Connor Francis Tronerud, 15, took his own life on Monday, December 4th, 2017, after struggling with bullying from peers.
Connor leaves his parents Jason and Teresa A. (Schiavone) Tronerud of Sutton; his brother, Kyle N. Tronerud of Sutton; his maternal grandmother, Mary A. Farrar and her husband, Arthur of Ashland; his god parents, Mary Sprino, who he affectionately called “Murl” and Corey Ferreira; two aunts, Paula Leblanc and Linda Brady; a special Auntie, Sharon Kee; great uncle and aunt, Pat Young and Sheila Young; four cousins, Matt, Sean, Meaghan and Patrick; a dear family friend, Linda Chung as well as many school friends, and especially his Camp Stonewall family. He was predeceased by his great uncle, Jim Young, and his Ninny, Carol A. Kee.
At home, Connor could most commonly be found “chillaxing” in his room with his iPad, Nintendo, and peanut butter cookies. He enjoyed going on hikes with his father; he looked to his mother for support as a confidant. He didn’t hesitate to ask his brother to borrow his credit card for online shopping.
He attended Assumption School in Millbury before graduating from Our Lady of the Angels in Worcester, where he earned the highest GPA in the school’s history and secured a spot in the National Junior Honor Society. He continued a trajectory of academic excellence at Marianapolis Preparatory School in Thompson, earning Headmaster’s List honors every quarter. His early high school joys included staying in the school’s dormitories as a guest boarding student, helping problem solve with the Tech Crew, and playing for the Varsity Ultimate Frisbee team.
He was a member of the Our Lady of the Assumption Parish in Millbury where he was an altar server for many years.
Connor thoroughly enjoyed his summers, spending time at the camper with Nana, at Swift’s Beach, and Disney World during his younger years. Once he turned 8, he gave up all of his other summer travel to live at Camp Stonewall, where he was happiest. He “made history” as one of just six campers to stay all summer in the program’s first year. His competitive streaks included leading his “White Knights” color team to championship titles in 2012 and 2013, as well as taking on anyone and everyone at gaga. He brought a finesse to duct tape art, a determination to rocketry, and a sense of humor to the agriculture of “grassheads.” Above all else, Connor helped foster an environment among peers in which being oneself and accepting others was truly “cool”.
“The world has lost a remarkable young man.”
Family and friends will honor Connor’s life by gathering for calling hours on Sunday, Dec. 10th from 4 to 8 p.m. in St. Brigid Church, 59 N. Main Street in Millbury.
His Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, Dec. 11th at 10 a.m. in Our Lady of Assumption Church, 12 Waters Street in Millbury. Everyone who is attending the Funeral Mass is asked to go directly to the church. Burial will follow at Wildwood Cemetery in Ashland.
The family request all flowers be omitted and memorial contributions may be made to First, the White Knight Fund www.marianapolis.org/whiteknights support raised will help children with Connor’s intrepid spirit have access to the summer camp he loved. Secondly, White Knight Youth Advocacy www.gofundme.com/whiteknightadvocacy funds raised will be donated to bullying prevention and self-harm awareness education.