For more than a decade, Conor Rifon has been one of the heartbeats of Best Buddies in Delaware. A longtime Best Buddies member and friend since 2011, Conor has touched the lives of countless people through his kindness, enthusiasm, generosity, and genuine friendship. If you have ever attended a Best Buddies event, chances are you have seen Conor there and if you have met him once, you probably have a friend for life!

Conor has been involved with Best Buddies in so many ways. He was an important part of the University of Delaware (UD) chapter and is now a proud member of the Citizens chapter. He loves helping plan events, playing the duck machine, and, of course, ordering Grotto’s Pizza with extra black olives! No matter what is happening, Conor brings energy and joy to the room.

Conor is also passionate about his work and his community. He works at the local Giant and truly loves his job. He was also a student in the incredible UD CLSC program, which provides students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) the opportunity to have a college experience and graduate with a UD certificate. His time at UD helped him grow, make friendships, and become an even more active part of the community.

One of Conor’s greatest gifts is the way he makes people feel remembered. He loves giving gifts, remembering little details about his friends’ lives, and checking in with the people he cares about. His mom says,

“Conor absolutely loves Best Buddies events. His friends are such an important part of his life, and he looks forward to every opportunity to spend time with them.”

For Conor’s high school buddy, Ellie Townsend, their friendship has become a lifelong bond. Ellie says,

“I love being friends with Conor, and I feel so lucky that we have been friends for more than a decade. I love our Applebee’s dates, going picking at Linvilla Orchards, and having Conor be an uncle to my new baby, Hope. His phone calls and our hangouts brighten my day and make my life more meaningful.”

Conor lights up every room he enters. His friendship, laughter, generosity, and unwavering excitement for Best Buddies remind everyone around him what true friendship is all about. Best Buddies in Delaware is incredibly lucky to have participants like Conor!