The University of Delaware community is remembering senior Aaron Connell, who passed away July 14. He was 21.

“Our thoughts and prayers go out to Aaron’s family and friends during this sad time with the hope that they can take comfort in their memories of this gifted young man,” José-Luis Riera, dean of students at the University, said. “On behalf of the entire University community, I extend our heartfelt condolences.”

UD flags will be lowered in Mr. Connell’s memory from Wednesday through Friday, Aug. 17-19, on the Newark campus.

A Dean’s List student from Newark, Delaware, Mr. Connell was majoring in both philosophy and applied nutrition at the University.

Beth Schwenk, dietetic internship instructor in the Department of Behavioral Health and Nutrition, said, “Aaron was a student who knew the value of hard work and his education. During our advisement meetings, Aaron always had a plan in place, he was always prepared for the next step. If things didn’t work out as he planned, he was able to adjust his goals to stay on track. I enjoyed our conversations during these meetings. Aaron had a unique outlook on life.”

“I was quite saddened to hear of Aaron Connell’s premature death,” said Joel Pust, professor of philosophy. “I did not know Aaron well, but I served as his professor in one course and had a couple of discussions with him about his choice of a double major in philosophy and applied nutrition. I found Aaron to be an intelligent, thoughtful, humble and hard-working young man. He was, moreover, clearly thought by his fellow students to be a kind and helpful discussant. He was pursuing a major in philosophy simply out of his own intellectual hunger, and I was looking forward to watching his intellectual growth. We will be the poorer for his passing.”

Aaron Matthew Connell

Aaron Matthew Connell graduated as salutatorian of his class from Tri-State Christian Academy. He is remembered by his family as “an amazing young man who was a gift from God” and who was “determined, disciplined and focused in all he did.”

Mr. Connell enjoyed working out and competing as a body builder, where he won first place. An avid guitar player with a passion for music, he was a member of the band The Riots.

Mr. Connell is survived by his father, Edward Connell Jr. (Diane); mother, Carla Connell; and brother, Jonathan Connell; grandparents, Ed and Marjorie Connell; aunts and uncles: Don and Donna Poole, Gary and Andrea Soliwoda, and Dave and Sherry Kuykendall; and many cousins. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Burl and Dolly South.

A celebration of his life was held July 22, followed by burial at Hickory Grove Cemetery in Middletown, Delaware.

Condolences may be left online.