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He'd Just Retired After 20 Years, But Maryland Dad Edwin Pierce Was Never Done Serving
Edwin Pierce had finally reached the part where he was supposed to slow down.
After more than 20 years in the US Army, the Maryland father had only recently retired, closing a career that took him from aviation to public affairs and ultimately the Pentagon.
But Pierce was never much for sitting on the sidelines.
Out of uniform, he poured that same energy into Woodlawn Little League, where he coached, mentored, umpired, worked concessions, handled audio and visual duties, and seemingly stepped in whenever somebody needed a hand.
His sudden death prompted an outpouring of tributes from t…
Ravens-Loving Dad-To-Be Dies At 28 As Family Prepares To Say Goodbye In Maryland
Michael Handlmaier was supposed to be getting ready to become a dad.
Instead, loved ones in Maryland are preparing to say goodbye to the 28-year-old newlywed, who died on Saturday, Aug. 15, following what his mother described as a sudden cardiac arrest.
Handlmaier and his wife, Amanda, had been married for just five months and were preparing to welcome their first child, a baby girl, in November, according to his obituary and a GoFundMe campaign created for the family.
"It is with a broken heart that we share the news that our beloved son, Michael, passed away at the age of 28 following a …
Virginia Teen Went To Sleep Days After Turning 19, Never Woke Up
Four days. That was all the time Soren Anderson got to spend as a 19-year-old.
The Virginia teen died on Friday, Aug. 14, just four days after celebrating his 19th birthday on Aug. 10, according to a GoFundMe campaign launched by the mother of his best friend in Chantilly.
Anderson went to sleep and never woke up, organizer Samira Rutherford said.
Now, those who loved him are grappling with a loss that came without warning while rallying around his family to help them say goodbye.
“Soren was a kind, funny, bright, and loving young man,” Rutherford wrote. “He had a way of bringing lig…
‘Sueshine’ Gone Too Soon: Virginia Dance Teacher Leaves Legacy Of Joy
Virginia lost a little of its "Sueshine" this month.
Susannah Gayle Keefe, the beloved Arlington mother, wife, dance teacher, and founder of Go Bananas Dancing, died on Tuesday, Aug. 4, at 52 after being reported missing.
Now, the community she spent years getting on its feet is rallying around the family she loved most.
A GoFundMe campaign launched in Keefe's memory has raised more than $37,000 from more than 270 donors, with contributions earmarked for future educational opportunities for her two sons.
"We are heartbroken by the loss of our beloved Susannah and deeply grateful for the e…
Longtime First Responder Larry Snellings, 68, Dies After Battle With Cancer
Larry Snellings spent much of his life answering the call for others.
In the end, the longtime Virginia public servant was home with the woman he loved.
Snellings, a former Stafford County fire chief, deputy sheriff, Fire Marshal's Office K-9 officer and career Firefighter/EMT, died at his Spotsylvania home early on Sunday, Aug. 9, following a long battle with cancer.
He was 68.
His wife, Carol Duke-Snellings, was holding him.
"I lost my best friend yesterday. On my birthday," she wrote the following day in an online tribute.
"Larry died in my arms at 4:15 yesterday morning with me tell…
'Smile That Would Brighten Anyone's Day': Maryland Soldier Cameron Duron Dies At 22
Cameron "CJ" Duron had a knack for making people smile.
Now, a Maryland family and the community that watched him grow up are mourning a life cut far too short.
Duron, a 22-year-old soldier born in Baltimore with deep ties to Bowie and Southern Maryland, died on Sunday, Aug. 2, according to his obituary.
A cause of death was not disclosed.
Those who knew Duron remember much more than the uniform.
Born Cameron James Duron on March 11, 2004, he was remembered by his family for his kindness, humor, generosity, determination, and ability to connect with just about anyone.
He loved spe…
Virginia Teacher, Cheer Coach Faces 'Future She Never Imagined' After Husband's Death
For years, Emily Murphy has been the one showing up for everyone else.
Now, after the Prince William County middle school teacher and longtime cheer coach suddenly lost her husband, Jordan, on Monday, Aug. 3, the Virginia community she spent years supporting is showing up for her.
More than $13,000 has been raised through a GoFundMe campaign for Emily as friends, athletes, families and neighbors rally around the longtime FAME All Stars coach following the death of the man described as her best friend and the love of her life.
The Murphy family.
GoFundMe
"Emily has spent her lif…
'Senseless Violence' Leaves Two Children Without Their Father In DC
He should have been making more memories with his kids. Instead, his family is planning his funeral.
Maryland and DC loved ones are mourning Jamari Millet, a young father of two who was killed in what relatives describe as a "senseless act of violence" on Tuesday, July 28.
A GoFundMe created by his mother, Shawnice Millet, and co-organizer Markisha Moore says Jamari's death came without warning, leaving behind two young children, devastated parents, and a family now facing funeral expenses while trying to cope with an unimaginable loss.
"Jamari was a wonderful father, a loyal friend, an am…
'The Glitter In Their Lives': Will Burkowske Remembered For Joy, Kindness, Final Gift To Others
Some people leave behind memories. Will Burkowske left behind sparkle.
The 38-year-old, remembered by loved ones for a smile that could light up a room and a heart that seemed to have room for everyone, died unexpectedly in Maryland, leaving behind a grieving family, countless friends, devoted clients, and a community still trying to make sense of the loss.
To those closest to him, though, the overwhelming feeling isn't just heartbreak.
It's gratitude that they got to know him.
"Our beloved Will Burkowske was taken from us far too soon, and our hearts are broken," his family wrote in…
Maryland Family Preparing For Milestone Birthday Now Planning Young Father's Funeral
A Maryland family is mourning a young father whose little boy is about to celebrate his second birthday without him.
John William Stacey, 28, of Silver Spring, died after a single-vehicle crash early Saturday, July 25, leaving behind his son, who, according to loved ones, was the greatest joy of his life.
"John was a loving boyfriend, a devoted father, a cherished son, and a loyal friend," organizer Julieta Quinonez wrote in a GoFundMe created to help his family following his death. "His greatest joy in life was his beautiful little boy, who is about to celebrate his second birthday."
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