Nick Wiant

Nick Wiant, after just 23 years, died in his sleep on September 20, 2024 following a seizure. Nick is survived by his parents Matt and Kathy Wiant of Fairfield CT, his sister Sara Wiant (Toni Divic) of London UK, sister Eliza Wiant (Mackenzie Thomas) of Washington DC, his Grandma Dorothy, Nouna Penny, Nouno Chris (Cynthia), Aunt Becky (Scott) and Uncle Dan and his many loving cousins. He was predeceased by his Yiayia Kay, Papou Chris, Grandpa Leighton, and dog Winnie. He will be missed by his many friends from Chapel Haven, Camp Northwood, Winston Prep, Sherman Elementary, and St. Paul's.

Despite the significant challenges that autism and epilepsy threw his way, Nick's 23 years were joyful and “awesome!” – full of life, a thriving community, and a job he loved. The support he received from his many caring mentors, teachers, and the CareerAbility program at Chapel Haven special education school gave him the tools and confidence to live independently and work full time at Whelen Engineering. He was proud to share how many light bars he had assembled each day and spoke effusively about his team at work. This summer was one of the best in Nick's life – participating in both of his sisters' weddings, gaining two new siblings in law (whom he affectionately called his SILs), getting more responsibility at work, and finally visiting LegoLand.

Nick always had a song in his heart which he didn't hesitate to share with the world, often at full volume and in public settings. Whether he was playing his favorite Christmas playlist on a loop in his dorm room, texting his family Spotify links to the Dude Perfect soundtrack, humming along his scooter route while delivering mail at Oteyokwa Lake, or belting out Katy Perry's "Teenage Dream" on public transit, Nick was the hype-man and the backtrack our community never knew we needed. He loved amusement parks and roller coasters, whether he was making them out of legos or riding them until he couldn't see straight. Nothing made Nick laugh more than his own jokes. He came to life on the dance floor, especially with his Chapel Haven friends and at family weddings, and never failed to report back with his Fitbit step count.

Nick loved anything having to do with the outdoors – biking with his dad, skiing with his sisters, kayaking with his dog Winnie in Wellfleet, blowing leaves with the leaf blower, and joining in on any projects that involved power tools. He could finish off a huge bag of Trader Joe's corn dippers or a quart of whipped cream in one sitting. The Yahtzee dice seemed to love him just as much as he loved beating his mother, Nouna, and Yiayia at Yahtzee. He saw every episode of Mister Rogers' Neighborhood, Food Truck Road Race, Great British Bake-Off (after which he started emulating Paul Hollywood's accent), and he never missed an upload from his favorite trick shot and fire alarm YouTubers. What remained of his modest income, Nick used to buy an extra Chipotle bowl for unhoused people in New Haven, throw a pizza party for his friends, or donate to elect Kamala Harris. He was a competitive Special Olympics bowler, a ringer at Codenames, and a prolific texter. There was the year when he texted forty-something people a daily, alphabetical compliment – we were all amazing, brilliant, creative, and daring depending on the day. The endless questions about our favorite automobiles. The photos of his meals every night. The voice memos of him singing made up songs. The birthdays (and half birthdays) he never forgot.

Nick’s life touched more people than we will ever know. He made everyone around him better, kinder, more patient, more open minded - it was his superpower. He was curious, adventurous, and easy to love. His heart was uniquely pure; his goofy, joyous spirit as infectious as it was healing. 

His loss leaves a heavy and unfathomable hole in many communities. He will be missed, daily and deeply.

There will be a funeral service and celebration of life for Nick at 10:30 AM on Saturday, September 28 at St Paul’s Episcopal Church in Fairfield, CT (661 Old Post Rd) with a reception to follow. The service will be livestreamed. All are encouraged to dress comfortably and colorfully. Nick loved a vibrant, graphic tee and was often seen in a backwards hat. His friends and family plan to dress accordingly in his honor. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Chapel Haven Schleifer Center in the Nick Wiant Memorial Fund at https://chapelhaven.kindful.com/ 

Nick will rest in peace, but he will not be expecting us to rest. Instead, he would want us to share a laugh, never delay joy, and help make each other's lives a little more awesome.