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The story of Jack Lorentzen is one of brilliance, compassion, and inspiration. From athlete to customer experience leader, from brother to fiancé, Jack’s presence left a deep mark on every person he met. Though his life was tragically cut short, his spirit lives on through the people he loved and the work he cherished.
Early Life and Family Roots
Jack was born on October 26, 1992, in Summit, New Jersey. He arrived just minutes before his twin sister, Charlotte. The two were inseparable from the start. Raised in Westfield, Jack was known for his warm smile and boundless energy.
He was active in church, school, and sports. His early years shaped his values, including kindness, dedication, and a drive to lead with love. These qualities followed him throughout his life.
Jack’s connection to family was profound. He remained close with his parents, his sister, and extended family members. Friends often commented on how Jack’s family-first mindset shaped his empathy and grounded personality.
Athletic Drive and Discipline
Jack had a natural talent for sports. He played lacrosse as a long-stick defenseman in the Tri-State League. But swimming became his main focus. He competed with the Fanwood and Scotch Plains YMCA and later with the Westfield YMCA team.
In high school, he became co-captain of his team. He helped lead them to multiple state championships. Jack’s passion earned him a spot on Lehigh University’s swim team, where he reached the Patriot League finals as a freshman.
Even during the rigors of training and competition, Jack’s joy never faded. He encouraged teammates and led with humility. His drive pushed him to succeed, but his kindness kept others inspired.
Academic and Professional Growth
Jack graduated from Lehigh University with a degree in marketing. His education laid the foundation for a standout career in customer experience. He joined Brooklinen, a fast-growing e-commerce company, and rose to become Senior Manager of Customer Experience.
Jack didn’t just manage CX—he redefined it. He brought empathy, data-driven insights, and creativity to every challenge he faced. Colleagues admired his leadership. Customers noticed his impact.
He believed that customer experience was more than a support function. It was a way to build trust and community. Jack built careers, empowered teams, and led with vision.
His coworkers described him as a mentor and innovator. He helped create a workplace culture that was human-centered and solution-driven. His legacy continues in the teams he shaped and the strategies he introduced.
A Heart for Service
Service wasn’t just part of Jack’s resume. It was at the core of who he was. With his family and church, he went on mission trips to Iowa and Guatemala. He helped build homes for people impacted by natural disasters.
Whether at work or abroad, Jack always gave his time and heart. He believed in lifting others. His kindness left a lasting impact.
Jack also volunteered with local programs and supported his friends’ causes. He believed in showing up, even when it wasn’t convenient. That kind of quiet consistency defined his character.
A Love Story That Touched Millions
In January 2016, Jack met Jack Ciapciak through mutual friends. Their connection was instant. Over time, their love deepened. They shared a life filled with joy, support, and purpose.
In September 2022, Ciapciak proposed a bench in Hudson River Park, New York City. The bench, overlooking the LGBTQ+ Memorial, featured a plaque: “Jack, will you marry me? Love, Jack.”
Three months later, on Christmas Eve, Jack Lorentzen passed away suddenly from an undiagnosed heart condition. He was just 30 years old.
A Bench That Became a Memorial
After his passing, Ciapciak returned to the bench. He replaced the original plaque with a new one: a quote from Jack’s favorite movie, Never Been Kissed—“Find out who you are and try not to be afraid of it.”
That bench became more than a memory. It became a symbol. People from around the world left flowers, photos, and letters. Jack’s story went viral on TikTok, and millions responded with love.
Visitors still stop by to pay tribute. Some come to grieve. Others come to reflect. All leaves were touched by the love story and the light Jack left behind.
Honoring His Legacy
Jack’s family and friends continue to honor him. Donations in his memory support research on FOP (Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva), a rare condition that affected one of Jack’s closest friends.
His colleagues continue to follow the standard he set. In customer experience, his voice still echoes. In every life he touched, his spirit remains.
Social media tributes, blog posts, and digital memorials keep his memory alive. The impact he had in just three decades continues to ripple outward.
Final Thoughts
Jack Lorentzen’s story is one of light and legacy. He was a swimmer, a strategist, a servant, and a soulmate. He loved deeply and lived intentionally.
His life reminds us to be kind, to care, and to connect with others. Though he is gone, his impact continues. In our hearts, in our communities, and every act of love, Jack lives on.
Has Jack’s story touched you? Leave a comment and share how his life inspires you. 🕊️❤️
