Book of Memories for Nicholas Vinocur

Condolence From Tara

Sat, 16 Jul 2016 22:30:29 EDT

I am so sorry for the loss of your amazing son. I do not know your family but I have had to write my younger brother's "newspaper entry" and I am moved by your honesty and thank-you for showing that we are truly losing wonderful people who keep fighting and have plans and family and passions. I will pray for your family and your son.

Condolence From Tara

Sat, 16 Jul 2016 22:26:06 EDT

Condolence From Pam

Tue, 21 Jul 2015 12:12:30 EDT

To the Family and Friends of Nicholas: I don't know you,and not sure why I read the obituary. I just cried. I have had addiction in my family. God bless you for telling Nicholas's story. I hope your courage in writing this beautiful obituary, brings awareness to this illness, and helps a family or person suffering from addition. I am sorry for you tremendous loss, and wish you strength as you begin to heal. Pam

Condolence From Pat

Sun, 19 Jul 2015 12:50:07 EDT

I too read the letters to the editor in this morning's Courant and found my way to this touching obituary. I cried when I read it. My deepest sympathy to you on the loss of your beloved son. Thank you for your courage in confronting that his loss was due to heroin addiction. I hope that it will raise consciousness that this horrible affliction can happen to anyone's child. Young people are curious and think they are invincible. Heroin is cheap and not hard to get. So much more needs to be done to support addiction services; there is no 28 day cure. I believe that Nicholas is released from his struggle and that his obituary has contributed to bringing a greater awareness of the terrible toll this is taking on our young. May you find peace and comfort in your heartbreaking loss.

Condolence From Doris and Linda

Sun, 19 Jul 2015 10:34:45 EDT

I read about the obituary for your son in the Letters to the Editor section of the Sunday paper. I was so moved by those letters that my partner and I found the obit, then followed it to the place we could write to you. The obit was so moving. It made it so clear that addiction is a disease not a moral lapse or the result of someone just being irresponsible and stupid. And also made clear that this was a beautiful person from a beautiful and loving family and even those things could not save him from the grip of this terrible life altering, life threatening illness. The treatment we have so far to manage this illness have fallen short of saving so many lives; we can only hope this will change. Your loving support of him through what must have been many terrible times is evident and I hope you can find peace after all the struggles you and Nicholas went through.

Story shared: Powerful tribute

Sat, 18 Jul 2015 12:01:29 EDT

To the loving family and friends of Nicholas,

I did not know Nicholas. I read his obituary which was posted on Facebook by a friend. She did not know him either...saw it posted from a friend. It was shared because of his powerful journey and his family's brave decision to share it. I sent it as a message to someone I know who has been struggling with her drug addiction for many years.

I myself, have been in recovery for a long time and I know how other's stories help me and perhaps mine helps another. I believe that Nicholas' life and story will help many and give his life more meaning.

Blessings on your journey. He was lucky to have such a loving, caring family. Peace. Kate S

Memorial Candle lit by

Sat, 18 Jul 2015 06:45:52 EDT

Joel and Jane Baker, Owner's of Mister Bagel, and Staff: Chris, Toni, Rob, Bill, Rob and Dale

Condolence From Niantic CT

Fri, 17 Jul 2015 20:45:38 EDT

What a wonerful message that you gave to all of us that read Nick's obituary. He sounds like a wonderful young man, with a horrific disease. I hope you find peace knowing that he is at rest and free from all harm. Please know that the words you wrote helped so many of us. I hope you find comfort in all of the wonderful memories you have in your heart. I am sure that your son knew how much you loved him. May God bless your family and may Nick watch over you all, until you meet with him again.

Condolence From Carol

Fri, 17 Jul 2015 20:12:14 EDT

I don't know your son Nick but I'm sure his life will be remember by those who knew him for how he "lived" his life not how he died. May you find comfort knowing he is at peace.

Condolence From Vinnie

Fri, 17 Jul 2015 11:16:10 EDT

You do not know me, however, I read about Nicholas today and the tears just would not stop rolling down my cheeks. You wrote with such love and compassion and at the same time encouragement to other addicts and their families. I have been there but was lucky; I own a miracle ... Nicholas is at peace now and will heal for his next journey, if there is to be one. The heart break you will carry and I know the hardest part of this journey was tough love, but you did the best you could lovingly. Time is a wonderful friend and healer and it enables us to be so grateful for the beautiful memories. Now you will be able to live your lives to the fullest and see and hear the miracles that are daily around you. And he will be too. Lovingly.

Condolence From Jackie Ciarlelli

Fri, 17 Jul 2015 09:45:39 EDT

To Nicholas' Family You do not know me, but I have been in your shoes with my beautiful, lovable son, Jordan. Like Nicholas, he was an addict and his recent recovery in May had us hopeful. He had been clean 5 months. Then on June 27th, his father found him dead in his room from a heroin OD. He was 32 years old and had so much to live for. Please accept my sincere condolences, and you may reach out to me if you would like.

Condolence From Nikki Kennington

Fri, 17 Jul 2015 09:29:23 EDT

I wish to offer Nicholas' family and friends, my sincerest condolences. I, too, have suffered through addiction and can appreciate his struggle to change. I was one of the lucky ones that never got into heroin, however I was addicted to meth, along with other drugs. I can say with confidence that he is no longer fighting this battle, his spirit is clean, sober and at peace. I am disturbed that this drug has taken, yet another beautiful spirit. May your family find peace and support during this devastating time in your lives. I am truly sorry for your loss. May Nicholas rest in peace and shall struggle with his demons no more.

Condolence From Elizabeth Hurt

Fri, 17 Jul 2015 09:12:14 EDT

Let me first send my prayers and condolences to your family. I did not know your son and I pray he rest in peace I myself have family nembers who have an addiction and I wanted to send my thanks and greatfulness on writing tge truth about addiction for all of us to realize and remember it is a process we need to be strong in with our families. Nick sounded like an awesome loving man. Im sure he is smiling down upon all of you. I will continue to pray for you all and pray you stay blessed. Stay strong.

Condolence From Trish

Fri, 17 Jul 2015 00:11:00 EDT

I am so very sorry for your loss. I am the mother of a recovering heroin addict--my 23 year old son. I know the daily struggles you've been through, the hurt and fear you lived with. Nicholas lived a full, but short life . Thank you so much for sharing the truth and bringing awareness. It's a secret I struggle with everyday and you are brave and strong to tell it. Hopefully Nicholas's death can help others to hold on and be stronger than the pull of this demon. May you find peace and always keep the good memories close to your heart.

Condolence From Margaret Sch

Thu, 16 Jul 2015 22:39:30 EDT

He was the brother of a friend of my daughter's. Not a close connection but the loss and love have reached my attention. What comes through loud and clear in this obituary is the love between Nic and his family. This love will never die although he is now out of sight. His story will touch others and his memory will remain precious to each of you. You have my sympathy and compassion.

Condolence From Kathy Mc Iver

Thu, 16 Jul 2015 19:21:34 EDT

I did not have the honor of knowing your son personally, but your brave and touching obituary captured the spirit of a gentle soul. My heart breaks for the pain your family is now facing. It also breaks for the many wonderful people lost because of this demon drug. My son, Nicholas, also struggles with a heroin addiction. He's in long tern rehab and has been clean a year.

Condolence From Diane

Thu, 16 Jul 2015 13:42:34 EDT

My heartfelt condolences to all. Thank you for the honesty of your words which has and will continue to be a source of strength for me as I am a mother of 2"children"who bravely fight addiction daily. I will contact them daily with unconditional love but still provide tough love.

Condolence From Lisa Gray

Thu, 16 Jul 2015 12:58:38 EDT

Thank you for writing such an honest, touching tribute to your son. Too often, these things happen and others want to sweep them under the rug and pretend that addiction doesn't exist, especially in a town like Simsbury. It's important for people to know that it DOES exist here, our family members, friends, and neighbors are living with it EVERY DAY and we may not even be aware. Our family has struggled with similar issues and my heart is breaking for you and everyone who knew and loved Nicholas. May you find comfort in knowing that he is at peace now and no longer battling his demons.

Condolence From Laura C

Thu, 16 Jul 2015 08:49:22 EDT

I did not have the pleasure of knowing your son, but the lovely obituary captivated what a wonderful spirit he had and I am truly sorry for the loss of Nicholas. He definitely made something of himself, as you said by stepping up and making changes in life for the better. He's an inspiration because the desire and willingness to change was there.

Condolence From Margaret Shamel

Thu, 16 Jul 2015 00:23:44 EDT

I did not know your son personally, but I knew your son because I have been in recovery for quite a few years. My heart so breaks and goes out to you and his friends and I am so sorry this awful disease was fatal for him. It IS "cunning, baffling and powerful", and it is a wicked disease. I am so sorry for you loss. Recovery has lost a valiant soldier.

Condolence From ada haines

Wed, 15 Jul 2015 22:13:35 EDT

I never met your son but my sister cut out the obituary and when I came home tonight I found it on my kitchen table. Our family is going through the same thing. Our son Dillon is 26 birthday 1/16/89. It has torn us apart and it is so hard. I want you to know how much I appreciate your honesty. People need to know that this is a horrible disease. I will pray for your son as I pray for mine every night. May God bless him and you. You sound like wonderful parents. I'm not sure if you are aware of Shatterproof. It's a website ending the stigma of addiction. With much respect and appreciation. Ada

Condolence From Karen Laracca

Wed, 15 Jul 2015 20:31:21 EDT

My deepest sympathy to you. Ross and Nancy for their bravery in sharing Nicholas's story. God Bless.

Condolence From Ron Perrault

Wed, 15 Jul 2015 16:35:56 EDT

I want to express my sincere condolences to all who love Nick and there are clearly many who always will. I am fortunate in that the Nick who will continue to live in my life will be the freckle-faced, tousle-haired boy I would exchange hellos with in the hallways of Tootin' Hills School, where I was his principal for so many years. He was making something good of himself then and it is wonderful to read that he continued right up until the time of his unfortunate passing. What greater accomplishment can there be than to live as a truly loving family member and friend?

Condolence From Rebecca Stuart

Wed, 15 Jul 2015 13:48:06 EDT

I am so terribly sorry for your tragic loss. I didn't know Nicholas, but I've known many addicts. I was very moved by your honesty and your clear words about giving love and support, even when it isn't easy - a guiding beacon to other families. My profound sympathies for your pain. Rebecca WMS '71

Condolence From Jane

Wed, 15 Jul 2015 12:14:52 EDT

So sorry for the loss of your beautiful son and brother. I did not know him, but was very touched by his beautiful obituary. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. God Bless!

Condolence From Anne Hemenway + John Wilson

Wed, 15 Jul 2015 12:01:41 EDT

Fare thee well, Dear Nick. We will always remember Nick Vinocur and wish that we could have known him better. Maybe now we will know him better, through the brave and beautiful stories of his life. We send condolences to Nick's dear parents, Nancy and Ross, and to his sisters and all who loved him. Anne Hemenway + John Wilson

Story shared: remembering Nick

Wed, 15 Jul 2015 11:52:49 EDT

We will always remember Nick Vinocur and wish that we could have known him better. Maybe now we will know him better, through the brave and beautiful stories of his life. We send condolences to Nick's loving parents, Nancy and Ross, and to his sisters, and all who loved him. Fare thee well, Dear Nick.

Condolence From Andy Birr

Wed, 15 Jul 2015 11:39:08 EDT

I don't know if I've ever been more sad and happy at the same moment. Part of me felt that I needed to numb the pain of the sadness and helplessness I felt as I read about yet another lost to this disease. This other part of me felt overwhelmed by the love that you have for your son Nicholas. A kind of love that I've wanted my whole life and it may have been right in front of me...but for some reason I've never been good at receiving it. I was told by my middle school counselor that I had an addictive personality and she was right. I may have seemed like the happy guy who always smiled and had it all together....but inside I was dying and I didn't even know if that mattered. Self medicating....even though it often leads to addiction sometimes feels like saying yes to life...because in those moments when I've experienced the euphorias that I rarely did otherwise I seemed to be feeling the way I thought I ought to feel about life during the other times but never did. My own personal story was complicated because of the shame I felt because of my sexual identity....on top of all my other issues I was more isolated and vulnerable because I felt like I couldn't ever tell anyone and I felt like I didn't deserve to live or be happy or be loved. I had suicidal thoughts most days and came really close last summer before finally coming out of the closet.... It has been helpful to know that people love me....even when they know everything that goes on inside my head....but the truth is some days it still doesn't seem to matter. It's I like hating myself. I don't understand it....but I feel like you have modeled a way to suffer alongside those we love in support and recognize and celebrate all the things that are great about them. You have made a difference in my life by sharing your story. Thank you. I will be thinking about you.

Condolence From Matthew Lombardo

Wed, 15 Jul 2015 09:44:48 EDT

To the Family & Friends of Nicholas Vinocur: I was moved to tears this morning by the beautiful and poetic obituary you created for Nicholas. How lucky he was to have such a loving and supportive network of family and friends during his all too short time on this earth. As a recovering crystal meth addict who has also had many relapses in his story, I was so grateful that you put into words what we who have this disease struggle with on a daily basis. I, too, have a beautiful family who loves me through the sober times and the slips. In fact, it was my mother who showed me Nick's obituary this morning. I wish I could have met Nick. He sounds like such a wonderful and brave human being. How blessed he was to have such amazing and kind people like all of you in his life. My thoughts and prayers are with you today and always. And please know, your words in Nick's obituary will be keeping me sober on this very day. Much love to all of you, Matthew Lombardo

Condolence From Donald Frechette

Wed, 15 Jul 2015 09:00:00 EDT

Mr. and Mrs. Vinocur -- You do not know me, and I did not know your son. I did, however, read your very brave and inspirational memorial to him. It left me feeling as though I had to write to you to express my admiration for the way in which you so forthrightly addressed the issue of addiction, as well as your suggestions for those affected by this scourge. I, too, am a parent, and I truly feel for your loss. My sincerest condolences to you and to all of your family.

Condolence From Susie (formerly Sponzo) Vanaria

Wed, 15 Jul 2015 08:51:51 EDT

Dear Nancy, Ross, Claire and Jane, Even though it's been such a long time since we've been in touch, I've thought of you all so fondly. I am so very saddened to hear of your loss.....Nick was such wonderful spirit. There are so many fun, coming-of-age moments that Nick and Brett had together: Pop Warner football, The "Skulls" band that Nick and Brett started in our basement ( I think it lasted a day!), Tootin Hills school activities, and the attempt to open the old locked mystery safe in our basement, to name a few. I know Nick is proud of the courageous manner in which you are remembering him. My deepest condolences on the loss of your beautiful son and brother....may you someday meet again. Sincerely, Susie Vanaria

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Condolence From Anne Corbosiero

Wed, 15 Jul 2015 07:47:15 EDT

So sorry for your loss, You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.

Condolence From Sharon Gallerani

Tue, 14 Jul 2015 21:30:46 EDT

Dear Nancy, Ross, Claire and Jane, I am so very saddened to learn of Nick's tragic passing. I so well recall our carpooling days for crew for both Nick and Jane as well as our shared times at Tootin Hills, HJMS and SHS. My deepest sympathy to you each as we think of Nick's sensitive and kind ways, always ready with a smile. My thoughts and prayers are with you now. Sharon Gallerani

Condolence From Kerry and Thomas Baker

Tue, 14 Jul 2015 21:21:54 EDT

So very sorry to hear about Nick's untimely death. The fight he fought was a difficult one. We have great sorrow in his loss. with lots of love and warm hugs to help you get through this difficult time.

Condolence From jennifer golebiewski

Tue, 14 Jul 2015 21:01:02 EDT

I didn't know your son I just wanted you to know how proud I am of your family to be so honest about his disease of addiction.I myself am a version addict who has fought this disease for the past twenty years I am sorry for your loss

Condolence From Doug & Eileen

Tue, 14 Jul 2015 20:20:26 EDT

Our deepest sympathies to your family. We do not know you nor Nicholas, but we read his obituary and it is one of the the most courageous thing we have ever read. Without a doubt, Nicholas' obituary is going to save the lives of many young people. As the parents of 3 boys (young men) very close in age to Nicholas, we have had the very sad experience of seeing one of our sons' very good friends go through exactly what Nicholas went through with the same sad ending, and his parents felt like they had done something wrong, when in reality it was a fate that any one of us could experience. Anyone can easily become addicted to drugs, especially if one has been prescribed pain medication. Your tremendous courage and candor in writing such an honest obituary cannot be overstated - you have just saved lives. In your grief we hope that you realize the overwhelming benefit that you have bestowed on all who have read this obituary. Peace....

Condolence From Linda

Tue, 14 Jul 2015 17:33:24 EDT

There are no words to express such loss. I did not have the privilege of knowing your beautiful son, but I want to thank you for sharing his story, your story, with so much love, honesty and courage. As the mother of two kind young men who died nine months apart, at 21 and 31, who both struggled with addiction, we all owe you, and Nicholas, a great debt. People living with addiction, and the people who love them and share their journey, are the bravest people that I know. A humble bow to you, and my deepest sympathy. Linda Buchanan

Condolence From Wes Connors

Tue, 14 Jul 2015 14:20:15 EDT

Just learned of Nick's passing from a mutual classmate (of his mom and uncle). Condolences to the Vinocur & Moss families and his friends. The obituary was so sad and beautifully written. It can only help others who get caught on the same path.

Condolence From John and Maureen Vaughn

Tue, 14 Jul 2015 14:03:08 EDT

We are so so sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. John and Maureen Vaughn

Condolence From Susan Ingvertsen

Tue, 14 Jul 2015 13:04:35 EDT

I didn't know Nick but I saw his handsome face in the paper and read the obituary. What an honest account of his short life. I admired how you showed he was so much more than an addict. As a friend of an addict, I want you to know how comforting and needed your thoughtful remarks were. It can be so difficult at times but my friend needs me to be there for him and I am. Sometimes I question if I should just give up because it can seem like an up hill battle, but I want you to know that your words made a difference. I will never give up. Nick was certainly blessed with the undying support of his family and friends. God bless you all.

Condolence From Kate Szymaszek Giampetruzzi

Tue, 14 Jul 2015 11:47:01 EDT

I am so sorry for your loss. Praying for your family and for those currently battling addiction.

Condolence From Ellen Bernard

Tue, 14 Jul 2015 09:50:13 EDT

I am so sorry for your loss. Keeping your family in my thoughts and prayers.

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Condolence From Trevor MacDougall

Tue, 14 Jul 2015 08:00:37 EDT

Please accept my condolences for Nick's passing. We will miss Nick at Brookside. He always gave his best and took a lot of pride in his job. He was very lucky to have so much love and understanding from his family and I am sure he appreciated it very much. Rest in peace my friend. -Trevor

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