Kristopher VanBuskirk
1998 – 2025
Howell, New Jersey

Kristopher Thomas VanBuskirk, our Kris with his beautiful smile and contagious laugh, embarked on his final adventure on January 22, 2025. Born on July 18,1998 in Toms River, New Jersey, Kris was the kind of guy who could turn a trip to the grocery store into a memorable escapade.Kris's love for life was as vast as his knowledge of computer. He worked as an Avaya Engineer at Hunter Technology, where he was not only the go-to guy for tech meltdowns but also the unofficial office comedian.If Kris wasn't busy putting out "dumpster fires" or leaving his co-workers in stitches, you could find him yelling at the TV during football games, mastering the latest video game, or planning his next travel adventure. His idea of a perfect day was one spent with friends and family, sharing stories that probably grew taller with each telling.Kris was a man of many hats, or perhaps, game controllers. His love for his family was as legendary as his gaming high scores. He was the beloved son of Jennifer VanBuskirk and Paul Hanley, with Erick Bronstein and Stephanie Hanley championing as his supportive step-parents. His brother Anthony and sister Alyssa knew him as the invincible hero who could fix anything, from a broken toy to a gloomy day. Kris's significant other, Charlie Mynatt, was his perfect player two, always ready for the next level in their life's game.Kris's grandparents, Kurt and Janet VanBuskirk, along with Linda and Joey Cottone, and Thomas and Marti Hanley, often boasted about their grandson who could charm an entire room without even trying. He inherited his quick wit from a long line of family jokesters and his selflessness from a family tradition of loving deeply and giving freely.Those who knew Kris understood that to define him by his interests would be like trying to describe a rainbow as just a bit of light and water. He was loving, funny, and selflessly devoted to bringing joy to those around him. His laughter was a melody that could brighten the darkest of days, and his sense of humor was the life of every party.The world may be a little quieter without Kris's jokes and laughter, but his spirit lives on in every funny story retold, every game won in his honor, and every journey taken with him in mind. Kris's life was a testament to the power of joy and the strength of kinship.So, as we say our goodbyes to Kris, let's not think of it as 'game over,' but rather as him leveling up to the ultimate adventure. We will miss him more than words can express, but we take comfort in knowing that he left us surrounded by the people he loved.Kris's memory will be cherished and celebrated with every chuckle, every touchdown cheered, and every victory dance around the living room. His was a life lived to the fullest, a narrative woven with threads of humor, love, and a dash of mischief. Kris, our beloved player one, may your next level be as extraordinary as the life you've shared with us. Game on, Kris, game on.