Kurtis Michael Mayer Liska, 27, of New Fairfield and formerly of Newtown, died of injuries following a highway accident during the early morning hours of June 25. He was born February 18, 1990, the son of Jeffery D. Liska of South Thomaston, Maine, and Lori Fischer Liska of Spring Hill, Fla.

In addition to his parents, his grandmother, Ruth M. Liska of South Thomaston; his many aunts and uncles; his 25 cousins; and three "nephews" survive him.

His beloved grandfather, Richard M. Liska, Sr; his maternal grandmother, Virginia Roberts; and his grandfather, Joseph Fischer, predeceased him.

Mr Liska grew up in Sandy Hook, where he attended Sandy Hook Elementary School before graduating from Newtown High School in 2008. He was employed by Costco Stores in Brookfield upon graduating high school.

At the age of 6 years old, Mr Liska started playing Little League and Cal Ripken baseball and was regularly selected to the All-Star teams. At 13 years old, he joined the Babe Ruth League and played a few years there, then played two years of AAU baseball with a good friend and coach, Bob Lapple. Because of his love of the game, he played with several adult leagues, one being the Newtown Naturals, which was part of the Housatonic Valley Wood Bat League.

Mr Liska had an adventurous spirit, robust love of life, and began traveling in his teens. He flew to California to visit his aunts, Maureen and Anna, and his cousins for the summer. While in California, he had the opportunity to attend Anaheim Angels ball games and to go camping in the desert.

Among his many interests was attending the Daytona 500 races for many years with one of his best friends, Jeremy Yapp, and his family. Special times with his father were trips to Arizona to play golf. Mr Liska spent many childhood summers fishing with his family on Lower Beverly Lake in Delta, Ontario, Canada. As an adult, he attended many country music concerts with his friends.

Mr Liska was larger than life and a compassionate, kind, and giving person. His laughter will live on in his loved ones' hearts forever. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him.

Calling hours will take place at Honan Funeral Home, 58 Main Street, Newtown, on Thursday, June 29, from 4 to 7 pm.

A Celebration of Life will take place Friday, June 30, at Newtown Hook & Ladder, 12 Church Hill Road, Newtown, from noon to 2 pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Newtown Babe Ruth Baseball League, PO Box 133, Newtown CT 06470.

To leave an online condolence, visit honanfh.com.