Julian was born on Super Bowl Sunday, January 22, 1989 in Albany, NY.  He was five weeks premature and severely disabled.

Julian grew up in Pine Bush, New York in a beautiful red farmhouse. Growing up, Julian was the most beautiful baby. One of his favorite places to sit was under the giant maple tree by the house. He could sit there for hours and just stare with a huge happy smile at the swaying branches. He loved opera. It made him beam.  He loved to laugh and he loved to be kissed and hugged, and indeed, he got plenty of that.

Julian was the subject of the film documentary FOR LOVE OF JULIAN, written and directed by his mother, and narrated by Susan Sarandon.  All those who worked on the film were volunteers whose lives had been touched by Julian. They wanted to help bring his story to life and to make it count and they did.

When Julian was 5 years old, he moved to the Center for Discovery in Harris NY, where he found a nurturing and caring home filled with love and the best professional care. He was happy there, well taken care of, and loved by many.  

From his first hours of life to his last, people said Julian was a trooper.  He had a love for life that transcended all odds and all his disabilities.  His middle name, Pelle, means miracle in Hebrew, and thoughts of the movie “Pelle the Conqueror” and the great soccer player Pele were vivid in his parents’ minds when they named him.  Julian conquered many odds and overcame many obstacles, until finally, he could do it no more.

Julian is survived by his brothers Daniel and Adam, his parents Meira and Laurent, his maternal grandfather Ikutiel and his paternal grandmother Michelle. He will be greatly missed by the thousands who came to know him in the film, his many relatives and his countless friends, including the staff at Albany Ronald McDonald House that knew him first, the teachers at the Brookside School and the many dedicated friends at the Center for Discovery.

For more information visit For Love of Julian

For poem, visit Window Pain
Contributions can be made in Julian's name to the Center for Discovery

Julian Pelle Blaustein Rejto at home in Pine Bush

Julian Pelle Blaustein Rejto with mom

Julian Pelle Blaustein Rejto