06/21/2024
Communities mourn passing of AJ Congdon
BY JASON BLEAU
CORRESPONDENT
REGION — Local communities are mourning the loss of eight-year-old AJ Congdon, a young man whose brave battle with cancer captured the hearts of countless supporters over the last year.
Congdon was a student at Dudley Elementary School and a member of the Dudley-Charlton Rams football team who many considered a ray of sunshine in their lives. Congdon was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor in September and a campaign was started by supporters to help fund his participation in a clinical trial to alleviate his condition. An obituary confirmed Congdon passed away on June 9 at Boston Children’s Hospital. Dudley-Charlton Regional School District Superintendent Steven Lamarche also confirmed Congdon’s passing in a letter sent to parents and shared by recipients on social media.
“Is it with a heavy heart that we share that we learned of the passing of Dudley Elementary School student Anthony ‘AJ’ Congdon. AJ was a bright and beloved student and a friend to so many. Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with the Congdon family during this difficult time,” Lamarche wrote.
The district made counselors and additional support resources available for those affected by the loss. The Dudley-Charlton Regional School Committee acknowledged Congdon’s passing during their June 12 meeting with a moment of silence.
Congdon’s passing spawned an array of tributes online honoring his memory and the impact he left on the many lives he touched. Numerous sports teams, some who he played against and others that he or a family member played for, paid tribute to the young man in posts recognizing his bravery and, in some cases, featuring videos of his accomplishments on the field. However, some of the most emotional tributes came from local police departments who had been a large part of many events and missions to assist AJ in enjoying life and raising money for his treatment. The Oxford Police Department welcomed AJ as an honorary officer in his final months and posted a farewell statement and pictures of AJ on Facebook.
“The members of the Oxford Police Department were humbled that AJ and his family came into our family in blue and made AJ part of it. Chief (Michael) Daniels was honored to make AJ an honorary police officer, and AJ will stand in our ranks for eternity,” the Oxford Police Department wrong. “The strength and courage that AJ showed all of us, is something we can all look up to and strive for. Oxford sticks together during good times and bad. We remain strong and stick together. We will stand strong for AJs family and that is what this community is all about.”
The Webster Police Department also posted a tribute calling AJ a “warrior” in his fight against cancer.
"AJ and his family are very close to the Webster Police Department and it was truly our honor to be able to be there with him during some pretty special events. We were thrilled that he was able to join the ranks of the Oxford Police Department Massachusetts as an honorary Police Officer,” they department said.
The Dudley Police Department also acknowledged the loss, sharing pictures posted by Oxford in honor of AJ.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the Congdon Family, friends and the community, during this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you,” the department wrote.
Congdon was most recently the subject of a special fundraiser event in April and a GoFundMe in his name had raised over $81,000 at the time of his passing. In the months following his diagnosis, AJ was honored as a Fighter Pilot for a day by the 104th Fighter Wing at Barnes Air National Guard base in Westfield, welcomed by Boston College at the Fenway Bowl, visited the Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee with family, and was granted a trip to Florida through the Make-A-Wish Foundation to ride all the roller coasters at Disney World. His battle gave rise to the chant “AJ Strong” representing his resolve and courage in the face of such a sudden battle with cancer. His jersey number, 73, has been featured in numerous tributes.
Memorial contributions in AJ’s name may be made to the AJ Congdon Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o bankHometown, 31 Sutton Ave. in Oxford.
Photo
Local student and athlete AJ Congdon passed away from his battle with cancer. Courtesy
