob Bulford
Jan and Ed I am so very sorry to hear this. I know there is nothing I can write that will help or console you. My thoughts are with you.
November 15, 2012
To Daryl's family: I heard Daryl speak last year in Norwich and read his book. He was gifted in so many ways and touched peoples' hearts and spirits. May he rest in peace and may your memories sustain you at this time.
Best wishes from a grandmother who has a grandson on the spectrum.
November 15, 2012
Mellisa Brodaski
Jan and Ed... I'm so sorry for your loss. Daryl was truly a wonderful soul, and he will be so missed.- Mellisa Brodaski
November 15, 2012
Kathleen Jones
Dear Blonder Family,
I am so very sorry to read about Daryl's passing. I had the pleasure of meeting him not long ago at the Groton Library. What a brilliant young man. I hope so much that you all will find peace.
November 15, 2012
To the family of Daryl Blonder...I didn't personally know Daryl but admired this talented and gifted young man from a far, my thoughts and prayers are with you during this very difficult time.
The Mom of an Aspie (CT)
November 15, 2012
May fond and happy memories of Daryl always remain with you. I spoke to him several times while reading his book...a remarkable and talented young man...sadly missed...my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Frances Rinoski, Secretary ELHS
November 15, 2012
Kathleen Stauffer
The Arc New London County family feels deeply the loss of Daryl Blonder. Our thoughts are with his family and all of his friends, of whom there are so many. Daryl inspired all of us every day with his kindness, his honesty, his gift for telling great stories and his wit. Thank you, Daryl. You are missed ... and you are remembered.
November 15, 2012
Trish MacDonald
To the Blonder Family,
I did not know Daryl, but I am a parent of a young adult son with high functioning autsim and I read Daryl's book and his web pages. Daryl's personal observations and perspective on the world gave me so much insight into someone who has autism and helped me to look at my son as an individual, not someone with a disability. To lose such an extraordinary gentle soul so early in his life is truly a loss to the world, but I'm sure Daryl is in a place where he is at peace and enjoying many travels. Although you do not know me, please accept my condolences on the loss of your beautiful angel.
November 15, 2012
Kathy Mader
Janice & Ed I was so sad to hear of your terrible loss. There are no words, just know you are in my prayers & thoughts. So many wonderful memories from our youth. My heart goes out to you both.
Kathy Bruce Mader
November 15, 2012
Linda Griffiths
Dear Jan and Ed, So sorry to hear of the loss of your son Daryl. His recent candid account of his life to the Rotary Club will be remembered for a long time. Thoughts and prayers with you during this sorrowful time. Linda Griffiths
November 15, 2012
Sarah Clark
Daryl was my classmate in Salem school and ELHS. I was so proud to hear of his successes with his book. I am so sorry for his family. It is never easy to lose a loved one, but Daryl was a unique and truly special person, and when such an individual passes away, the whole community mourns. My thoughts are with you.
November 15, 2012
Joseph LaBianca
Our prayers are with his family at this difficult time. May he peacefully rest and be remembered for how he lived.
November 15, 2012
Barbara Schneider
MY son jeremy went to school with daryl, I remember him as a sweet young boy, our hearts and prayers go out to his family
November 15, 2012
Roz and Marshall
Words cannot express our sorrow for the loss of your treasured son.
November 15, 2012
I wish to extend my deepest sympathy to the Blonder family. I was Daryl's
supervisor at Regal Cinemas, Waterford. Daryl was a great employee; always
good natured and enjoyed life. Daryl will remain in the hearts of many. He was a special person. Richard Phaiah
November 14, 2012
Alex Propfe
I've had the pleasure to work with Daryl at the theater for years, and am greatly saddened of his passing. I've worked with many people over that period of time, and there was nobody quite like Daryl. He was a joy to work with, and anyone that has ever met Daryl would be able to say that he is not a person that you would be able to forget. The theater will never be the same with him gone, and we are all better people to have gotten to know Daryl as a coworker and friend.
November 14, 2012
Marge Loughlin
Jan and Ed, I am most sorry for the loss of your wonderful boy who strived for complete honesty in his every action. I thoroughly enjoyed my discussions with Daryl on so many topics where his brilliant mind was evidence of his goodness and honesty, only trying to make the world a better place for everyone. May he find the harmony he longed for, as he rests in Eternal Peace. With much love for both of you, Marge Loughlin
November 14, 2012
Leeland Cole-Chu
Jan and Ed,
I am deeply sorry for your loss. I know my daughter Emily, Daryl's classmate, joins me in this sadness and hope to be of some small consolation.
Lee Cole-Chu
November 14, 2012
Michelle
You will be sadly missed.my thoughts and prayers are with your family and friends
November 14, 2012
David Blonder
Jan and Ed so very sorry to hear about Daryl, my best wishes are with you both at this time,
.
November 14, 2012
Jan & Ed, All of us at CCI extend our most heartfelt sympathies for the loss of your son Daryl. Wishing you peace to give you comfort and courage in the days ahead. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
- Mary, Charlie, Jeannine, Tammi and Kathy
November 14, 2012
Victoria Taylor
Jan & Ed,
Our prayers are with you
Victoria & Alberto
November 14, 2012
Ed and Jan
What a loss of a talented young man. Who can replace his gift of appreciating and recording all the unique places and corners of the universe that only Daryl had eyes for.
Jeff
November 14, 2012
We can not begin to express our sorrow and feelings for you both going forward.
Daryl's book shared so much with us that we will never totally understand. Our thoughts and Love are with you both.
Donna & Brian Simpson
November 14, 2012
Janice & Nancy Marzano
Dear Jan and Ed,
At this tragic time, mere words could never truly pay tribute to Daryl's life and to the extraordinary love and devotion that the three of you shared together as a family. We've lost a brilliant young man who was also kind, honest and passionate. Daryl studied the world through his own unique lens. How fortunate we are to have known and loved him, though his earthly time was far too brief. May you both find strength and consolation in the love of the many friends of the Blonder Family. Love always.
November 14, 2012
Brian Armstrong, Sensations Charitable Foundation
Jan and Ed, We are very sad to hear of Daryl's death. He touched many lives and his efforts made a positive impact to those with whom he shared. Daryl's road trips will now take him to places that bring him peace. May you & your family also feel peace during this difficult leg of the journey.
November 14, 2012
Jan and Ed,
I was so sorry to hear about the passing of Daryl. Jennifer and I send our deepest condolences and wish you and your family only happy memories.
Carol Traggis
November 14, 2012
Jeff Blonder
A big loss of a singular talented young man. Who will be left to record the unique things in this world that only Daryl saw and appreciated.
November 14, 2012
Janice & Nancy Marzano
Dear Jan and Ed,
At this tragic time, mere words could never truly pay tribute to Daryl's life and to the extraordinary love and devotion that the three of you shared together as a family. We've lost a brilliant young man who was also kind, honest and passionate. Daryl studied the world through his own unique lens. How fortunate we are to have known and loved him, though his earthly time was far too brief. May you find strength and consolation in the love of the many friends of the Blonder Family.
Love always -
November 14, 2012
paula & jeff blonder
Jan and Ed, Jeff and I are so very sorry to hear of the loss of Daryl. We are both thinking of you in this very difficult time--
Paula and Jeff
November 14, 2012
Nancy Michaud-Wozniacki
I'm so sad to hear about Daryl. We weren't very close, but I'll miss him a lot. He was a special person. There aren't enough people like him in the world.
November 14, 2012
Norman & Mary Jarvis
Jan & Ed,
We were saddened to learn of the loss of your son, Daryl.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
November 14, 2012
Tim Van Patten
My sincere condolences to Edward and Janice. Daryl will be missed in the New England Film community.
November 14, 2012
Reva and Mel Coleman
Jan and Ed, we are so very sorry for your loss of Daryl. Words cannot express how we feel. Love, Mel and Reva
November 13, 2012
Nancy
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