Kyler Van Nocker

Kyler Van Nocker

According to Oscar Wilde “to live is the rarest thing of all, most people simply exist.” Kyler Van Nocker lived more in his short life than any can possibly imagine. The truth is to know Kyler is to love Kyler. He was only here for five brief years but in that time he taught us more about life than we could have ever hoped for. Despite his illness, he always showed more concern for his brother and sister than for himself. He was a dichotomy, sitting there sipping coffee and snacking on Blue Claw Crab while watching Jurassic Park rooting for the dinosaurs. There was never a dark room when he was around; his smile would lift the darkest of hearts. While battling cancer he would comfort his parents letting them know “it’s ok” as he held their hands. His bullheaded will was matched only by the heart of a lion. He was brave and kind, strong and gentle, stubborn and understanding. While learning the alphabet he would teach the world about the value of life. He was a brother, a son, a ladies man, a friend…in truth there is but one word to describe him, and anybody who knows this word understands…he was “Kyler.” While he will be missed, yet, those who knew him will forever be blessed to have had the chance. Kyler is survived by his parents Paul and Maria Van Nocker of Edgewater Park, his sister Anelise and brother Kaden. Come celebrate the impact of Kyler’s 5 years (Nov. 30, 2004-Sep. 5, 2010) Friday from 6-8 PM and Saturday from 9:30-10:30 AM at the Sweeney Funeral Home, Riverside. Mass of Christian Burial Saturday 11 AM at St. Peter’s Church, Riverside. Interment Monument Cemetery, Beverly. In lieu of flowers memorial gifts may be made to The Committee to Benefit Children C/O Robin Capecci St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children 3601 A Street., Philadelphia, PA 19134.

21 Comments

  1. Abby and Mike Schultz says:

    Our prayers and love are sent your way during this difficult time. The world is a better place since it was touched by Kyler. Now he is an angel in heaven who will watch over you and comfort you in ways you never thought possible. He will be greatly missed, but will live on in the hearts of everyone who met him.n

  2. The Corrington Family says:

    To see the smile on Kyler’s face outside of the school while picking up my daughter just amazed me! How could this little boy who was going through such a difficult situation in his life has such a big smile? He was so strong and so determined. He tried to live his life the best he possibly could when he was feeling well. We all could have learned something from this little boy. He was nothing short of amazing. May your family find comfort in your memories of Kyler and never forget that great big smile of his. RIP sweet angel.

  3. Kim Manogue says:

    Kyler you spent many a day in my apartment with Kaden looking at the fish. You could barely see them, but you tried and pointed. You and Kaden would also come over while I was barbequing and check out what we were eating. Your dad would say “they’re not bothering you.” No it was never a bother but a pleasure. Thank you sharing my world with me. You were stronger than any man I know. RIP Kyler. Natalie’s mom.

  4. Kristin O'Brien Brown says:

    Maria, Paul, Kaden, and Analise, I have no words to describe how sorry I am about Kyler. I will forever remember him walking into the Dowdy’s house wearing his “Bald Kids Rock” T-shirt and a huge smile on his face, as well as him sitting on the beach looking out into the ocean, eating strawberries and again smiling his endearing smile.

  5. Chris & Amy Mickle says:

    Kyler meant alot to our nephew Owen Evans and from the words of Owen and his siblings, Kyler was a wonderful boy that will truly be missed. We are so terribly sorry for your loss, Kyler, you and your family remain in our thoughts and prayers. God Bless you all. rnWith Sincerest Sympathy,rn Chris & Amy Mickle

  6. Jo and Tony Taraborelli says:

    Sending our love and condolences. No words can be spoken that will make this time easier. Just know that we are here if you need us, for anything. nnLove and Hugs Always, nJo and Tony Taraborellin^Dante’s^ Parents

  7. Chrystal Zweifel says:

    Thank you for allowing me to learn so many things about Kyler. He was a true fighter and has made a huge impact on my heart. Getting the updates and learning of how he was doing gave me the deepest hope for him. He will forever be missed. My deepest condolences go out to the family and friends.

  8. John Monoson says:

    Although I didn’t know Kyler or his parents, I have been keeping up with notes of his progress on Facebook. As a parent myself, I feel deep sympathy for his parents, brother, and sister. I couldn’t imagine the depth of loss you must all feel. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family during these tragic times. No parent should ever outlive their children. I’m sure you’ll cherish his memories forever. Again, my deepest condolences.nn – John MonosonnOakland Park, FL

  9. Staff at REM Audiology says:

    Our entire staff at REM Audiology Assoc. in Voorhees would like to extend our deepest sympathy to the Van Nocker family. We had the greatest pleasure in getting to know Kyler thru the yrs. He is and always will be loved by our entire staff.

  10. Chris Ketchum says:

    My thoughts and prayers are with the Van Nocker family. I had the pleasure of meeting them through the Beverly/Edgewater Park EMS Squad. I remember the joy in little Kyler, Anelise and Kaden’s eyes when we gave Santa a ride to their house on Christmas Eve in our ambulance. A priceless moment. I have a 5 year old grandson named Kylar and my heart aches for Paul, Maria and the rest of their family as they go through this extremely difficult time. Rest in Peace Kyler.

  11. Janet Palmer says:

    My thoughts and prayers are with you. Janet Palmer, Dante’s Nana

  12. Rhonda Lallo says:

    Our thoughts & prayers go out to the Van Nocker family. So sorry for your loss. A few weeks ago we were all at the soccer field & Kyler got up & was playing soccer with Mason. It was a priceless moment. Kyler had the biggest smile on his face. He will be greatly missed. Mason & Warren Vanard’s family.

  13. Debra & Bobby Johnson says:

    Although our meetings were brief … Kyler definitely left an impact with his smile and dynamic personality…He touched the heart of our son, Joseph, deeper than most people 10 times his age … and I know he will be missed by everyone – Kyler; although taken too soon; served a great purpose while here on earth; and is now at the right hand of our Father; guiding all of his family as an angel…May God Bless and guide all of his family through the healing process; and may everyone celebrate the life of this beautiful child…

  14. Mary DePietro says:

    Words cannot begin to express how blessed we feel to have been a part of Kyler?s young life. Kyler was so loveable and he will FOREVER live in our MANY HAPPY memories of the special times we had with him. You cannot help but smile when you think of Kyler and his smile and little giggle could light up a room! Don?t you worry Kyler, Mom, Dad, Kaden and Anelise are surrounded by great friends and family who will be there to love and support them during this difficult time, so rest now my sweet angel!rnrnWith much love! Mary, Kimmie and Anthony DePietrorn

  15. Jane Wagner says:

    Having been his aunt, old as i am, Kyler never missed a chance to tell you something new he just learned. That is if you could understand his fast talking. He never did like good bye’s, So my last good bye to him on August 4th was a wiggling, giggling, laughing Kyler. Tried as I did to get a hug, kiss, high five, but that’s the best good bye ever. If you didn’t know he was sick, You wouldn’t have known. Rest now little buddy, always in our hearts. Aunt Janie

  16. Stephanie and Gerry Nugent says:

    So very Blessed are we who have played even a moment with you, to catch that little spark through you’re smerky smile. Thank you for your place in this world, the place that you have touched in so many of our hearts. You have impacted more lives than you would possibly know as a 5 year old little boy. You will be fondly remembered by so very many. Thank You for the huggie, I will cherish it forever.

  17. Alexandria Nilsen says:

    My heart goes out to his family, as well as to all of us who knew him. He was absolute sunshine – which is appropriate to say, given that yellow was his favorite color. He was a joy to have in class this summer (I was an aid in his class for the summer program), and I will never forget his beautiful smile, his infectious laugh, his brilliance, his mature tastes in food, and his ability to touch our hearts without even saying a word. Rest in Peace, “Juice Man.”

  18. The Waldron Family says:

    We feel blessed and lucky to have met Kyler and to have spent some time with him on the beach. Our hearts and our prayers go out to you all at this most difficult of times.

  19. Mimi and Papa Tony says:

    God bless to our little fighter….we love and miss you and all the special times we had together. You will stay in our thoughts forever.

  20. Brian Smith says:

    We only met him once or twice at St. Chris Oncology functions, but we could see what a fantastic kid he was and what incredible strength he had. Our hearts go out to the family.rnrnBrian, Heather, Sarina, Elizabeth, and Breanna Smith

  21. Marcella Cannatella says:

    Kyler, I never met you but through family ties you are loved and will live on in our memories forever. Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and may perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace.

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