Aaron Paul Thiel died peacefully at home on Sunday March 10, 2024 surrounded by his loving family after a long, courageous battle with brain cancer. He was 51 years old. Aaron was born on Thanksgiving Day, November 23, 1972 in Appleton, WI. He was the son of Paul and Jane (Jensen) Thiel. Aaron was a 1991 graduate of Hilbert High School where he excelled in football and track. After high school, he attended Marquette University and graduated in 1996.Shortly after graduation, he met his wife Cathy at Wrigley Field, they married, and settled in Durham, CT to raise their family.
Aaron worked at ESPN for 20 years and earned numerous Emmy Awards, IBC awards,and was listed as an inventor on 14 patents for innovative technologies in the broadcasting and media production fields. He also worked as the VP of virtual production at SequinAR.
When he wasn’t working, Aaron enjoyed golfing, snowboarding, gardening, coaching lacrosse, camping, cooking, and most of all, spending time with family and friends. Aaron was a loving husband, father, son and brother. He handled life with an extraordinary sense of calm and grace, even when faced with cancer. He was the true definition of grit. He left this world better than he found it. He revolutionized television and contributed to cancer research through his participation in clinical trials.
Aaron is survived by his loving wife, Catherine (Pitagora) Thiel. They were blessed with three amazing children, Paul, Angela (Annie), and Matthieu. He was the favorite brother of Brian Thiel, Kevin (Bethany) Thiel, and Joy (Geoffrey) Ziegler. He was adored by all of his nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and in-laws. He was one of a kind, and he will be fiercely missed by all who knew him.
Family and friends are invited for calling hours at the Havens Family North Haven Funeral Home, 36 Washington Avenue North Haven, CT on Sunday March 17, 2024 from 2-6 pm. A funeral service will commence at 10 am at the funeral home on Monday March 18, 2024. Interment will follow at All Saints cemetery in North Haven.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Aaron Thiel can be made to the Closer to Free Fund/ Brain Tumor Fund mailed to YNHH Development P.O.Box 1849 New Haven, CT 06508. Secure online gifts can be made to: www.givetoynhh.org/closertofree
My sincere condolences. I am at a loss for words and overwhelmed with emotions. My heart and thoughts are with you. A great soft spoken man who was a joy to be with.
Cathy , I was so saddened to hear this news. Love to you and your beautiful family!
Sending Hugs&Love to YOU❤️and the KIDS❤️
Oh, dear Thiels. Our hearts break for you. Your husband and father was so very good to us, while we were on his team at ESPN. So very, very sorry for the loss of him. What a blessing to so many.
With love and thanks and tender mercies,
Hans and Vanessa Anderson
Life is so special, and Aaron found a way to make everyone he met feel better about themselves. You may not have understood why but it was great to be around him.
He was always our most aggressive as a child, that carried over to everything he did He simply would not be just average, he had to do his best.
Mom and I will miss his sharp wit and quick response. But also the love he gave us whenever we asked. I know that our memories of him will carry us forward.
In memory of Coach Aaron, a beacon of guidance and inspiration on and off the lacrosse field. His unwavering dedication to his players and the sport itself left an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of knowing him. Rest in peace, Coach.
He was always great to talk with and made you feel comfortable. May the fond memories comfort his family through this hard time. Our deepest sympathies to all.
Bob, Sarah and Ian -Wawrzeniak
Troop 27
cathy💚
we love you and your family.
there is nothing like separation from
who we love most.
surreal. shocking. devastating…
i’ve known you for 45 years.
and i am fully aware of your immense
unlimited capacity for loving unconditionally.
in any condition. it’s really not fair.
enduring the cycle of birth and death old age and disease
is just too much suffering. even with awareness
each soul lives forever in peace and joy, knowledge
and bliss does not take away the pain of missing
your best friend and companion in life.
and your childrens dad. like you said,
he is everywhere now. not just contained in his
body/mind. he is forever
in your heart as always. your awareness and love for aaron
is the most beautiful thing in the world…
unconditional love is divine. and it is the truth
and truth will prevail throughout all gains
and losses. my heart and soul is always with you
cath. i’m here for you now and forever.
alohare krishna love always dana & tulsi kai too
Cathy, I am so very sorry to hear this news. I am just stunned. Thinking of and praying for you and the kids.