Upton was attending the University of Cape Town through a study abroad program at George Washington University, and planned to become an intelligence analyst after graduation. His was majoring in international affairs with a concentration in African studies.
Upton was a member of both the crew team at George Washington University as well as the Kappa Alpha fraternity.
He graduated from Joel Barlow High School in 2012 and rowed at the Saugatuck Rowing Club in Westport.
He is survived by father Jim Upton; mother Margaret Mirowski; brother Zachary Upton; stepsisters Victoria and Alexandra Mirowski; stepmother Jennifer Upton; stepfather Mark Mirowski; and grandfather John Nipar, all of Redding; as well as grandmother Gladys of Fulton, Md, and 16 cousins.
A wake will be held at Spear Miller Funeral Home in Fairfield on Friday, Sept. 18, from 3 to 8 p.m.
Funeral services will be at St. Pius X Roman Catholic Church in Fairfield on Saturday, Sept. 19, at 1 p.m.
Upton had a penchant for Hawaiian shirts and bow ties, and either are considered appropriate attire for these events.
In lieu of flowers. the family requests that donations be made to Save The Children.
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