Declan Henry Reindl Carter

Declan Henry Reindl Carter, age 12, passed away September 26th, 2024.  A lifelong resident of Northville, Michigan, he was born on August 1st, 2012 to John Reindl Carter and Elisabeth Fusco Carter.

Declan was the middle of three children, sandwiched by two sisters, Georgia and Ainslie. Georgia was Declan’s roomie from day one and his perpetual sidekick.  She adored him, and he was her ultimate protector.  Every day was a party for those two, and everyone was invited. Ainslie introduced Declan to competitive running, and, in turn, he was her biggest fan. They trained together, encouraged each other, and understood each other deeply.

Declan did everything fast. Ran fast. Talked fast. Made fast friends.

‘I, for sure, can do that,’ he would say. He was also quick to make bold declarations. To set audacious goals.

But it was never just talk. Declan would throw himself into a pursuit - often accompanied by a soundtrack of his choosing - as if he was participating in a sports movie montage that only he could see. And, most of the time, he would back up his words before setting the bar even higher.

Declan broke running records. He participated in national competitions and the Junior Olympics.  He was an all-American cross-country runner.  He was a straight-A student. He met a sitting president. He managed to check so many boxes in a brief 12 years.

And he did it all without a mean bone in his body. Declan was born kind. And he genuinely didn’t understand how or why a person would act any other way.  He didn’t flaunt his accomplishments like so many of us would be tempted to do - he instead used them to encourage others to reach their own goals. To work hard like he did.

Declan also knew right from wrong from day one. He didn’t need to be taught and barely needed to be reminded. Respect, decency, and empathy were stitched into his DNA as a central part of his character. He was sensitive, thoughtful, and accepting of everyone.

Similarly, rules were important to Declan. He knew rules were there to promote fair competition. To keep people safe. And he generally followed the rules and encouraged others to do the same - except when the rule was ‘Don’t jump off of high things.’

To those in the broader community, Declan was everyone’s little brother: the curly-haired kid with the charmingly goofy smile and friendly hello. He inherently found and cultivated connection with people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds. People naturally gravitated toward him - his love of life was infectious.

Declan was given to us to illustrate how to be a good human. To show us what we can be when we live without fear, without judgement, and without self-imposed limits. To remind us that we can all experience joy through others by embracing the people around us.  This magical boy visited us for a short time, to teach us to be better.

In addition to his mother, father, and sisters, Declan is survived by his maternal grandparents, Susan and Timothy Fusco; his paternal grandparents, Susan and Gordon Ash; his Uncle Justin, Aunt Laura, and cousins Juliana and Holden Fusco; his Uncle Trevor, Aunt Sarah, and cousins Alex and Erich.  He is also survived by aunties, a fairy godmother, great aunts and uncles, cousins, and countless friends and neighbors who are family.

Everyone is welcome to sign the register book and attend a live stream of the Memorial Service for Declan at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church in the School Gymnasium, 133 Orchard Drive, Northville on Thursday, October 3, 2024 beginning at 11:00 a.m.

Following the memorial service the family invites everyone to join them for a Celebration of Declan’s Life at the Marquis Theatre and Northville Town Square from 12:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. to continue the time of fellowship and sharing.

In lieu of flowers the family would appreciate memorial contributions to the Declan Carter Memorial Fund via Main Street League , PO Box 88, Northville, MI 48167.