The Avielle Foundation invited the public to celebrate the life of its co-founder, Dr Jeremy Richman, on May 26 at Newtown High School, from noon to 3 pm. The gathering was livestreamed on The Avielle Foundation’s website, aviellefoundation.org, for those unable to attend.

Dr Richman, born March 3, 1970, was a father of three, including daughter Avielle Richman, who died in the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting on December 14, 2012. Dr Richman died March 25, 2019. “Jeremy was a champion; father; husband; son; neuroscientist; and for the past seven years, a relentless agent of change,” The Avielle Foundation stated.

During the Celebration of Life ceremony, speakers included Lee Shull, Nick Hoffman, Ron Richman, Darren Bishop, Gene Oltz, Sifu Ming Lau, Nuvia Crisol Ruland, Eric Strickland, Jeannette Maré, Shaylyn Fahey, and Steve Gross. There were musical tributes by Philip Sheppard, David Wheeler, and Sarah Morris & Friends.

Dr Richman’s beloved “Fri’Ku” (Friday haikus) and doodle collection were displayed on posters and on the back of memento cards featuring quotes that resonated with him. Those who attended the Celebration of Life were encouraged to treasure the cards and share them with others.