DeWyngaert, Dylan, Age: 31, Little Silver

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Dylan DeWyngaert, 31, of Little Silver, beloved son, brother, and soulmate, was taken from our lives before we were ready, passing on Friday, Dec. 8. Dylan was a young man full of life, avid fisherman and hunter and had a zeal for the dance floor. Dylan’s greatest accomplishments lie with his relationships with his family, bringing humor and joy to our lives every day. He graduated from Red Bank Regional High School and later was a standout athlete in track and field, winning many awards at Saint Francis University, Pennsylvania. While at Saint Francis on athletic scholarship, Dylan did a semester abroad in Mexico to volunteer his time serving those less fortunate.

Dylan enjoyed working outdoors, most recently at Asphalt Restoration Enterprises. Since Dylan could stand, he would not be found without his dog and/or fishing pole. With his heart as big as his stature, Dylan was a man who dedicated his life to his family. His other passion was volunteering for organizations that supported children with special needs. Dylan will forever live in the hearts of his family and close friends. We are the lucky ones that have been shaped by the person he was and the memories we were able to create with him.

Dylan was predeceased by his maternal grandparents, Hannah and Eston Whelchel, and paternal grandparents, Laura and Paul DeWyngaert. Dylan is survived by his loving parents, MaryKay and Karl DeWyngaert of Little Silver; sister Gretchen and brother-in-law Jeff Hemschoot; and his two nephews, Matthew and Andrew, whom he loved, of Shrewsbury. Dylan is also survived by all his loving aunts, uncles, cousins, and the love of his life, Caity Murphy, and his trusted fishing companion, Luna, of Brick. The night before his passing, Dylan wrote and posted this poem about Caity, his love, for the world to read:

Moving and pets and weddings galore
Santa bring me the fishing store
Friday through Sunday I’m found with sand on my feet,
hunting striped bass, not counting sheep
I’ve already caught my finest catch yet…and I didn’t use bait
It’s the prettiest girl I choose to date!

Dylan’s memorial gathering will be held on Thursday, Dec. 14 at the Thompson Memorial Home, 310 Broad St., Red Bank, from 4 to 7 p.m. A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, Dec. 15 at 10 a.m. at the First Baptist Church of Red Bank, 84 Maple Ave., Red Bank. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations to be made to the Special Olympics in honor of Dylan DeWyngaert.