"His memory was just crazy.". Well, they call me Stone Crusher,'" Michalek says in the video. Dana Warrior, wife of The Ultimate Warrior, Bryan and Connors father Steve gave poignant speeches at the Hall of Fame induction ceremony, and Connors brother even spoke a few words: I love you Connor. Bryan recalled some of the special moments he shared with his biggest fan. Surviving children: James T. Walter (Kitty Schwab) and Michael P. Walter (Pam Barton). Connor Mason Michalek, eight, from Pennsylvania, who died from pediatric brain cancer last year, will be the first-ever fan to be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame (above Connor, left, pictured with WWE World Heavyweight Champion Daniel Bryan), Connor was four years old when he was diagnosed with a rare tumor that affects the brain and spinal cord. Following Connor's visit with WWE, a fund was set up by them, Connor's Cure, in his honor to help further pediatric cancer research, which has already raised more than $200,000. Michalek, who suffered from pediatric brain cancer, went backstage. Doctors gave him a 1 percent chance of surviving, reported CBS Pittsburgh. "He represented strength,. Grandfather of George, James, Troy, Noah, Matthew,Brooke, Gillian, Joseph (Jess), and Hannah. Connor's Cure, established at UPMC Children's Hospital Foundation in 2014, was created by Paul "Triple H" Levesque, Executive Vice President, Talent, Live Events and Creative, and Stephanie McMahon, Chief Brand Officer, to honor the irrepressible spirit of this special little boy. Wife of the late Richard R. Lowden. Sister of Amy Cence and the late Albert Jerry Wilshire Jr. Inside the ring Connor hit Triple H with a punch and pinned him. [14], philanthropy is the future of marketing, it's the way brands r going 2 win" -@biz Stone co-founder @twitter #WWEBPS, Justin Roberts, who was instrumental in getting Michalek to meet his favorite wrestlers, wrote an article questioning whether his Hall of Fame induction by WWE was "driven by sincerity and not strategy". Steve Michalek accepts the Warrior Award on behalf of his son, Connor: March 28, 2015 WWE 93.3M subscribers Subscribe 1.5M views 7 years ago Steve Michalek pays tribute to his inspiring son. "[9][18] WWE responded to Roberts in a statement, stating that it was "offensive to suggest that WWE and its executives had anything but altruistic intentions in honoring Connor and his legacy with The Warrior Award". Michalek, who had cancer of the spine and brain since he was three years old, died aged eight on April 25, 2014. According to WWE, the Warrior Award is given to individuals who have "exhibited unwavering strength and perseverance, and who lives life with the courage and compassion that embodies the indomitable spirit of The Ultimate Warrior". Sort By. Your account has been locked for 30 minutes due to too many failed sign in attempts. Grandmother of Nicole, Kaitlyn and Lauryn. Its unbelievable. There is a problem with your email/password. [6] Michalek met Bryan on December 18, 2012, and again on October 7, 2013, when WWE held events in Pittsburgh. Becoming a Find a Grave member is fast, easy and FREE. Connor Michalek always wanted to be like his heroes in the WWE, and before the young boy died of brain cancer he got to do just that. In the 21st century, it's not just urns and gravestones anymore. In less than a day, WWE and Bryan confirmed that he and Michalek would meet. You can always change this later in your Account settings. We have set your language to WWE Star Makes Local Boy's Dream Come True, Boy With Brain Cancer Checks Off Bucket List, Join The Conversation On The KDKA Facebook Page. A second tweet displayed pictures of Roberts together with Michalek, with the caption that "this is what counts, [let's] please remember. Connor Michalek was inducted in the WWE Hall of Fame in 2015 as part of the Warrior Award wing. Daughter of the late Andrew and Veronica Mary Ann Murt/MimiLowden, age 85 of Shaler Township on April 18, 2023. You helped me earn this. She was born and raised in Lawrenceville October 16, 1934 to John and Elizabeth George W. Bill Hoffman Jr., age 86 of Shaler Township on April 12, 2023. We are no longer accepting comments on this article. Wife of the late Robert A. Kenaan Jr. No Malcolm James Ferguson, age 62, passed away on April 22, 2023, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Father dies eight days after getting stuck in indoor cave at tourist attraction: Tragedy at climbing wall as Celebrity chef Jock Zonfrillo was found dead at hotel aged 46 'after flying back to Australia on his own Cookery's ultimate hellraiser dead at 46: British Masterchef host Jock Zonfrillo lost his virginity at 12, King Charles' Coronation LIVE: Late monarch's confidante leaves grace-and-favour cottage, Princess Charlotte Death of Botox and fillers as Brits seek a 'natural' look: Love Island star Molly-Mae Hague inspires huge Did the King gift the late Queen's dresser Angela Kelly a house in bid to stop another royal memoir? Please enter valid email address to continue. There was a problem getting your location. This commment is unpublished, pending moderation. [15] David Bixenspan of Wrestling Observer Newsletter wrote that WWE's statement "really doesn't address much of what Roberts said, for whatever it's worth". He fought for five years, until cancer claimed his life Friday. Mother of Sean W. Kenaan (Marina) and Danny Kenaan (Laura). He was a super-fan of WWE and Daniel Bryan. Its actually a very humbling experience as far as all of the struggles hes going through, and for him to want to meet me, I mean, Im just a small town guy from Washington. I can think of no better way to honor Connor, than by recognizing him with our highest honor, Stephanie McMahon, WWE Chief Brand Officer, , who had a love for all things WWE, wasdiagnosed with rare tumor affecting brain and spine at age four. Expand the Memories and Condolences form. My heart's broken. Mother of Supinya Hongpong Melvin L. McMillan (Jacqueline). She was born and raised in Lawrenceville October 16, 1934 to John and Elizabeth Kwiatkowski. 25, 2014. You are also agreeing to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. Translation on Find a Grave is an ongoing project. [5] He developed medulloblastoma in September 2009, when he was three years old. He graduated from Allegheny College as an Alden Scholar in 1982 and from the. After his diagnosis, he underwent several surgeries and many rounds of chemotherapy. Please enter your email and password to sign in. HAMPTON TOWNSHIP (KDKA) -- The life of an 8-year-old boy battling cancer touched many people. Great grandchild: Natalie Walter. DEATH DATE Apr 25, 2014 (age 8) #34119 Most Popular. If youre in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist. Son of the late Elizabeth and George W. Hoffman Sr. Jamie Redknapp sells six-bed Surrey mansion he shared with both his wives for 4.95M Partygate civil servant Sue Gray could be barred from joining Labour for a year as 'vindictive' Cabinet Why you DON'T need to ask your in-laws' permission to propose! Connor Michalek (2005 - April 25, 2014) was an American WWE fan who received considerable media attention after a social media campaign for him to meet Daniel Bryan, his favorite professional wrestler. Please reset your password. ', Steve said his family is forever grateful to WWE and the gift they gave his son by making him smile and him encouraging him to continue fighting. Following an eight-hour surgery, the young boy had to relearn skills such walking and talking, while also enduring eight weeks of radiation and four years of chemotherapy; his parents were also told he would only have one year to live. [9] Upon learning that Michalek had little time to live, WWE invited him to attend the WrestleMania XXX festivities. Husband of the late Helen B. Hoffman. Michalek, who suffered from pediatric brain cancer, went backstage when Monday Night Raw came to Pittsburgh that December and made Bryan tap out. That's what counts. Within 48 hours, WWE chairman and CEO Vince McMahon stated that Michalek would meet Bryan. Ruth (Wilshire) Kenaan, age 77 of Shaler Township on April 14, 2023. This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks. His father said it was the perfect moment and believes the whole experience extended Connor's time with him, for which there is no greater gift he would rather receive. Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you. [11] During WrestleMania XXX on April 6, 2014, Michalek was in the front row to see Bryan win the WWE World Heavyweight Championship in the main event. He was just infectious -- his laugh, his smile, his drive. View the profiles of professionals named "Michlek" on LinkedIn. Great Expectations viewers slam BBC for CHANGING ending of the Dickens 'I've been stuck in A&E since 10.30pm last night please just pay NHS staff fairly': Tearful A&E patient Martin Lewis reveals how to get a cheaper supermarket shop and FREE food. Actions that bring smiles, like these [Roberts] gave. This account already exists, but the email address still needs to be confirmed. In his spare time he could be found playing golf, lifting weights, and Frank Woods, age 70 of Shaler, passed away on 4/24/2023 surrounded by loved ones. Mother of Ruth Ann Messina, Kimberly Ivill and Debbie Oblinger (Lawrence Ruth (Wilshire) Kenaan, age 77 of Shaler Township on April 14, 2023. Search above to list available cemeteries. Michalek, of Shaler Township, Penn., was diagnosed with cancer of the brain and spine when he was just 3 years old. "I feel so bad for my son for the simple fact that Connor was his son, his best friend and the love of his life, and he's gone now," said Steve. He received attention on social media after a campaign for him to meet his hero Daniel Bryan.. "Connor would go do his chemo, go to school, go to baseball," said Sandy Stritzinger, Connor's great aunt. WWE executives Triple H and Stephanie McMahon subsequently named the Connor's Cure charity in his honor, and he posthumously received the inaugural Warrior Award at the 2015 WWE Hall of Fame ceremony. Funeral Home website by. Anything you can do for someone like Connor, oh my gosh, Im equally as thrilled to meet him, said Bryan. Bryan gave Michalek some wrestling T-shirts and signed autographs for him. EXCLUSIVE Home win! Blvd., Pittsburgh, PA 15206 ~5.97 miles south of 15116 Three Star Downtown property 6 floors in hotel From $90 Very Good 4.5 /5 Recent Reviews More Details More Homes & Apts at Booking.com Book online or call +1-800-760-7718 Go to Booking Super 8 Buffalo in Pittsburgh +1-888-906-6358 Wife of the late Richard R. Lowden. You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked. Your IP: Visitation will be held from 1 to 8 p.m. Sunday at NEELY FUNERAL HOME, 2208 Mt. Click to reveal +1-888-965-8297 134 Bakery Sq. Brother of the late Barbara Meadors, Frank Hoffman and Kathy Heller. He was a super-fan of WWE and Daniel Bryan. Just a few weeks later, Connor passed away. The week before WrestleMania XXX this April, the WWE invited Connor to Monday Night Raw in Washington D.C. Before the show started, Connor got to walk down the ramp with Bryan as WWE superstars chanted his name. Please check your email and click on the link to activate your account. He tweeted: Regardless of what said, @JustinRoberts loved Connor and we love him.That's what counts.I will never 4get all he did for Connor, and now me. He died on April 25, 2014 at the age of 8. Mother of the UK's most premature twins who were given ZERO chance of survival says they are going from Connor "The Crusher" To Receive "Warrior Award," Induction Into WWE Hall Of Fame - BuzzFeed News, WWEs touching tribute to 8-year-old Connor The Crusher Michalek | myfox8.com, Connor 'The Crusher' Michalek To Receive Warrior Award At 2015 WWE Hall Of Fame Induction Ceremony - WrestlingInc.com, Ways to Give - Personal Page - CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL OF PITTSBURGH FOUNDATION, Do not sell or share my personal information. 206.189.82.77 "If he heard a guy's music, he could tell you who it was within the first two seconds of the guy's music. . Connor "The Crusher" Michalek became the first fan to be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame Saturday night, and Connor's father Steve was presented with the inaugural Warrior Award on Connor's behalf. I will never [forget] all he did for Connor, and now me." MICHALEK CONNOR M. Age 8, of Hampton Twp., on April 25, 2014, after a long battle with Pediatric Brain Cancer. . Updated on March 29, 2015, 2:25 am Posted on March 9, 2015, 11:28 pm Steve Michalek, Connor's dad (pictured above with his son), will receive the award on his son's behalf from WWE World Heavyweight Champion Daniel Bryan and Ultimate Warrior's widow, Dana Warrior on March 28 in San Jose, California, Last April, the eight-year-old has his dreams come true when he got the chance to attend WrestleMania 30 where he sat front row and met all of the WWE stars including AJ Lee, Stephanie McMahon and Triple H - only three weeks before he passed away. Back in October 2012, a video of a 6-year-old Connor Michalek - who had been diagnosed with brain and spine cancer since the age of three - asking to meet Daniel Bryan went viral. Anyone who ever met Connor Michalek could tell stories of his brave battle. You give me a lot of strength. A social media campaign ensued, with hundreds of people joining a Facebook group titled "Help Connor meet Daniel Bryan". If you notice a problem with the translation, please send a message to [emailprotected] and include a link to the page and details about the problem. In the four years since then, he has had brain surgery, several other intensive surgeries, nine full rounds of chemotherapy and six full weeks of full spine and brain radiation. Connor loved to play baseball, loved the beach and swimming but, most of all, he loved WWE and Daniel Bryan. Born 5/29/1952 in Pgh, PA and attended Sharpsburg High School. This account has been disabled. Dressed in a Daniel Bryan T-shirt and accessorized with Daniel Bryan wristbands, necklace and title belt, Michalek finally met his hero, reported WPXI. Connor suffered from pediatric brain cancer, and when he was just seven years old he made a YouTube video requesting to meet Daniel Bryan, his favorite wrestler.