Kareem was a 1998 graduate from the Avon Old Farms School. He moved to Miami, Fla., in 2003 to participate in the Miami Project to Cure Paralysis. He was employed as the media relations coordinator for the Karlville Development Group.
He is survived by his family, Al, Laurie, Zachary and Maxx Delaney, Carol and Raymond Jones, and grandparents, Melvin and Beatrice Goldblatt. In addition he leaves several aunts and cousins in New London.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, May 12th, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Lighthouse Inn, New London.
Donations in his memory may be made to Avon Old Farms School, c/o Brian Doyle, Athletic Director, 500 Old Farms Road, Avon, CT 06001.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
John E Simmons
November 3, 2023
I miss you Reem, the void you left behind in my life will never be filled.
Kelley (Hess) Williams
April 29, 2008
Dream, I love and miss you very much. Benny and I played a special song for you at the wedding last month! Love you always.
Paramesh (Ari) Gonzalez
January 6, 2008
Kareem and I met as freshman at Avon and we lived together in the same dorms and played hockey together for two years. I was there when Kareem's accident happened. I was there visiting him in the hospital afterwards, and although our lives drifted in different direction we always kept in touch and we met in Florida twice. Through all the years I knew Kareem no matter what happened his strength and the depth of his character never diminished at all. Kareem was a great athelete but that was nothing compared to who he was as a great soul and even before his accident Kareem's solid character and true friendship was what stood out most about him for me. I learned so much from Kareem about how to keep on pushing through in life. Kareem went through so many challenges and ups and downs but he never ever got stuck he always kept fighting and kept pushing through and he never gave up on life. He was a great friend, a great inspiration, and a great teacher. We all owe it to Kareem to face our challenges head on with courage and to never give up.
I love you Kareem. Many Blessings to you and the Delaney family.
Corey Salvatelli
June 21, 2007
I would like to send my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Kareem. I had the pleasure of meeting and spending time with Kareem during my years at Old Farms, his smile was contagious and his spirit was an inspiration to all who knew him. We'll miss you.
Sara Escala
May 15, 2007
When Tommorrow Starts Without Me
When tommorrow starts without me,
And I'm not there to see,
If the sun should rise and find your eyes all filled with tears for me, I wish so much you wouldn't cry the way you did today,While thinking of the many things we didn't get to say.
I know how much you love me,as much as I love you, and each time that you think of me, I know you will miss me too, But when tommorow starts without me, please try to understand,that an angel came and called my name, and took me by the hand,and said my place was ready in heaven far above,and that I'd have to leave behind all those I dearly love.But as I turned to walk away,a tear fell from my eye,for all my life,I'd always thought, I didn't want to die. I had so much to live for,so much yet to do,it seemed almost impossible,that I was leaving you. I thought of all the yesterdays,the good ones and the bad,I thought of all the love we shared,and all the fun we had.
If I could relive yesterday,just even for a while,I'd say goobdye and kiss you and maybe see you smile. But then I fully realized that this could never be,for emptiness and memories,would take the place of me. And when I thought of worldly things, I might miss come tommorow,I thought of you,and when I did,my heart was filled with sorrow. But when I walked through heaven's gates,I felt so much at home. When God looked down and smiled at me,from his great golden throne,He said,"This is eternity,and all I've promised you. Today for life on earth is past,but here it starts a new. I promise no tommorrow,but today will always last,and since each day's the same way,there's no longing for the past.But you have been so faithful,so trusting and so true. Though there were times you did some things,you knew you shouldn't do. But you have been forgiven and now at last you're FREE. So won't you take my hand and share my life with me?"
So when tommorrow starts without me,Don't think we're far apart,for every time you think of me, I'm right here,in your heart.....
LOVE YOU BABE.....MISS YOU LOTS.....
Adel Brahim
May 14, 2007
I feel so sorry for his family and his girlfriend Sara that he been dating for the past year. It was a shock everybody.
My Condolences to Sarra and his family.
lisa anne walker
May 14, 2007
I would like to send my deepest sympathys to Lori and Al..kareem was very close to my heart. I will miss him dearly and always remember the great times we had together he is an angel and always stood by the people he cared about...with much love lisa anne
Ricky Lambert
May 12, 2007
Kareem, you are an amazing soul. The overflowing joy for life you brought to Avon didn't even compare to the love and loyalty you've always shown your friends, your loved ones. That wicked smile still cracks us up even through the tears we wipe back today.
Thanks for always cathing our drift, watching our back and mostly for always connecting with us especially when we needed it most and didn't know it. You taught the teacher well.
Until next time, Lambert.
The Holt Family
May 11, 2007
Dear Laurie, Maxx and family,
We can't imagine the depth of your loss; that said, we'll remain inspired by Kareem's courage, character and charisma. These attributes distinguish and sustain our memory of his young life, so very well lived.
Nicholas Malinosky
May 11, 2007
My girlfriend Candace and I have had the pleasure of spending time with Kareem in Miami over the last few years. Each and every time we spent time with Kareem we were amazed with his progress and mainly his positive attitude towards life. As one of my best friends since we met in Middle school, Kareem has always stood out for the right reasons. Earlier in his life it was his athletics and later in his life it was his amazing personality and outlook. You couldn't help but want to be around Kareem. Throughout his life, he respected and loved his peers as his peers did him. There will always be a place in our hearts for Kareem. I am happy to know that his spirit and sole will remain alive and well through his story; a true inspiration to all.
Candace Maslan
May 11, 2007
I met kareem through my boyfriend, Nicholas Malinosky and I immediately fell in love with his spirit and energy. I would visit him in Miami with Nick and many times I just went alone to hang with Kareem! He always made me laugh and I truly adored him. whether we were getting VIP treatment at Miami Heat games or just chatting in his Miami Apartment, it was always a blast being around Kareem. I will miss him dearly and my deepest sympathy goes out to all of his friends and family.
Matt Biscaldi
May 11, 2007
It goes without saying that Kareem Norman, was one of, if not the most amazing people i have ever had the privelage of knowing. Despite all of the adveristy that he encountered, Kareem always had a smile on his face and had an overwhelming amount of love for his family and friends. It is an honor to have known Kareem, but to have known him as a true friend and as a classmate is something i will always cherish. In memory and in honor of Kareem i will always "Aspirando Et Perseverando"...we love and miss you Reem
Doll Mitchell
May 11, 2007
Carol & Family -
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well-lived.
Joanna Smiley
May 10, 2007
I remember Kareem all the way back from 4th grade at Norfeldt Elementary School. I looked up to him- he was such a friendly guy and an amazing athlete. The last time I saw him, he had the brightest smile on his face. His happiness was contagious. I will never forget that about him.
Heidi (Felsen) Brody
May 10, 2007
Dear Carol and Laurie - and to all of you mouring Kareem's passing - my thoughts and prayers are with you. Life certainly has proven to be a surprise and taken all of us to very different places then we imagined while sitting on the wall. Love - Heidi
Joan & Rod Wilson
May 10, 2007
Carol & Slim, I have always considered you as family and have been honored to do so. and like any family, we have seen each other through the best and worst of times sharing tears of laughter and tears of sadness. I know how much you love Kareem and how proud you are of him. He was just one of your many blessings. we will all keep him in our hearts and in our memories. We love you.
Ellen Bernstein
May 10, 2007
My prayers to the entire family for peace during this time of sorrow. I know how special Kareen was to all of you. Carol and I have been friends since kindergarten! and when I look at his picture I see Carol and the Goldblatts. He was such a handsome man. Hold onto the warm memories. My love to you all.
Jonathan Crocker
May 10, 2007
The thoughts and prayers of our family go out to you at this difficult time. All of us miss this remarkable young man. At five years old, our son was one of Kareem’s biggest fans. Ben would run to him yelling “Kareem!” and then leap into his arms. He knew then what we all feel now: that knowing Kareem was a privilege.
We will always remember that in the face of incredible adversity, Kareem always showed genuine humor, personal grace, and steadfast courage. His memory inspires us daily.
Kimberley, Benjamin, and Jonathan Crocker
Jo Anne Thornton
May 10, 2007
My name is Jo Anne (Cremins) Thornton and Carol Goldblatt Jones and I were high school friends who have remained close all these years.
Dearest Carol:
I was so sad to hear about the loss of Kareem. I know how much you loved him. When I went on-line to view the obit and saw his picture it was like seeing you 30 years ago.
Mark Freeman
May 10, 2007
What can we say? Kareem was always the life of the party. This is a very sad time and we can all learn something from his determination and unrelenting humor. Kareem was always upbeat and constantly wore a smile from ear to ear. We will miss him dearly and we truly lost a great man. He is in a better place now and we will never forget him. Love to the Delaneys and family.
Erik Clevenger
May 10, 2007
Carol, Slim and Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Love,
Erik and Shawn
John & Miriam Gardner
May 10, 2007
We will miss Kareem and know that our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family. His courage and positive attitude will always be an inspiration to all of us who knew him.
Art Custer
May 10, 2007
Kareem is and always will be an inspiration to me. The grace and good humor with which he handled his challenges, and the energy and exuberance he brought to everything he did, were extraordinary.
Monica Pereira
May 10, 2007
It has been a few years since I have seen Kareem; however the memory of him and his ability to make you forget he lived with challenges that many would not be brave enough to tackle half as well will always be remembered. I am sure there are many people with his condition that looked up to him and because of that his life had great meaning.
Sue & Peter Evans
May 10, 2007
---Sending deepest condolences from Avon. Kareem was always so amazing to watch on the field or the ice, and later an inspiration to all with the difficulties he endured so young. Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to the Delaney family and all who will miss Kareem.
Robert Frenette
May 10, 2007
My thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Kareem.
He has touched the lives of meany students, staff, and faculty hear at Avon,his courage and stamina is an isperation to all he knew, and he will be indeared in the hears of of all he has smiled upon.
Brian Doyle
May 9, 2007
I would like to extend my deepest sympathy to Kareem's family and friends at this difficult time. Kareem's infectious personality and amazingly positive attitude made him a joy to know. Kareem taught us all so much. At Avon, we strive to aspire and persevere and, in my opinion anyway, Kareem did this better than anyone.
Kareem (#10), I already miss you. I know that your Avon brothers are just as sad and are in just as much shock as I am right now. But then again, we were lucky to have known you. Again, you taugh us so much.
We love you Karrem!
Coach.
Deb Lavallee
May 9, 2007
Carol, Slim, Laurie, Mel and family,
Words cannot express how sorry I am for your loss. Hold your memories close to your hearts and Kareem will never be far away. You are all fondly in my thoughts.
Jenny Langer
May 9, 2007
My brother Josh and Kareem have been friends since they were very little. Growing up, Kareem was like a brother to me and he is dearly missed. Laurie, Al, Zachary and Maxx, my heart goes out to you.
Elsie Kingsbury
May 9, 2007
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
earl Heath
May 9, 2007
I am very sorry about the loss of Kareem. Years ago I spent time with him when I came home from college. He loved me calling him Kareem Akeem the dream. I have been 3,000 miles away in Los Angeles but I was still touched by him after his accident. I wish the family well. The world has lost a big heart.
earl 'the pearl' Heath and Rita
L.A.
K.C. Tenukas
May 9, 2007
It is with great sadness that I write this note. I know sorry does not heal the pain we are all experiencing over the loss of our friend, brother and son. Kareem will live on in our hearts and through the countless memories and stories that will be told amongst all of his friends and family. I will miss you brother. KC
Katie Ratzan
May 9, 2007
I remember Kareem from middle school. He was always quick with a smile or laugh, and his slightly mischievous side won over his friends and teachers.He was a wonderful person, and I will always keep his memory close to my heart.
NIKKIE MORRISON
May 9, 2007
MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS GO OUT TO THE FAMILY DURING THIS TIME.ITS BEEN MANY YEARS SINCE I LAST SAW KAREEM BUT MEMORIES ARE NEVER FORGOTTEN.
Stephanye Clarke
May 9, 2007
To Carol (CJ), Slim & Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you in this most difficult time. May God grant you strength to make it through each day, and keep you in His love. If there is anything at all that I can do, please let me know!
Christea Byrne
May 9, 2007
I spent my parental life watching Kareem perform magic on the West Hartford fields and rinks, often missing my own childrens feats (sorry kids)to see Kareem. He was truly gifted and a joy to behold. Later, our home became an extended dorm for the AOF boys and Kareem was often a fixture. His picture has hung on our family wall of fame for ten years. Kareem's charismatic, infectious, inspirational nature will be with us forever. Our hearts are hurting, we loved Kareem and share in celebrating his life. We offer our deepest sympathy to your family. Christea Byrne, mom of Nick and Tim Malinosky
Yvette Norman
May 9, 2007
I remember when you were just "knee-high" to a grasshopper, you hated to get your hair combed. I didn't see much of you, but you were always in my heart and thoughts. God will remember you and HE knows the whole story. I Love you
Aunt Yvette
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