Town Mourns Howell Teen Who Was 'Determined To Conquer The World'

HOWELL, NJ — Funeral services are set for Friday, Nov. 2 and Saturday, Nov. 3, for a beloved Howell Township 8th-grader who died this week following a kidney transplant.

The obituary of Lane Richard East, who turned 14 just over two weeks ago, says he was determined to conquer the world despite being born with polycystic kidney disease and battling other medical obstacles. Pable-Evertz Funeral Home in Point Pleasant is in charge of arrangements.

"This is the story of Lane Richard East, born in Neptune to Richard and Amy East on Friday, October 13, 2004," the obituary says. "Although he was born with polycystic kidney disease, amongst other birth defects, he was determined to conquer the world. Lane had many medical obstacles to overcome and he faced each one with bravery. Lane made friends everywhere he went with his adventurous spirit and charm. He was a true fisherman and had many other passions including his scooter, bikes, Xbox, bowling and so many other things."

Lane was an 8th-grader at Howell Middle School South, "where he was loved by all," the obituary said.

According to a GoFundme campaign that was set up to assist with cost of his medical care, Lane was the youngest of four children and was born years after his older siblings.

"Without a doubt he was a gift to his family who immediately loved, spoiled and adored him!" a cousin, Jennie Rice, wrote on the campaign.

He was born with only one functioning kidney, and despite multiple surgeries and hospitalizations during his childhood, he was "one of the most outgoing, happy people I know. Rarely will you see Lane without a smile on his face or a positive outlook on life although the struggle is always there," Rice wrote.

Their mother, Amy, died in 2017 "after years of struggling with her own health issues. This left 4 children without a mom; Lane was only 12."

Julia, Lane's oldest sister, was a perfect match out of the three siblings when it was time for Lane to have a kidney transplant; the GoFundme notes that all three siblings stepped up for testing without hesitation.

The transplant surgery happened Oct. 23, but on Oct. 29, "Lane’s courageous journey ended unexpectedly at 6:03 a.m.," the obituary says. "He was greeted in Heaven by his mother, Amy Durrua East; maternal grandmother, Jennie Mae Durrua; uncles, Jon Durrua and David East; aunt, Denise East; and cousin, Shane Savannah."

Lane is survived by his loving father, Richard Giles East; his sister, Julia East and Christopher Reinoso; his brother, Andrew and Jessica East; his sister, Olivia East and Evan Tersten; his nephew, Wyatt Reinoso; his nieces, Kylie East, Penny Reinoso, and Lucille Tersten; his paternal grandmother, Susan Courter Bacus; his maternal grandfather, Edmund Durrua Jr.; and by his aunts, uncles, and 63 cousins.

"Lane was the most courageous young man we have ever had the privilege of loving. His charisma and light will live on forever in the hearts of all who knew him," his family said.

Visitation will be from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., Friday, Nov. 2 at the Pable-Evertz Funeral Home of Point Pleasant, 901 Beaver Dam Road. At 11 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 3, a service will be held at the funeral home, followed by interment at Laurelton Baptist Cemetery.

The GoFundme will be used to help pay the medical expenses and funeral costs. Click here to donate.

For condolences to the family, please visit www.pableevertzfuneralhome.com

Photo of Lane East via GoFundme, a Patch partner