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Grandmother Killed In Crash While Visiting Family In NY, CT Remembered For 'Loving Presence'
The family of a woman fatally struck by an SUV while visiting her grandchildren in Connecticut is asking for the public's help to send her body home.
Carmen Illapa Verdezoto, 78, was crossing Progress Drive near Stillwater Avenue in Stamford on Friday, July 31, when a 2022 Ford Escape struck her around 5:30 a.m., police said. The 28-year-old Stamford driver called officers, tried to help Illapa Verdezoto, and remained at the scene, authorities said.
Paramedics rushed Illapa Verdezoto to a local hospital, where she later died from her injuries. Stamford police struggled for hours…
Death Of Bergen County's DJ Pumma Spreads Heartbreak Through NY/NJ Music Scene
The New York and New Jersey music scene is mourning the death of Sehui Won, better known as DJ Pumma, following a battle with cancer. She was 45 years old.
Won, a Fort Lee resident originally from South Korea, died peacefully May 14 surrounded by loved ones, according to a tribute shared on her obituary page.
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“We are heartbroken to announce the passing of our beloved sister, daughter, and friend, Sehee,” her family wrote. “She was a kind and caring person who touched many lives with her warmth, strength, and ge…
LI Car Crash Victim Tony Gestone’s Funeral Details Announced
Funeral services have been announced for a young Long Island man who died following a single-car crash and his family’s fight with a local hospital.
Tony Gestone, 23, will be remembered Wednesday, May 6, at First Baptist Church of Patchogue on North Ocean Avenue, according to his obituary. Visitation is scheduled for 4 p.m., while the service will begin at 7 p.m.
Additionally, a closing prayer for Gestone will be offered at 10 a.m. Thursday, May 7 at the church before he is taken for burial.
“Beloved son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin, and a devoted friend to many. Tony will be remembe…
Long Island Native Richard Leighton Dies Suddenly On Vacation, 50
Richard “Rich” J. Leighton, a New Jersey teacher and father of two, died on Saturday, March 14, while vacationing in Vermont, according to his obituary from SW Brown and Son Funeral Home. He was 50 years old.
Leighton was a devoted husband to his wife, Liz, and a father to his children, Henry and Mary, his obituary says.
Born in Manhasset, NY, and raised in Manhasset Hills, Leighton studied at Fairfield University and Columbia University’s Teachers College before becoming an educator, his obituary says. He worked as a language teacher with the Cliffside Park Board of Education, teachin…
$52K Raised For Long Island Widow, 3 Boys After Patriarch's Sudden Death
Support is on the rise for a Long Island family after the sudden death of its patriarch.
Dominic Farruggio, 39, of Huntington Station, died unexpectedly on Wednesday, March 4, according to an online obituary published by the Jacobsen Funeral Home. He is survived by his wife, Erika, and their three boys, Christian, Matthew, and Anthony.
“With the sudden loss, Erika is now responsible for all daily living costs and bills, which can quickly add up,” reads a GoFundMe campaign organized by Caroline Hendrickson. “The financial strain, on top of the emotional toll, is immense. By co…
Cornell Hall Of Famer, Mom Who Documented Cancer Battle, Dies At 50
A former collegiate All-American and corporate executive died after a four-year battle with cancer, her family said. She documented her journey on YouTube to inspire others.
Molly Kauffman West, of Easton, Connecticut, died Feb. 10. She was 50. She is survived by her husband of 30 years, Brian, and their son, according to her obituary. Her loved ones said she will be remembered for her determination and compassion.
A native of Ithaca, New York, West grew up in Pennsylvania before returning to study at Cornell University, where she was an All-American goalkeeper on the school's field h…
Support Swells For Devastated Family Of LI Man Killed In Hit-Run That Seriously Injured Brother
Friends, coworkers, and neighbors are coming together to support the family of a Long Island man killed in a hit-and-run crash — and his brother, who remains in critical condition.
Edgar Mejia, 31, of Mastic Beach, was pronounced dead at the scene after he and his brother, Omar, were struck by a passing vehicle along William Floyd Parkway in Shirley while changing a flat tire Thursday evening, Jan. 29, as Daily Voice reported.
Omar was rushed to Stony Brook University Hospital, where he remains in critical condition.
Investigators later arrested Jonathan Shaver, 51, of Rocky Point, and cha…
Nassau Dad, Little League Fixture Dies Unexpectedly; Support Swells For Widow, 2 Kids
The North Bellmore community is rallying around a grieving family following the sudden death of Michael Bloise, a devoted husband, father, and longtime presence at local Little League fields.
Bloise’s death has sent shockwaves through North Bellmore and North Merrick, where he was known not just as a parent on the sidelines, but as someone who consistently showed up for children across the league.
“He showed up for all the kids,” North Bellmore–North Merrick Little League wrote in a tribute shared on Facebook. “He cared deeply about helping them improve, about how they felt on the field, an…
$28K Raised For Wife, Daughter Of Long Island Native Zach Kliot After 'Tragic Accident'
More than $28,000 was on the rise for the family of Zach Kliot, a Long Island native, following his unexpected death over the weekend.
The GoFundMe, launched by Taryn S. and Lana V., says only that he died in a "tragic accident," remembering him as a loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend.
Kliot was the founder and CEO of StrataVisor Partners, where he helped businesses “turn strategy into execution across marketing, sales, customer success, and brand reputation,” according to the company’s website. Kliot's LinkedIn shows he attended Nassau Community College and later moved t…
'Taken Far Too Soon': NY Tour Guide, 19, Killed In Skiing Accident As Support Swells
Tributes are flooding in after a 19-year-old tour guide from New York was killed in a skiing accident.
Benjamin Frisch, of Richmondville in Schoharie County, died Sunday, Jan. 11, according to a fundraiser organized by Howe Caverns, where Frisch worked as a tour guide. Additional details about the accident were not immediately available.
“With broken hearts, we share the passing of Benjamin Frisch, who was taken from this world far too soon,” reads a GoFundMe, which aims to help Frisch’s mother and nine younger siblings.
“As the eldest son, Benjamin carried a deep sense of responsibility …
UAlbany Advisor, 'Beloved' Mom's Death At 40 Sparks Outpouring Of Support For NY Family
The University at Albany community is mourning the sudden death of a longtime academic advisor and director who colleagues, friends, and family say devoted her life to helping others—especially her two young sons.
Erin Couture, 40, died unexpectedly on Thursday, Jan. 1, in Latham, leaving behind her husband, Garrett, and sons, Jackson and Griffin, according to her obituary. A cause of death was not given.
At UAlbany, Couture served as the director of student experiences for the College of Emergency Preparedness, Homeland Security, and Cybersecurity, a role that reflected what friends descri…
Community Mourns Death Of Long Island Native Baseball Star Kevin Huber After Sudden Death At 50
A beloved leader who shaped generations of young athletes has died unexpectedly, leaving behind a grieving New England baseball community now rallying to support his family.
Kevin John Huber, the longtime baseball coach at Salisbury School in Connecticut, died in his sleep on Dec. 9, loved ones said. He was 50. He is survived by his wife, Celina, and their children, Timothy and Sara.
The cause of death was not released.
In the days since his death, former players, colleagues, and families have responded in force. A GoFundMe created to help Huber’s family has raised more than $126,000 from …
Long Island Native Kevin Myler Dies, 66
Kevin Francis Myler, Jr., a husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, died on Sunday, Nov. 9. He was 66 years old.
A GoFundMe launched by family friend Meghan Gyves says Kevin was “an incredible man” whose kindness, strength, humor, and love for his family “brought light to every room he entered.” As of Saturday, Nov. 15, the campaign had raised $19,400.
Born on Aug. 9, 1959, in Astoria, Queens, Kevin grew up on Long Island before graduating from Half Hollow Hills East High School and later earning his accounting degree from Pace University, according to his obituary on the Bradley…
Sister Pleads For Justice After Brother's Murder On Long Island: 'Showed Up For Anyone'
Grief is turning to anger for a Long Island family in the wake of a man’s murder on a quiet Stony Brook street.
Christopher Millwater, 52, of Selden, was found fatally injured along Shore Road, near the Stony Brook Yacht Club, around 3:40 a.m. Monday, Nov. 10, Suffolk County Police said.
UPDATE: A suspect has been arrested. Click here for our updated article.
He was taken to Stony Brook University Hospital, where he was pronounced dead, as Daily Voice reported. His death was quickly ruled a homicide.
No suspects had been arrested as of Wednesday, Nov. 12, and investigators did not sp…
Sudden Loss Of Long Island Native Brett Palmer Spreads Shock
A Hunterdon County community is grieving following the unexpected loss of a local dad.
Brett M. Palmer, 42, passed away on Oct. 21, according to his obituary published on the Martin Funeral Home website. Those who knew him said that his death was sudden.
Born on March 3, 1983, to Mike and Linda Palmer, Brett was remembered as a devoted husband, father, son, brother, and friend — “a shining example of kindness, integrity, and love,” his obituary said. Raised in Babylon, NY, and Milltown, NJ, he carried with him a deep appreciation for family, friendship, and hard work wherever life took him.…
Retired Nysp Sergeant Dies From 9/11-Related Illness At 65
A retired New York State Police sergeant who served at the World Trade Center site after the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks has died from a related illness, the agency announced.
Retired Zone Sergeant Steven W. Greene, 65, died on Friday, Oct. 24, from an illness stemming from his assignment in and around Ground Zero in the aftermath of 9/11, New York State Police said on Monday, Oct. 27.
Greene retired from the State Police on July 17, 2002, after more than 20 years of service, most recently assigned to Troop B, Zone 2 in Canton.
In a statement, Superintendent Steven Ja…
NY Native, Singer Grace VanderWaal Mourns Death Of Her Mother: 'Can't Yet Find Words'
New York native and singer-songwriter Grace VanderWaal is mourning the death of her mother following a 17-month battle with cancer, her family announced.
VanderWaal, 21, shared an emotional tribute to her mother, Tina, on Instagram Tuesday, Oct. 21, writing, "Can’t yet find the words. I love you mommy. So much."
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According to VanderWaal's father, Dave, Tina died on Monday, Oct. 20. After her death, he posted a heartfelt message on Facebook, re…
Long Island Native, Restaurant 'Visionary' Kevin Fitzsimmons Dies Suddenly, 49
The Connecticut hospitality community is mourning the sudden passing of Kevin Fitzsimmons, co-owner of a popular beer company and well-known figure in the state's restaurant scene.
Fitzsimmons, 49, died unexpectedly last week, according to a statement shared by Hamden's Haven Beer Company on social media.
“Haven Beer Company was Kevin’s lifelong dream, and he cared so deeply for every member of our team and for all of our customers," the statement reads. "His passion and deep kindness helped shape Haven into what it is today.”
Born in West Islip, New York, Fitzsimmons grew up in Lindenhurs…
Husband, Wife Killed In NY Crash Were 'Foundation Of Our Lives,' Daughter Says
A family is mourning the sudden loss of a Connecticut husband and wife who were killed in a car crash in New York’s Hudson Valley.
Radjindre Soekha, 65, and his wife Poernawatie Badal-Soekha, 61, both of Waterbury, Connecticut, were killed early Thursday, Oct. 9, when their Toyota Corolla collided head-on with a Ford F-150 on Kings Highway in Saugerties, as Daily Voice reported.
The crash happened around 5:30 a.m. when the Toyota, driven by Radjindre, crossed into the northbound lane near Sinsapaugh Lane and struck the pickup truck.
Both Radjindre and Poernawatie were pronounced dead at t…
‘Legacy Of Love’: Nassau Mom Killed In Crash Saves Lives Through Organ Donation
Out of tragedy, Adriana Monsalve’s spirit of giving lives on.
The 54-year-old Freeport mom, killed in a crash earlier this month, donated her organs to save the lives of as many as eight people, her loved ones said.
Monsalve, a devoted wife, mother, and longtime member of Iglesia Renacer in Freeport, was struck by a pickup truck while crossing Mill Road near Buffalo Street on Wednesday, Oct. 1, as Daily Voice reported. She was taken to the hospital in critical condition but later died of her injuries.
In the days since, friends and family have shared how Monsalve’s final act embodied the …
Pedestrian Killed By School Bus ID'd Week After Nassau County Crash
Police identified a man hit and killed by a school bus as a beloved chef from Long Island.
Guy “Chef Guy” Cerina, 63, of Floral Park, was remembered by family and friends for his passion for food, his vibrant personality, and his deep devotion to his wife of more than 40 years, according to his obituary.
Cerina was struck by a bus around 7:45 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 24, while crossing near the intersection of Plainfield and Magnolia avenues in Floral Park, Nassau County police said.
He suffered severe body trauma and was taken by NYU Langone ambulance to a nearby hospital, where he was later…
'Rare Star:' NYC Architect, Educator Erik Verboon Dies Unexpectedly
Erik Verboon, a New Jersey native, leading figure in architecture and engineering, and father of two, died unexpectedly on Sunday, Sept. 21, according to a GoFundMe created by his wife, Michelle Verboon.
"He was the love of my life and the most devoted father to Arjen and Bram,” Michelle wrote on the fundraiser, which had raised $54,615 as of press time.
“One of his greatest wishes was to give our children the best education and opportunities for their future. In his honor, I am creating this fund to help support their school tuition and future college expenses.”
Erik Verboon. W…
'Best Boss Ever': Buffalo Wild Wings Manager's Death Sparks Outpouring Of Grief On Long Island
Mike Doherty was the kind of boss employees remember long after the shifts end.
The longtime general manager of the Centereach Buffalo Wild Wings, died Friday, Aug. 22, at the age of 52, according to his obituary. A cause of death was not given.
Now, Doherty is being remembered for his tireless work ethic, generosity, and the way he made both coworkers and customers alike feel like family.
“We’re saddened to share the unexpected passing of Mike Doherty, a respected friend, father, and member of the community,” Samantha Cianciolo, of Selden, wrote on a GoFundMe campaign.
Facebook/Michae…
