Tyler Michael Katarsky, 24, of Dunellen, passed away on October 2, 2016, and donated the gift of life through organ donation.
Born to Jennifer Sierra and Michael Katarsky(Poppa), he was a lifelong Dunellen resident.
Tyler was a talented entertainer and teacher, who went under the monogram “Circus Freak”. He was known for his funny and daring performances, displaying his talents for juggling, his daring balancing act, and impressive unicycle performances. Tyler used his talent for a greater good, his charitable spirit lead him to teach and entertain at over sixty Juggling Life events for sick children. Tyler was not just an amazing performer, he was a caring instructor who taught children to juggle and play chess one on one, genuinely connecting with every child he worked with. He appeared on the David Letterman Show in 2014 where his performance captivated the audience. In 2013 Tyler was presented with the Juggling Life Award for his important work with children.
He was an avid Oakland Raiders and NY Rangers fan who enjoyed the quality time spent with his beloved family and friends. Tyler adored dogs. He started volunteering with Rawhide Rescue at age 8, and was a life long caretaker with the rescue.
Tyler’s received great joy making others laugh and smile, spreading joy through community service, and this legacy of laughter and joy will continue on in his name forever.
Surviving are his loving parents, Michael Katarsky, and Jennifer Sierra, step father Andres Sierra, his dear siblings, Natalie McGarry, Keona and Cassandra Sierra, and Damian Katarsky, his paternal grandmother, Christine Amsden and husband Phil, maternal grandparents Charles and Deborah McGarry, his aunts and uncles, Jessica McGarry and Joseph Hoffman, Viviana Gonzales, Tommy Katarsky, Michael McGarry, and Marvin Sierra, his great aunts and uncles, Laura Paxson “GAL” Lynn and John Wyckoff, Maryann and Thomas Slater, Kathy and Barry Tompkins, Ginny and Noel Brewer, Larry Smith, and Donald and Lorraine Smith, his step mother, Kimberly Foster, his girlfriend of four years, Samantha Maldonado, and a special mention of his mentor, Louis De Lauro, who took Tyler as his protégé and developed his talent as a performer and community leader, as well as his extended family and dear friends.
Visitation will be held on Friday, October 7th 2016 from 2:00 to 4:00 and 6:00 to 8:00PM at the Piscataway Funeral Home, 18 Stelton Road, Piscataway. Funeral services will be held at 8:00PM at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made in Tyler's memory to Juggling Life Inc., 723 Apple Court, Flemington NJ 08822
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