Kareem Sterling Hardial

With heavy hearts, we come together to honor and celebrate the life of our beloved Kareem Sterling Hardial, lovingly known to many as "Stats." At just 30 years old, Kareem's life was tragically cut short on Sunday, August 10, 2025, following a motorcycle accident in Hartford, Connecticut. His passing leaves an irreplaceable void in the lives of all who loved him. Kareem was born on November 10, 1994, in the Bronx, New York, to his proud parents, Marcia Sterling and Oniel Hardial, Sr. He was a devoted brother to Oniel Hardial, Jr. of Connecticut and Monique Hardial of New York, whom he admired deeply. Kareem cherished his family bonds and always showed up with loyalty, love, and laughter. He shared a beautiful life in Connecticut with his fiancée, Kavon Mack, with whom he was preparing to build a home and future filled with hope and dreams. Kareem graduated from Alfred E. Smith Career and Technical Education High School in the Bronx and later pursued his studies at Porter and Chester Institute in Bridgeport, Connecticut, where he earned his certificate in automotive technology. His education paved the way for a career he truly loved. Kareem worked as a Supervisor at DATTCO in New Britain, Connecticut, where he oversaw school bus repairs with a strong commitment for safety and excellence. He carried out his responsibilities with pride, ensuring the protection of countless students each day. His dedication, skill, and leadership left a lasting impression on his colleagues and the community he served. Family meant everything to Kareem. He adored his nieces and nephews-Liah, London, Lex, and Sage-and took great pride in being Sage's godfather. Whether it was playing, teaching, or simply being present, Kareem embodied the role of a loving uncle with joy and devotion. Beyond his work and family, Kareem had an undeniable passion for cars and motorcycles. They were not just hobbies, but a reflection of his adventurous spirit and love of freedom. He also enjoyed traveling, especially returning to his parents' homeland of Jamaica, where his father taught him to swim, sparking his love of the ocean. Kareem looked forward to trips and getaways, often finding joy in exploring new places and creating lasting memories. Kareem's life was defined by his selflessness, loyalty, and a big heart. He was the kind of person who, when called upon, would always respond with: "Don't worry, I got you." His smile, humor, and encouraging words uplifted everyone around him, making people feel valued and loved. Kareem is survived by his loving mother, Marcia Sterling; devoted father, Oniel Hardial Sr. both of New York; brother, Oniel Hardial, Jr. of Connecticut; sister, Monique Hardial and her husband, Troy Benjamin, of New York; and his fiancée, Kavon Mack. He also leaves behind his nieces and nephews, extended family, countless friends, and an entire community forever touched by his kindness and presence. To know Kareem was to know love, loyalty, and joy. His memory will live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to share in his life. Though we say goodbye today, we give thanks for the gift of his 30 years-the love, laughter, and example he gave so freely. Today, as we say goodbye, we also say thank you, thank you for the love you gave so freely, Kareem, for the laughter you brought into our lives, and for the example you set of what it means to truly be there for others. We love you! Rest in peace, Kareem. Rest easy, Stats. You may be gone from our sight, but you will never be gone from our hearts.