Tag:
Support
Fairfax, VA
Obituaries
Nearly $100K Raised In 48 Hours For Virginia Father, Community Leader: 'Unimaginable Void'
The numbers keep climbing. Less than two days after Sathguru Dhandapani's death, nearly 1,000 people have donated almost $100,000 to help the Northern Virginia father's family, a reflection of the impact friends say he quietly made on thousands of lives long before they were asked to give. Dhandapani died on Thursday, July 9, at Inova Fairfax Hospital after suffering critical injuries in a crash days earlier. He was 50. Funeral services were held Saturday in Oakton, where family, friends, and members of the Tamil community gathered to remember a man they say was rarely far from the next pe…
Washingtonville, NY
News
Washingtonville Man Fighting 'Painful Battle' Against ALS Asks For Help
An Orange County father battling ALS is asking for help as he fights to preserve his independence, health, and time with his family. Washingtonville resident Ricky Pizarro is currently fighting a battle against amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, commonly known as ALS. Pizarro, 52, describes himself as a husband, father of two, and someone who has spent much of his life helping others and working hard to support his family. In a GoFundMe page started Monday, June 15, he wrote that although he has fought against the disease for two years and made it far past his…
Hartford, CT
Obituaries
Hartford Mom Of 4 Killed, Family Asks For Help: 'Her Kindness Touched Everyone'
A 33-year-old mother was found dead with a gunshot wound in what her family is calling a domestic violence incident, leaving behind four children and a grieving family now asking for help. Keishla Claudio, 33, was found unresponsive at her Belden Street home in Hartford on Friday night, April 24, police said. She was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities said Saturday the case is being investigated as a possible act of domestic violence. A person of interest was later found dead in another state from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to police. An email to Hartford i…
Griswold-Lisbon, CT
Obituaries
Diner Owner Mourned After Death In Violent Griswold Motorcycle Crash
A diner owner from Connecticut was killed and his partner injured in a motorcycle crash before Easter. Nathan “Nate” Musto died on Saturday, April 4, after being thrown from his motorcycle during a crash with a pickup truck on Stone Hill Road at approximately 4:30 p.m., Connecticut State Police said. Musto was riding with his passenger, 35-year-old Erica Tefft, who was also ejected and seriously injured, police said at the time. A GoFundMe has since been launched for Tefft and her four children, whom he considered his step-children. Musto, who was born on September 25, 1990, “was a man who…
Bridgeport, CT
Obituaries
Sudden Death Of 37-Year-Old Devoted Father Leaves Bridgeport Community Reeling, Rallying
A Connecticut community is grieving the sudden death of a 37-year-old man whom loved ones describe as a devoted father, compassionate brother, and caring friend. Brian Francis, of Bridgeport, died unexpectedly April 15 at Bridgeport Hospital. His family did not disclose a cause of death. He leaves behind a young son, whom he loved eternally. His family said he was always there for friends when they needed help, and now they hope to honor his generosity. They’ve created a GoFundMe to cover his funeral costs and support his son. Brian Francis was a beloved son, father, and brother…
New City, NY
News
New City Family’s Vacation Turns Tragic After Crash — 2 Young Boys Fighting For Their Lives
A Rockland County family’s trip to Florida turned into a nightmare when a crash left two young boys fighting for their lives, prompting an outpouring of support from the community. A GoFundMe fundraiser launched on Tuesday, March 31, is seeking to help the Hlovatsky family of New City after the devastating crash that happened on Saturday, March 28, in North Carolina. According to the fundraiser, the family — Rockland County Sewer District No. 1 employee Yuriy Hlovatsky and his wife, Yuliya, and their three sons, Deny, age 15, Mark, age 12, and Dave, age 9 — were driving to Flori…
Hagerstown, MD
Obituaries
Keedysville Wife Shares Heartbreak After Husband Dies At 26: ‘I Just Want One Last Hug’
A Maryland woman is sharing her grief with the world after losing her husband at just 26 — a life she says was only just beginning. John Ramos Ordona IV, known to loved ones as Ramos, died in Keedysville on March 22, leaving behind his wife, Brylee Ordona, just months after they were married. Now, less than a year after tying the knot, Brylee is left trying to navigate life without him. “I genuinely don’t have the words yet. You were my everything, and it doesn’t feel real,” she wrote in a tribute. “My soulmate, my best friend. My literal world. I love you so much, and I just want to have …
Williamstown-Monroe, NJ
Obituaries
Williamstown Mom Dies Suddenly, $33K Raised For Widower, 3 Girls
A South Jersey community is rallying around a father and his three daughters after the sudden death of the family matriarch. More than $33,000 had been raised as of Tuesday night, March 17, through a GoFundMe organized by Amy Whitten following the unexpected passing of Debra Ann Bautista. Bautista, 46, of Williamstown, died on Thursday, March 12, at her home, according to her obituary published by Egizi Funeral Home. Bautista is survived by her husband, Alan, and their three daughters, Isabelle, Addison, and Harper, according to her obituary. “The loss of a mother and wife so suddenly…
Massapequa, NY
News
Massapequa ‘American Idol’ Star Overcame Stutter To Reach Top 20: Here’s How To Vote For Him
Long Island's Jesse Findling will take one step closer to making his dream come true on “American Idol” on Monday night, March 16 when he performs as one of the show’s top 20 contestants. Fleming, a 20-year-old born and raised in Massapequa Park, has been one of the most talked-about singers on the show’s 24th season for his ability to overcome his stutter while performing. “Singing has always been something I’ve loved because I don’t stutter when I sing,” Findling told Binghamton University News. “It was always like an escape for me and a way for me to say things without worrying about wha…
Brentwood-Mount Rainier, MD
Politics
Six Kids Left Behind In Maryland As ICE Takes Both Parents, Community, Strangers Step Up
Six children in Prince George’s County are trying to hold on to childhood after losing both of their parents — not to tragedy, but to detention and deportation. The Sanchez siblings, ages 2 to 14, have been living without their mom and dad for four months after federal immigration authorities took both parents in separate incidents, according to organizers helping the family. First, the children’s father was taken into ICE custody and later deported back to Venezuela. Soon after, their mother was detained as she returned home from work and remains in immigration detention. In a matter of …
Mahwah-Ramsey, NJ
Obituaries
Ramsey's TJ Hayes Dies Year After Father At 34 Years Old
A 34-year-old Ramsey man has died, leaving his family facing another heartbreaking loss just one year after his father passed away. Thomas B. Hayes Jr., also known as TJ Hayes, died on Sunday, March 8, according to his obituary on the Van Emburgh-Sneider Funeral Home website. A GoFundMe launched by Claudine Porracchio had raised more than $7,000 as of press time to help Hayes’ mother with funeral expenses and other unexpected costs. “Our family is heartbroken by the sudden and unexpected loss of my cousin, TJ,” the fundraiser reads. “He was a hard-working, quiet, and witty person whose lov…
Manassas, VA
Politics
Brutal Cold Hits Walk For Peace As Buddhist Monks Trek Through Northern Virginia Toward DC
Twenty-degree wind didn’t stop them. Neither did the snow and ice coating Virginia. Buddhist monks trekking from Texas to DC pushed through brutal cold and whipping winds as they walked through Northern Virginia on Saturday, Feb. 7, drawing hundreds of supporters despite temperatures hovering around 20 degrees. The group, now on Day 105 of their cross-country Walk for Peace, traveled from Stafford to Woodbridge along US-1, continuing a journey that has steadily moved from symbolic to unmistakably physical as winter tightens its grip on the DMV. Organizers said strong winds made the cold…
Woodbury, NY
Business
Eatery Reveals Reopening Plan After Fire Forces Closure In Central Valley (
Update
)
An Orange County restaurant damaged in a fire is moving forward with a rapid restructuring and reopening plan, the business announced. Jorge’s Kitchen and Bar, located at 34 Smith Clove Rd. in Central Valley, revealed that its new location at 228 Route 32 will reopen soon, but with a major change. Instead of operating as a bar and grill, the new site will launch as Jorge’s Kitchen – Hot Food & Deli, the restaurant said in a Sunday, Nov. 23 update. At the same time, Bourbon Street Bar and Grill in Monroe, the restaurant’s sister location, will undergo its own transforma…
Northampton, PA
Police & Fire
Northampton Borough Fire Chief Michael Booke Remembered As Dedicated Leader And Mentor
A respected fire chief is being remembered for his leadership, service, and support of others, officials announced on Wednesday, Nov. 12. Northampton Borough Fire Department Chief Michael Booke died after a decades-long career marked by dedication and mentorship, according to the department. Booke joined the department in 1998 and served in numerous roles before becoming chief, officials said at the end of the announcement. Prior to his years with the department, he was a Pennsylvania State Police trooper and later became the Fire Marshal for Troop M until retiring in 2017. He was known fo…
Arlington, VA
News
The Game That Nearly Ended His Life May Have Saved It: Virginia’s ‘Mighty Myles’ Fights On
Small in size but mighty in heart, six-year-old Myles Chambers has already shown the kind of courage most adults spend a lifetime trying to find. A 6-year-old from Central Virginia and a rising football player with the Appomattox Raiders, Myles’ world changed in late September when a hit during practice led to stomach pain, vomiting, and what his family first thought was a stomach bug. Within days, doctors discovered a large tumor had consumed his right kidney. It had ruptured internally during practice, causing dangerous bleeding. After an emergency blood transfusion and surgery on Sept.…
Doylestown, PA
News
Former First Daughter Ashley Biden Files For Divorce From Husband In Philadelphia: Report
Former first daughter Ashley Biden has filed for divorce from her husband of 13 years, Dr. Howard Krein, The Philadelphia Inquirer reports. Biden, daughter of former President Joe Biden, filed paperwork in the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas on Monday, Aug. 11, one of her representatives confirmed to the outlet. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ashley Biden (@ashleyblazerbiden) Just two months earlier, on June 2, she posted a photo album to Instagram with the caption: “May 2025. Heartbroken yet HOPEFUL. MAY I have the courage t…
Manalapan-Englishtown, NJ
Neighbors
Manalapan Man Diagnosed With Cancer Months Before Marrying High School Sweetheart
Dan Reale, a Manalapan native, was just two months away from marrying his high school sweetheart, Ally, when he was diagnosed with head and neck cancer, according to a fundraiser set up to support him. Reale, who works for the Secret Service, had major surgery to remove and reconstruct a significant portion of his tongue and remove lymph modes in his neck. Next month, Reale will undergo daily radiation treatments in Philadelphia. Any support is appreciated for my amazing coworker and her fiancé. Posted by Sasha Zolo on Tuesday, April 22, 2025 "Dan is on a long road to recovery, and…
Beacon, NY
Obituaries
Fire Victim, Retired Highway Supervisor From Beacon Remembered: Here's When Services Will Be
The Dutchess County community is mourning the loss of Eugene “Gene” Murphy—better known as “Murph”—a retired highway department supervisor who died in a devastating house fire. Murphy, 81, died at his home at 9 Alice St. in Beacon on Tuesday, April 15 after a fast-moving fire broke out just after 6:20 p.m. Three other relatives were injured in the blaze, including his 15-year-old great-grandson, who was left in critical condition with severe burns at Westchester Medical Center, as Daily Voice reported. Murphy, a lifelong Beacon resident, was born on October 24, 1943, and worked …
Latham, NY
Business
Overnight Fire Closes Restaurant In Latham: 'Can't Wait To Serve You Again'
A Capital Region restaurant is vowing to reopen following an overnight fire. Firefighters in Latham responded to the Metro 7 Diner on Troy-Schenectady Road for an alarm and structure fire at around 10:45 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 26. At least six agencies, including the Albany International Airport Fire Department, worked to extinguish the flames. There were no reports of injuries. The restaurant was temporarily closed due to interior fire and water damage, Metro 7 Diner chef and owner Otto Maier said on Facebook. “We truly appreciate your understanding and support during this time, and we can’t …
Little Falls-Woodland Park, NJ
Police & Fire
Newlywed Little Falls Officer Gets Special Hospital Sendoff After Harrowing Crash (
Video
)
The Little Falls Police Department has shared heartfelt footage of Officer Antonio Piedrabuena being discharged from The Valley Hospital on Saturday, Dec. 21, following a harrowing accident just days earlier. Piedrabuena, a newlywed, experienced a medical emergency on Thursday, Dec. 19, while driving his marked police vehicle. The episode caused the car to accelerate uncontrollably, reaching speeds of 102 miles per hour, the department said. The officer veered over the double-yellow lines, hit a curb and utility pole, and then crashed into Schumacher Chevrolet on Main Street near Union Avenu…
Minisink Valley, NY
News
Minisink Valley Community Rallies To Support Family Of 17-Year-Old Killed In Crash
The community where a 17-year-old Hudson Valley boy who was killed in a single-vehicle crash goes to school and lives is showing their support and honoring his life by helping his family "in any way possible." Earlier Report: New Fatal Crash Update: 17-Year-Old Victim From Minisink Valley HS ID'd, Driver Charged Orange County resident Jack Braun of Slate Hill, a hamlet of Wawayanda, died in Sullivan County around 1:30 a.m., Sunday, Sept. 22, on Route 17 West in Mamakating. Three passengers were also severely injured. All attended Minisink Valley High School in Orange County, ac…
Woodstown, NJ
News
Matt Gaudreau Was Expecting Baby With Wife, Madeline, Campaign Says
The Gaudreau family had much to look forward to. Katie Gaudreau was set to marry Devin Joyce on Friday, Aug. 30. Johnny Gaudreau and his wife, Meredith, were weeks away from celebrating their daughter's second birthday. Matt Gaudreau and his wife, Madeline, were expecting a baby, according to a GoFundMe page launched for Madeline's future. ALSO SEE: Pregnant Gaudreau Widow Has Special Message For Sister-In-Law But the Gaudreau family's happy future was ripped away from them on Thursday, Aug. 29, when brothers Matt and Johnny were struck and killed by a DUI driver …
Hamilton Township, NJ
Police & Fire
Mom Of Woman Killed In Trenton Hit-Run Lost 3 Kids In 5-Year Span
Support is on the rise for a Trenton mother who lost three of her four children in a five-year span. Toshawn West first lost her first-born, Nuna, then her second-born, Nyshirah, and now, her third, Shydasia Merrick. Merrick, 26, was struck and killed by a hit-and-run driver at approximately 4:30 a.m. Saturday, June 1, as previously reported by Daily Voice. More than $2,900 had been raised as of Monday, June 10 on a GoFundMe that West launched for herself. "I have suffered over the years losing two of my other children as well. Mentally, I’m trying to hold myself together and it…
