Isaac Cutler-Kreutz
1995-2022
Isaac Halperin Cutler-Kreutz, from Princeton, NJ, died peacefully on January 18 of pneumonia, a complication of long-term brain disease; he was 26 years old.
Isaac was an extremely bright child, teaching himself to read before age 2½, when he suffered a massive stroke caused by an undiagnosed brain tumor. After surgery, he was comatose for months and given only nine months to live. Nevertheless, against all odds and in the face of daunting physical and mental handicaps caused by the stroke and surgery, Isaac persevered. With the aid of extraordinary, dedicated, and compassionate therapists (physical, occupational, and speech) and special education teachers, Isaac ultimately relearned to talk, walk, and read. After untold hours of therapy and hard work, Isaac ultimately achieved an astonishing degree of competence and independence. He was a blithe spirit with an open, engaging personality; a huge smile and a funny joke were ever at the ready. He lived a very rich, happy life, and was both ever-loving and deeply loved by all who knew him.
Isaac traversed the entire Princeton Regional School system, graduating PHS with a Gold Key Award in 2016; he counted every student as a particular friend. Afterward, he worked at The Whole Earth Center, Princeton University Store, and Cherry Grove Farm, and loved all three jobs. He joyfully participated in Princeton Special Sports soccer and basketball, as well as NJ Special Olympics cycling, bocce, track & field, and swimming. He adored sleep-away summer camp, travel, reading, cycling, dancing, and adventure. Most of all, he loved people, and loved to help, however he could. He was well known throughout town for his big smile, openness, cheerfulness, kindness, endless positivity, and terrific sense of humor.
His family is forever grateful for the support and kindness of everyone involved in Isaac’s journey. It has indeed taken a village. He is survived by his brothers Sam and David, and by his parents, Liz Cutler and Tom Kreutz, who view Isaac’s life as an unbelievable miracle and blessing.
Funeral services were held on January 20 at Princeton Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Isaac’s memory may be made to:
One Step At A Time, a summer camp for children with cancer and long-term survivors of pediatric cancers: camponestep.org/,
NJ Special Olympics: www.sonj.org/,
Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Neuro-Oncology research: www.chop.edu/
Isaac was a sweet, sweet, sweet young man. He was a gentle soul, kind, wonderfully engaging, and always ready with a welcoming, warm smile. I’ll miss seeing him at Whole Earth. I made a point of chatting with him every single time I did my food shopping. He would share funny stories with me, point out a favorite item he was wearing, and always showed me how neat the shelves he was responsible for looked. And, indeed, they did. He was such a beautiful boy, and so bright.
Thank you for your beautiful tribute to your remarkable son, Isaac. It seems he did indeed defy the odds and went on to live an active life that touched others with humor and love. I send my condolences to his entire family, and to all those who will cherish his memory.
Isaac lived a wonderful victorious life. It was tear-jerking, but also a joy to read about Isaac.
You did a lot to show him love and to acknowledge his triumphs and give credit to many who loved and cared for him who helped him. By his hope and efforts, I am sure he helped a lot of people. This is an encouragement to read about him, and how you found a way to help him be encouraged and thrive, as I also have a child with challenging needs. May the God of all comfort help you at this time because I am sure you miss him. Thankful that God is merciful, Sarah
Isaac was one of my all-time favorite patrons of the Youth Services Department of Princeton Public Library over the years. His ever ready charming smile and quirky jokes, and his eagerness to be helpful in any way endeared him to the whole department. Outside that building, I loved seeing him around town on his recumbent trike! (I ride a recumbent too.) My heart goes out to his whole family with thanks for sharing this very special person with us all.
Isaac’s smile embodies all that you have said of him — his sweet, open wonder with the world and his incredible tenacity. Thank you for sharing this tribute; may his memory be for a blessing. Dave and I send condolences and love to all your family.
Dear Liz, Tom, Sam, and David,
When I remember Isaac, whom my family and I first met when he was a very bright and very cute little boy, I think of many things: his smile, his laughter, his sunniness, his kindness, his devotion to his family and friends…. I also think about his very serious medical problems—problems as unfair as any problems can be—yet problems he endured and managed with courage and, in a spiritual sense, overcame. Most of all when I remember Isaac, I think that he embodied the will and ability to live, give, and love as fully as a person can. Perhaps the simplest way to say what I’m trying to say is that, when I remember Isaac, I remember love: the love you gave him, the love he gave you, the love you shared as a family. That love lives on.
So true that Isaac wanted to be helpful to everyone he met. I encountered him often at the library, and he was always curious about what I was doing, always wanting to learn. He will be missed by so many.
As our mother wrote before she left us:
If thoughts bring us near, we are never far apart.
My memories of Issac go way back ! I’ve driven a school bus for Princeton Public Schools for 28 years ! I drove Isaac to a horse farm in Washington Township when Isaac was either in Pre K or First grade for physical therapy. I can still visualize his beautiful smile of happiness as he rode on the horse…through the years, I saw him at middle school, and then driving him to the school to work program when he worked at the U store when he attended PHS. Always, always always smiling and with a silly joke or two. After PHS I ran into him at a couple basket ball games at Jadwin, still after all those years still as handsome as ever and still smiling! I will always remember him for his spirit, strength and his love for the color purple and his purple mailbox! I feel blessed to have known Issac Cutler-Kreutz! … heartfelt sympathies!
Isaac was a very special person. When I read he had passed I went to my photo album to look at the
picture of us walking together in Washington DC on his 8th grade trip. I am so proud of all he has
accomplished. He will be remembered by all who knew him. My prayers to you.
Liz, Tom, Sam, and David,
What a beautiful tribute to Isaac. You captured his spirit and joy and intrepid nature, which was so inspiring to all who met him. In the years after our sons went to school with your boys at PFS, we continued to see Isaac at Whole Earth and Cherry Grove, and marveled at his buoyant nature and ready smile. So, so sorry for this loss. Thinking of your family in this difficult time.
Jackie Syrop
David Beckett
I wish I could bottle all the love in the world and give it to you.
Thank you, everyone, for these wonderful comments. “The candle that burns twice as bright, burns half as long.” Lao Tzu
Liz and Tom
Isaac was a wonderful soul and it was a joy to know him. We first met in the 6th grade at what is now known as Princeton Middle School (when we were there, it was John Witherspoon Middle School). We remained friends since and although we didn’t see each other often, it was always cool to see him when he was working.
Dear Cutler-Kreutz family ,
I was deeply saddened to learn of Isaac’s passing. His obituary in THE TOWN TOPICS was a beautiful tribute to a beautiful soul. I have been a permanent substitute at Princeton High School for many years and had the great pleasure and privilege of knowing Isaac. He was one of my favorite students ever. He always brightened my day whenever I saw him. There was no one like Isaac and there never will be. The world was a better place because he was in it. He showed us all how to live and love. Princeton High School has an angel forever watching over it . My deepest sympathy in your loss. I send prayers of healing and peace. May happy memories bring you comfort. Warmest regards, Jeannine D. Haight