Autism Columnist's Son Was 'A Gentle, Radiant Soul', Brick Family Says

BRICK, NJ — Justin McCafferty had an infectious sense of joy and "understood better than anyone that a hug often says more than words ever could," his family says.

The 22-year-old from Brick, who was the subject of frequent columns on Patch by his mother, Kimberlee Rutan McCafferty, is being mourned and remembered for all of his joyful moments in the wake of his death on April 15.

"Justin was diagnosed with profound autism at an early age," his family wrote in his obituary. It was the experiences of raising and guiding Justin that Kimberlee McCafferty shared regularly with Patch readers dating back to 2011.

"I want people to see the boy who at one of his last horseback riding lessons walked up to two random women, put your hands on their cheeks, and smiled at them to let you know this is one of your favorite places, and all is right with your world," she wrote in 2021 in a column titled "Seen." "I want people to see that you care. That you can connect. I want people to see that you love."

Her most recent column about Justin, in January 2026, recounted a trip they took in December aboard the Polar Express train in Wyckoff.

Justin was "a master of the good cuddle, and his presence brought a unique sense of peace to his home," the family wrote in his obituary. "He found endless delight in the rhythms and melodies of his musical toys."

His life sparked Kimberlee's advocacy work for those with autism and their families, including the creation of HomeLife 21, a nonprofit organization "dedicated to ensuring adults with profound autism and intellectual disabilities who require full-time care have access to a loving, supportive home that preserves joy, dignity, and community connection."

"His story has been shared before members of the House of Representatives, helping to inspire greater awareness and lasting progress," his mother wrote. "In this way, his life leaves an enduring mark of love, compassion, and positive change for generations to come."

"He will be most deeply remembered for the gentle, radiant soul he was and the unconditional love he gave so freely to everyone lucky enough to know him," his obituary said.

Justin's death has created a larger challenge for the McCafferty family beyond grieving the loss of their son, family friend Babette Zschiegner said: they now face a financial crisis.

Jeff McCafferty, Kimberlee's husband, has early-onset Alzheimer's and has been unable to work for the past 9 years, Zschiegner wrote on a GoFundMe campaign she created to help the family.

"Kim is an incredible mother and advocate for Justin, and is also a trained SDE (self-directed employee) for him with the agency, Top Care Support," she wrote. That role provided more than two-thirds of the family's income, which they now lose because of Justin's death."

"Kim has not only been an advocate for her son Justin, but she is a champion for the entire autism community, even traveling to Washington, DC to fight on the Hill for the rights of adults on the autism spectrum and their families," Zschiegner wrote.

Those who wish can donate to the GoFundMe campaign online.

A celebration of life is scheduled for 10 a.m. on May 23 at Colts Neck Reformed Church, 139 Route 537, Colts Neck.