Austin Theodore Nace, age 21 years, of Three Bridges, NJ, died incredibly peacefully on Friday, July 17, 2026 with his loving parents with him all the way to the last…
Austin’s star began to shine on June 17, 2005 when he was born at the Northern Dutchess Hospital in Rhinebeck, New York. It continues to shine today.
Very simply, Austin is a force. Yes, he has had to deal with all the realities that came along with his diagnosis (MPS Type I: Hurlers’ Syndrome)…and he was never defined by it. Instead, he was a beacon of goodness and joy who was able to walk (or roll!) into a space and light it up with his smile, his infectious laugh, and his inquisitive questions because he wanted to get to know you. Austin saw you. Whoever you were, no matter how the world sees you or how you see yourself, he saw you…and loved you.
Austin loved music, movies and shows, and Broadway. He would break out into song at the drop of a hat and before you knew it, you realized you were singing (and dancing!) with him. He became a member of multiple teams over the years (football, basketball, and baseball) and loved to cheer on his teammates at every venue. Diamond Nation became a second home for him and his jersey was retired in 2022 surrounded by his coaches and friends. Austin graduated from Hunterdon Central Regional High School in 2023 where he made an impact in every class that he was a part of. Throughout Austin’s time both in the Readington and Central school districts, he was cared for and supported by incredible teachers, school staff, and his amazing one-on-one aides who truly became family.
This feeling of being a part of the family spilled into his medical care, starting at Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital in Valhalla, NY and then moving to Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia over the past 15 years. He saw nurses and staff as friends, and his doctors were absolutely his good buddies such that he would get excited to ‘go visit’. Austin’s dedicated infusion nurses not only cared for but also loved him beautifully, and he loved each of them deeply in return.
Austin loved life. But more than that, he loved people, he loved us, and because of how he shined into our lives, we were able to experience the world, at least for a moment, the way he did, seeing the adventure in every moment we are blessed with.
He is survived by his parents, Ryan Theodore Nace and Jennifer Gail Nace (nee Austin), his sister Amanda Danner (with Eric Danner), and brother James Gabriel (with fiancée Victoria Weber), his nephews Quinn and Devin Danner, and grandparents Ted and Kathy Nace. He is predeceased by grandparents Gordon and Marcelle Austin and Paul Kunst. He will also be missed dearly by all his aunts, uncles, cousins, and so so many friends and teammates.
Family and friends will gather on Monday, July 27, 2026, from 4:00-8:00 p.m. in St. Paul Lutheran Church, 201 State Highway 31, Flemington, NJ, 08822, where everyone is invited to laugh, tell stories, remember, and to simply be present for one another.
There will be an additional gathering period at the church on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, from 12:30-2:00 p.m.
A life celebration service officiated by Rev. Dawn Alpaugh will follow the gathering on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, beginning at 2:00 p.m. at the church and to which all are welcome.
Though it is the hope of the family that you will be physically present to help them mourn and celebrate Austin's life, they understand that sometimes distance and timing can prevent attendance. They have therefore set up a link to attend the service virtually. Please click HERE beginning at 1:45 p.m. to watch the Life Celebration Service. Several days after the service, the final tribute video of the ceremony will be posted to this page as well.
Austin's family would like to extend their appreciation to Rev. Bob Mueller and the entire St. Paul Lutheran Church family for the use of their facilities to celebrate Austin, as well as their ongoing prayers.
Complete arrangements are under the care and direction of Wright & Ford Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 38 State Highway 31, Flemington, NJ.
You are encouraged to visit Austin's permanent life celebration site at www.wrightfamily.com to leave messages of condolence, share words of comfort and recollection, and post photographs of his life.
Memorial contributions may be made in Austin's honor and memory to the New Jersey Make-a-Wish Foundation and/or the National MPS Society via the links below. Any and all contributions are greatly appreciated by the family.
Reproduced with permission from the Nace family. Please visit Wright & Ford Funeral Home for more information.