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Monday, dec 16
Obituaries
Late Brookhaven Bicyclist Is Helping 4 Others Live Following Deadly Crash
A late Long Island man is still helping others, even in death. Joseph Vujasin, 57, of Brookhaven, died after being struck by an SUV while bicycling in North Bellport on Tuesday afternoon, Nov. 26. Suffolk County Police said a 44-year-old woman driving the SUV suffered a medical emergency and hit Vujasin as he rode near the intersection of Post and Atlantic avenues. He was taken to Long Island Community Hospital in Patchogue with serious head injuries and was declared brain dead. Relatives made the difficult decision to take him off life support days later, on Wednesday, Dec. 4, his niece …
Obituaries
Long Island 17-Year-Old Who Died During Hockey Game Was 'Beacon Of Sportsmanship, Leadership'
The Long Island hockey community is mourning the loss of a rising young star who collapsed and died during a charity game over Thanksgiving weekend. Connor Kasin, age 17, lost consciousness at around 9 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 30, during an intermission at the Town of Oyster Bay Skating Center on Stewart Avenue in Bethpage, Nassau County Police said. Kasin, a senior defenseman at Massapequa High School, was given CPR by bystanders and, later, Nassau County Police medics. He was pronounced dead a short time later at a hospital. Earlier Report: ID Released For Massapequa HS Senior Who Died…
Obituaries
ID Released For Long Island HS Senior Who Died During Hockey Game
The identity has been released of a hockey player who died after losing consciousness during a hockey game on Long Island overnight. Click here for a new, updated story: Long Island 17-Year-Old Who Died During Hockey Game Was 'Beacon Of Sportsmanship, Leadership' The incident occurred around 9 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 30, at the Town of Oyster Bay Skating Center on Stewart Avenue in Bethpage, Nassau County Police said. Connor Kasin, a senior defenseman at Massapequa High School, collapsed during an intermission of a hockey game, prompting bystanders to begin CPR. Nassau Count…
Obituaries
Van Ritshie, Beloved
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Announcer, Radio Host, Dies
If you’ve ever hopped a train or scanned a radio in these parts, chances are good you’ve heard the velvety smooth voice of Van Ritshie. The longtime Hudson Valley radio host and voiceover artist, whose voice guided MTA commuters for decades, died Sunday, Nov. 3, at a Dutchess County hospice center in Poughkeepsie. He was 80 years old. “The Family of Van Ritshie is sad to announce that ‘The Voice of the Hudson Valley’ has passed on to be with Jesus after a brief illness surrounded by family,” reads his obituary. After earning his communications degree at Queensborough Community College in Q…
Obituaries
18-Year-Old Killed In Wildfire At NY State Park Remembered As HS Baseball Standout
A teenage New York State Parks and Recreation worker who died battling one of the latest in a rash of wildfires in the region will be honored at a memorial service in his hometown. The blaze broke out in Orange County at Sterling Forest State Park in Tuxedo on Saturday, Nov. 9, and spread into parts of neighboring New Jersey. Rockland County resident Dariel Vasquez, age 18, suffered fatal injuries after a tree fell, according to the New York Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. Vasquez suffered fatal injuries after a tree fell, according to the New York Office of Par…
Obituaries
Death Of 'Beacon Of Warmth' Chef On Long Island Roadway Sparks Flood Of Support
Support is swelling for the family of a beloved father and chef who was struck and killed by a car on Long Island. The incident happened in Inwood, near the intersection of Sheridan Avenue and Nassau Avenue, shortly after 11 p.m. Monday, Oct. 28. Nassau County Police said 44-year-old Patrick Mwesigwa was struck by a Ford Explorer heading southbound on Sheridan Avenue. He suffered severe head injuries and was pronounced dead at the hospital. Earlier Report: ID Released For 44-Year-Old Struck, Killed By SUV In Inwood A 35-year-old man who was driving the Explorer remained at the sce…
Obituaries
Brentwood Teen Killed By Allegedly Impaired Driver Remembered As 'Kind, Respectful'
Support is rising for the family of a 19-year-old man who was killed by an allegedly impaired driver on Long Island. The crash happened in Central Islip, at around 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 13. Suffolk County Police said Eryk McPherson, of Brentwood, was riding his bicycle westbound across Joshuas Path at Vanderbilt Avenue when he was hit by a Honda sedan. Earlier Report: 19-Year-Old Dies From Injuries After Crash Involving Allegedly Impaired Driver In Central Islip The teen was taken to South Shore University Hospital in Bay Shore and died the following day. Police arrested the Hon…
Obituaries
Community Mourns 'Exceptional' Teacher, Mother After NY Murder-Suicide Involving Ex
-nypd
Cop
A community in mourning following the tragic death of a beloved schoolteacher in an apparent murder-suicide at her Westchester home is finding the silver lining in remembering her massive impact on countless young students. Eastchester Union Free School District teacher Arlene O’Neill, age 47, was killed in a shooting at her Yonkers home on Chittenden Avenue on Wednesday morning, Oct. 16, according to Yonkers Police. Earlier Report - Retired Nypd Officer, Teacher Found Dead After Murder-Suicide At Yonkers Home O’Neill, a fifth-grade teacher at the Anne Hutchinson School, was fatally shot …
Obituaries
Ethel Kennedy, Matriarch Of Nation's Most Famous Political Family, Dies At 96
Ethel Kennedy, the matriarch of America's most famous political family, died Thursday, Oct. 10. She was 96. Ethel Kennedy was wife to Robert "Bobby" Kennedy Sr., sister-in-law to President John F. Kennedy, and mother to 11 children, including former presidential nominee Robert F. Kennedy Jr. She suffered a stroke at her home last week, her grandson, former Rep. Joe Kennedy said on X, formerly Twitter. It is with our hearts full of love that we announce the passing of our amazing grandmother, Ethel Kennedy. She died this morning from complications related to a stroke su…
Obituaries
Wrestling Standout, 'Devoted' Father From Long Island Killed In Shooting 'Lit Up Every Room'
Support is building for the family of a young father and wrestling standout from Long Island who was killed in a shooting. Lee Mauras, age 22, originally from Hempstead, was shot at around 2:30 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 6, in a parking lot in downtown Portland, Oregon, police told local station KATU. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities did not speculate on a possible motive for the shooting. No suspects had been arrested as of Tuesday, Oct. 8. Mauras had recently moved to the Portland area to attend Clackamas Community College, where he had committed to wrestling in the upcomin…
Obituaries
Death Of 'Ultimate Hockey Mom,' Teacher From Long Island Sparks Flood Of Support For 3 Kids
Students, colleagues, and loved ones are mourning the unexpected loss of a beloved teacher on Long Island. Michelle Cuccias-Weidenbach, of Massapequa, died at the age of 46 on Tuesday, Oct. 1, according to her obituary. While an official cause of death was not given, her uncle, Tommy Cuccias, said on Facebook that the special education teacher at the Baldwin School District “did not wake up on Tuesday.” “Although there is too many to mention that are crushed by this, I can't stop thinking about her 3 beautiful children,” Cuccias said. “There is so much more to say, but too many tears righ…
Obituaries
Organs Of 17-Year-Old Killed In Triple-Fatal NY Crash Will Help 3 Others Live
Bella Trezza’s final act of generosity will help others live. Just days after the 17-year-old high school senior and aspiring nurse from Babylon was taken off life support following a car crash that killed two others, doctors removed her organs to help three strangers in need. An honor walk was held at Good Samaritan University Hospital in West Islip, before Trezza’s kidneys and liver were recovered, LiveOnNY confirmed to Daily Voice. Earlier Report: 'Ray Of Sunshine' Mourned As County Opens Traffic Study At Troubled Long Island Intersection “Two women in their 30’s received her ki…
Obituaries
Father Of 10 Killed In Alleged Drunk Driving Crash On Long Island Was 'Embodiment Of Kindness'
A devastated Long Island family now faces a future without their beloved patriarch after he was killed in a suspected drunk driving crash. The fiery wreck happened in Hicksville, near the intersection of Prospect Avenue and Cantiague Rock Road, at around 11:20 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 21. Nassau County Police said 30-year-old Jannai Allen, of Westbury, was making a left turn from eastbound Prospect Avenue onto northbound Cantiague Rock Road when his vehicle was struck by a westbound Honda. Earlier Report: Jannai Allen, 30, ID'd As Victim In Hicksville Crash The impact caused Allen’s Su…
Obituaries
Aspiring Nurse On Life Support, Funeral Set For Second Teen In Double Fatal West Babylon Crash
Four teenagers are fighting for their lives following a crash on Long Island that killed one driver and claimed the life of a recent high school graduate. New, updated story - Girl Becomes 3rd Fatality From Crash In Which Driver Ran Red Light In West Babylon: Police The wreck happened in West Babylon, just after 1 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 21. Suffolk County Police said a Kia sedan was heading eastbound on Railroad Avenue when it ran a red light at the intersection of Great East Neck Road and slammed into a Kia SUV. Earlier Report: 2 Killed, 4 Severely Injured In Crash At West Babylon…
Obituaries
Iconic Actor James Earl Jones Dies At 93 In New York Home
James Earl Jones, the beloved actor and voice behind one of cinema's most memorable villains, died Monday, Sept. 9, at his home in Dutchess County, Variety reported. The "Field of Dreams" star was 93. No cause of death was given. Jones, a Pawling resident, is considered one of the greatest actors of his generation. From the Broadway stage, the silver screen, and a galaxy far, far away, the Mississippi-born actor had a range that few others could replicate. He was a large man but could play gentle and meek characters, and his baritone voice could be calm and reassuring like in "The Lion …
Obituaries
'Dawson's Creek' Actor With Ties To Region Dies At 51
An actor with ties to the region who was known for roles on several popular television shows such as "Dawson's Creek" is being remembered for his enduring positivity following a battle against an eating disorder. Actor Obi Ndefo died on Wednesday, Aug. 28 at the age of 51 after a long illness, his sister Nkem Ndefo announced in a social media post on Monday, Sept. 2. "Tragically, Obi’s heart gave out in his longstanding battle against the eating disorder orthorexia," Nkem Ndefo wrote in a post on X, adding, "As his family, we share this news to bring attention to …
Obituaries
Beloved Huntington Station Subway Manager Who Died At Age 36 'Always Greeted Us With Happiness'
Longtime customers and employees are mourning the unexpected loss of a beloved Subway manager on Long Island. Anner Ulloa, of Huntington, died Thursday, Aug. 15, at the age of 35, according to his obituary. A cause of death was not given. News of his death sparked a flood of tributes on social media, with many recalling how the husband and father of two was a reliable smiling face at the Subway restaurant he owned on Depot Road. “When my family and I moved to Huntington Station we were welcomed by the owner of the Subway on Depot Road. He always greeted us with happiness and emotion and wa…
Obituaries
'Mamma Lombardi,' Long Island Restaurant Matriarch, Dies At Age 92: 'A Beloved Figure'
Condolences are pouring in for the family behind a group of popular Italian restaurants on Long Island mourning the loss of its beloved matriarch. Michelina Lombardi, affectionately known as “Mamma Lombardi” and the namesake of the Holbrook eatery on Furrows Road, died at the age of 92 on Thursday, July 25, according to her obituary. The restaurant confirmed her death in a Facebook tribute, saying the business would be closed Monday, July 29, while relatives mourn her loss. “Through her delicious food she has brought joy and togetherness to so many, enriching those special moments fo…
Obituaries
LI Councilman, Retired
Nypd
Officer Who Died On Family Vacation 'Served With Pride'
Local leaders and loved ones are mourning the loss of a Long Island politician and former police officer following his unexpected death. Nassau County resident and Hempstead Councilman Christopher Carini died at the age of 49 on Sunday, July 14, while on a family vacation in Florida, relatives confirmed. Ladder trucks from the Seaford and Wantagh fire departments draped an American flag as a hearse carrying his body drove through Seaford on Thursday, July 18. Carini was a “decorated and proud” retired police officer, having served 22 years with the NYPD, MTA Police, and Port Authority Poli…
Obituaries
Greenwich Resident, Fandango Founder J. Michael Cline, 64, Was Father Of 6
Fairfield County resident J. Michael Cline, the founder of Fandango and other startups, who died from an apparent suicide after falling from the 20th floor of a luxury hotel in Manhattan, was a father of six. Cline, age 64, a homeowner in Greenwich, died around 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, July 16, at the Kimberly Hotel on 50th Street, said the New York City Police Department. "Upon arrival, officers found an unconscious and unresponsive male with injuries indicative of a fall from an elevated position. An investigation remains ongoing," NYPD said. Original report: Fandango Founder Fr…
Obituaries
'Unfathomable': 23-Year-Old Long Island Man Killed In Crash Remembered As 'Hard Worker'
Support is pouring in for the family of a 23-year-old Long Island man who was killed in a car crash over the Fourth of July weekend. Joshua Perez-Rodriguez, of Brentwood, died following a two-vehicle collision in Central Islip, at the intersection of East Suffolk Avenue and Carleton Avenue, on Friday night, July 5. Suffolk County Police said he was driving a 2009 Honda Accord northbound on Carleton Avenue when he failed to stop at a red light at the intersection of East Suffolk Avenue and crashed into a 2007 Toyota SUV. Earlier Report: 23-Year-Old Killed, 2 Others Hospitalized Afte…
Obituaries
Community Gathers To Aid Family's 'Shattered Lives' Following Long Island Man's Death
Members of the community have come together to assist the family of a 28-year-old man killed in a Long Island car crash. “Just a week ago, we celebrated the first birthday of our beautiful twins, but now, life has taken an unimaginable turn.” Sanan Malik, age 28 of Elmont, was driving a motorcycle in Garden City just before 4 p.m. on Saturday, June 29 when he collided with a car. Earlier Report: ID Released For Elmont Man, 28, Killed In Garden City Crash He was pronounced dead at the scene. Now, Sehrish Zafar, his wife, has been left to pick up the pieces while taking care of t…
Obituaries
'Tragic Loss': Newlywed Officer Killed In NY Salon Crash Remembered For 'Bravery, Compassion'
Tributes are pouring in for a beloved NYPD officer who was killed alongside three others in an alleged drunk driving crash at a New York nail salon. Emilia Rennhack was off duty and getting her nails done when an SUV came barreling through the front window of Long Island’s Hawaii Nail & Spa, located in Deer Park on Commack Road, on Friday afternoon, June 28. Rennhack was pronounced dead at the scene alongside the salon’s owner, Jiancai Chen, age 37, of Bayside, Queens, according to Suffolk County Police. Also killed were Yan Xu, age 41, and Meizi Zhang, age 50, both of Flushing, Queens.…
Obituaries
Nassau County Chief Of Patrol Dies Of 9/11-Related Cancer
A decorated officer who served for nearly 40 years has died of complications from cancer, which he contracted during rescue and recovery efforts at Ground Zero. Nassau County Chief of Patrol Kevin G. Canavan, age 64, died on Sunday, June 30, according to his colleagues with the department. Canavan died of complications from the 9/11-related cancer. The Scarsdale, Westchester County native and longtime Bayport resident spend 39 years with the Nassau County Police Department. He started out as a recruit in May 1985 before steadily rising through the ranks of Police Officer, Sergeant, Lieu…
Obituaries
Plane Crash IDs: 5 Killed Were Family Members Who Were In Cooperstown For Baseball Tournament
Five people killed in a small plane crash in New York have been identified as members of a family who were in the region for a baseball tournament in Cooperstown, the site of the sport's Hall of Fame and Museum. The single-engine Piper PA-46 went down in Catskill Park around 2 p.m. Sunday, June 30, in the small Delaware County village of Sidney. According to the Federation Aviation Administration (FAA), the plane had departed from Oneonta about 20 minutes earlier. Drones, ATVs, and helicopters were used during the hours-long search, leading to the discovery of debris and, ultimately, to th…
Obituaries
'Way Too Young For Heaven:' Family Remembers Long Island Woman Killed In Florida Crash
A 28-year-old woman who died in a Florida car crash is being remembered by friends and family as a kind, powerful force. Emily Koutsoliontos, from Commack, was killed in a car crash in the city of Tampa, Florida, on Saturday, June 22, according to family friends. She leaves behind her parents, Michele and Nick, her sister Grace, and her brother Kevin. “[They are] completely devastated and heartbroken, as are her friends and family…Emily was a powerful force of kindness, beauty, and strength,” wrote Linda Pollack, who organized a GoFundMe campaign for Emily’s family. “Her laughter was…
Obituaries
'Adventurous Spirit': Pilot Killed In NY Plane Crash Remembered For 'Palpable Zest For Life'
Natalie Gillis saw much of the world in her 34 years, most of it from the air. The pilot from Toronto, Canada died Monday morning, June 17, when her twin engine Piper plane crashed just moments after taking off from Albany International Airport. Gillis, the aircraft’s sole occupant, was pronounced dead at the scene, according to Colonie Police. The cause of the crash remains under investigation by the NTSB. Earlier Report: Pilot Killed In Small Plane Crash Near Albany Airport Her employer, KASI Aviation Services, confirmed her death in a Facebook tribute posted Thursday morning, Ju…
Obituaries
NY Veteran's Lifelong 'Secret' Revealed In Heartbreaking Obituary Going Viral
A decorated veteran and retired firefighter from upstate New York is going viral for his heartbreaking posthumous revelation. Lifelong Rensselaer County resident Col. Edward Thomas Ryan, of Rensselaer, died with a long-kept secret that rendered him “afraid of being ostracized,” he wrote in his own obituary, which was published in the Albany Times Union on Saturday, June 8. "I must tell you one more thing. I was gay all my life: thru grade school, thru high school, thru college, thru life,” Ryan wrote. “I'm sorry for not having the courage to come out as gay. I was afraid of being ostraciz…
Obituaries
'Ray Of Sunshine': Heather McNamara, NY Recipient Of Groundbreaking Surgery, Dies At 22
Heather McNamara, who stole hearts across the tristate area after undergoing groundbreaking cancer surgery as a child, has died at the age of 22. The Long Island resident from Islip Terrace died Saturday, June 1, due to multiple organ failure after spending months hospitalized in intensive care from a bacterial infection, her mother Tina announced. McNamara became a familiar face to many in 2011, when she appeared in a commercial for NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital. In the black and white spot, the then 7-year-old recounted how two hospitals turned her family away before Dr. Tomoaki Kato ag…
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