Letters from Family and Friends

A tribute to Corey from his brothers and parents, Nanette and Joel:

 Corey Hausman was a 2018 graduate of Staples High School who had just started his 3rd week at University of Colorado-Boulder when suddenly he was physically taken from this Earth. A simple yet fatal accident occurred September 12 while he was riding his skateboard across campus to a friend’s house after class on a Tuesday afternoon. It is still too shocking and soon to comprehend this loss or answer the begging question: Why Corey?  Those closest to him are focusing on the spontaneous joy that he brought to the world and that, as a freshman just beginning his most exciting journey, he had hit a personal high note.

If Corey considered you a buddy, you were in for a treat. As the stories from brothers, friends, neighbors, teachers and Staples teammates bubble up, it is clear that Corey had a gift: making people laugh. His range of material was broad including hysterical impersonations, physical gyrations, facial expressions and classic sarcastic quips.

His audiences included all ages and personalities.  Whether it was a shy 3-year-old boy who struggled to make eye contact or the senior citizen having trouble opening a car door at Stop & Shop, Corey would find a way to cheer them up, and to get under people’s skin and produce a smile or laugh. Simple, yet so powerful; it was Corey’s way of giving a little joy to the world.

Like many Staples students, Corey had excellent grades, scores and credentials enabling him to attend several formidable colleges. But once he heard from CU, all other admission letters remained unopened. He had found his home for the next 4 years; end of conversation.

Far far away from the comforts of home, Corey was outside absorbing all that Boulder has to offer, jamming on his guitar with his roommate ‘til all hours of the morning, making new friends and impressing his professors with his proactive approach to his studies. All of this with the back drop of the Rocky Mountains still covered with snow at the tippy-tops.

Corey was overjoyed with his new day-to-day routine and the anticipation of ski season when he could freestyle with an old teammate from Mt. Snow-Vermont. Corey beamed during the Facetime calls home to just “check in.” Without a doubt, he was the happiest person in the world.

It is unbelievable to think that Corey’s story on Earth ended so abruptly. All of the lingering questions will never be answered. Especially, for his family and many close friends, when will the sadness and longing pain stop?

Experts insist that it is critical to mourn for a loved one that passes. Beyond honoring the deceased, acceptance and mourning is needed for survivors to eventually move forward with life. What would Corey want?  “Sure,” you can hear him say, “a little mourning would be OK – but, please, not too much.”

Why? Because he was able to hit the high note at 18 years old. He was the happiest person on Earth, and he was able to bring his joy to others. Corey would want us to honor him by following in his footsteps — find personal happiness every day, and bring joy to the world by simply making others smile and laugh.

Dear Hausman Family
I am a childhood friend of Joels.
I am deeply saddened by the sudden loss of your beloved son Corey and I am also greatly moved by the outpouring of love and affection that has been shown to your family. Corey was obviously a very wonderful and special kidand you have raised a terrific, loving family. I am so sorry for your loss. I cant imagine what you all must be going through. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Rick Schless

September 24, 2018 | Copenhagen, Denmark | Friend

The Titlebaum family is so sad to hear of your devastating loss. Thinking of you all.
Michelle Titlebaum

Michelle titlebaum

September 22, 2018 | Westport, CT 

Our thoughts are with you and your family.
Xo, The Nixon Family. Daisy, Bob, Nikki, Jake, Robert & Liza (Cu friends of Casey)

Nixon Family

September 21, 2018 | North Barrington, IL | Friend

Matty and I are devastated by your loss. There are no words to express our sorrow. Thinking of all of you and your wonderful family during this unimaginably difficult time. With love, Gwen and Matty

Gwen Tutun

September 19, 2018 | Westport, CT | Family Friend 

Dear Nanette and Joel,

I'm so sorry about Corrie. What a cool kid. Break dancer, skiier, skateboarder. A true free spirit who lit up any room with his personality and crazy blonde hair. He will be sorely missed. May he enjoy his peace with God and do as many wonderful things up there as he did down here. Our prayers are with you and your family, and with Corrie.

-Anthony and Lauren.

Anthony LoFrisco Jr

September 19, 2018 | Westport, CT | Friend 

Dear Nanette and Joel: I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Corey. God bless you both and your family. Nigel

Nigel Shepherd

September 19, 2018 | Norwalk, CT | Friend

Dear Nanette, Joel, and Family,

I am devastated to hear of your loss. I remember Corey as the cutest little blonde boy (who did not sleep through the night for ages - and all the rest of us 'Landmark moms' just nodded along as ours were not sleeping either). I was so happy to hear he would be going to Colorado for undergrad - what an adventure and so proud of him for undertaking it. He was doing all the right things in the right way, a great kid all around.

Our prayers and wishes for peace are with you all. Love, Laural, Kenzie, Colter

Laural Warren

September 19, 2018 | Westport, CT | Friend

To Nanette and the entire Hausman family

I just heard the news of Corey's passing and I wanted to reach out and send my love and sympathy to all of you. I have such fond memories of Corey as a boy at KHS and of watching the boys at track meets with you at Staples. May all the wonderful memories get you through these difficult times and bring you some comfort in the future.

The Pecoriello Family

Andrea Pecoriello

September 18, 2018 | Westport, CT | Friend

Dear. Nan and Family,Im sending love peace and the wonderful memories of your children as they grew.
What ever it takes I hope you can find the strength to servive
Love. Stephen Szilagyi

Stephen Szilagyi

September 18, 2018 | Milford, CT | Friend

Dear Nanette and Family,

I just learned this evening of Corey's passing. I am so heartbroken for you and your family. Such a shock. I can't even imagine what you and your family are going through. I remember Cory so fondly from Kings Highway Elementary School performing his break dancing routines at the annual talent show and skiing up at Mt. Snow. He was such a lovely, wonderful young man. I know there is nothing we can say to ease the pain but our thoughts are truly with you at this difficult time. Lyn Hogan and Steve Diorio

Lyn Hogan

September 15, 2018 | Westport, CT | Friend

Our deepest condolences and most sincere heartfelt love to Nanette, Joel, Lucas and Casey. Alex showed me the pictures of Corey that handsome blonde young man who I fondly remember in the back of my boat with Mom. May God bless the entire Hausman family. Love Jack, Laurene and Alex Gandolfo.

Jack Gandolfo

September 15, 2018 | Westport, CT | Friend

I am truly sorry and deeply saddened by your family's loss. You have our deepest and most sincere condolences.

Garry, Darien and Sutton Gyselen

September 14, 2018 | Westport, CT | Neighbor

My heart goes out to the Hausman family during this time. May your memories of this great kid remain with you forever.

Larry Bartimer

September 14, 2018 | Westport, CT | Friend

An article from the University of Colorado's newspaper, the CU Independent: https://goo.gl/PZ8e62