NCAAR created an online tribute to honor the lives we have lost to substance use disorder, mental health, and/or domestic violence. If you have someone you would like to tell us about, we welcome you to preserve their memory by sharing their story on our memorial wall.
Ryan James Doyle
July 29, 1988 – August 20, 2022
Ryan James Doyle
Ryan “Ry,” “RyGuy” Doyle
WORDS FROM FRIENDS AND FAMILY
A beloved baby brother, a devoted husband and the perfect son. He was an amazing chef and a positive influence on so many new chefs in the business. He was loved by so many during his life, and will be loved forever.
Donna Donnelly
January 22,1967-March 30,2020
Donna Donnelly
Donna “Don Don,” “Lovey” Donnelly
WORDS FROM FRIENDS AND FAMILY
Mother, Mum Mum, Sister, Auntie, Cousin, Beloved Friend
Donna was a vivacious and loving woman who brought sunshine to everyone around her. She is and will always be terribly missed by those who were graced with her essence. She spread her beauty across state and country lines and her love knew no bounds.
Donna M. Dreher
July 27, 1970-February 24, 2012
Donna M. Dreher
Donna “Donna-Mo,” “Donf” Dreher
WORDS FROM FRIENDS AND FAMILY
Sister, Aunt, Daughter, Cousin, Cat Mommy
How we make other people feel is what matters most in our lifetime. Donna knew how to make people inspired, loved, and accepted. She was so much more than the over simplified labels of a person who suffers from addiction and behavioral health challenges. She was a prolific poet, writer, and artist. Donna was strong in her conviction to be a genuinely good human being no matter what. Her tragic early death at 41 years old was avoidable with best practices in prescription medicine, and a more comprehensive system of care for complex diagnoses. While her essence lives on in her niece and nephew, she will continue to be missed every moment of every day by those who love her so deeply.
Timothy J. Rich
May 17, 1963 – July 31, 2024
Timothy J. Rich
Timothy “Tim” Rich
WORDS FROM FRIENDS AND FAMILY
“I met Tim early on in his recovery, right around the time I was starting my career as a peer. From the get-go, Tim was someone you couldn’t ignore—he spoke his mind, loved his friends and family fiercely, and was always rooting for the underdog. Recovery wasn’t just something he lived; it lit him up, and he made sure to drag others into the joy of it with him. Tim had this knack for calling out BS and standing up for those who needed it, especially as a proud member of New Jersey’s LGBTQ+ community. He didn’t just talk about change; he made it happen—and usually with that mischievous grin of his and an infectious laugh. One of his biggest dreams was to create an LGBTQ+ recovery residence here in New Jersey, a place where people could be fully themselves, find safety, and thrive. That’s just who Tim was—always pushing for something bigger, always leaving things better than he found them. He was one of a kind, and the world is better because of him. I am better because of him.” -Submitted by Ken
“I first met Tim when he joined the NJ Recovery Advocacy Project (NJRAP). He was eager to get involved and advocate for access to treatment and recovery support and housing for the LGBTQ+ community. He was outspoken and passionate, yet always humble and open to learning from the group. Tim was a talented photographer, but I was surprised when I read about his work in his obituary. “Some of his clients included Arrow, Brooks Brothers, London Fog, L’Oreal, and Lord and Taylor. His photographic images appeared in Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Essence, In-Style, and Men’s Health magazines over the years.” It’s no wonder he put us all to shame with his beautiful event flyers. We miss his passion to change the world! And we miss our friend and fellow advocate.” -Submitted by Tonia
“I had the privilege of sharing this sibling because of Scott . Having estrangement as our common bond, Tim and I adopted each other: he was the brother I wish I had. He not only accepted me as I am, he loved me for it. We both saw it our mission to help give voice to the voiceless in our advocacy work- his towards LGBTQ+, mine through education advocacy and navigation for our most underserved including those temporarily housed- the visible and invisible. Tim was one of the few people I knew that could make the world stop. When you talked, he was more than listening to you: he was giving you the gift of his presence. He wanted a connection with you to know you to support you. It was a rare , deep and special kind of love. His presence is missed.” -Submitted by Bernadette
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