Tag:

Funeral Fundraising

Christine Grogan, Wyckoff Resident, Dies After Three-Year ALS Battle Christine Grogan, Wyckoff Resident, Dies After Three-Year ALS Battle
Christine Grogan, Wyckoff Resident, Dies After Three-Year ALS Battle Christine Grogan, a 60-year-old Wyckoff resident, died on Sunday, Dec. 31, three years after being diagnosed with ALS. A special education teacher, Grogan worked as director of the Epic School in Paramus and for the Learners' Compass in Tenafly, according to her obituary. Grogan was devoted to helping people diagnosed with autism. Grogan was married to Christopher Grogan, a Glen Ridge police officer. The Glen Ridge Police Benevolent Association has established a fundraiser to assist with funeral costs. As of Friday, Jan. 5, more than $10,000 has been raised. On Sunday, December 31, 202…
18-Year-Old Shot In Head By Boy In Jersey City: Prosecutor 18-Year-Old Shot In Head By Boy In Jersey City: Prosecutor
18-Year-Old Shot In Head By Boy In Jersey City: Prosecutor A 17-year-old Jersey City boy was charged on Wednesday, Dec. 27 with fatally shooting an 18-year-old last week, authorities said. Angel Guzman, a Jersey City resident, arrived at Jersey City Medical Center in a private vehicle with a gunshot wound to the upper body around 2:20 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 28, Hudson County Prosecutor Esther Suarez said. He was pronounced dead shortly before 4 p.m., Suarez said.  An investigation revealed Guzman was shot in the head inside a residence on Ocean Avenue in Jersey City, Suarez said. The 17-year-old was charged as a juvenile with aggravated manslaug…
Teen Amazon Worker Killed In Route 55 Crash Remembered By Loved Ones (TRIBUTE) Teen Amazon Worker Killed In Route 55 Crash Remembered By Loved Ones (TRIBUTE)
Teen Amazon Worker Killed In Route 55 Crash Remembered By Loved Ones (Tribute) Family and friends are mourning the loss of a teenager killed in a single-vehicle crash. Jorge Soriano Castelan of Bridgeton was killed on Dec. 2 when his car veered off Route 55 in Vineland and struck a tree, as previously reported by Daily Voice. A GoFundMe launched for Castelan's funeral had raised more than $1,500 as of Thursday, Dec. 14. "He worked tirelessly with the dream of providing for his loved ones, including the admirable goal of buying a home for his parents," reads the campaign, started by Citlalli Jimenez and Micaela Castelan. "He was the type of person who would…
18-Year-Old Motorcyclist Among 2 Dead In Multi-Car Crash On Route 18 18-Year-Old Motorcyclist Among 2 Dead In Multi-Car Crash On Route 18
18-Year-Old Motorcyclist Among 2 Dead In Multi-Car Crash On Route 18 The community is rallying to support the family of an 18-year-old motorcyclist killed in Marlboro, friends say. Kashon Cross was one of two motorcyclists killed in the crash on Monday, July 24 on Route 18 involving three cars, family friends said on a GoFundMe campaign. The other motorcyclist's name had not been released, Daily Voice reported. "Kashon was just 18 years old and still had so much more life to live," Melissa Kennedy of Hazlet, a lifelong family friend, said on a GoFundMe page. "If you knew him you knew that he trumped anything that he touched, from the football field to m…
Neighbors Raise Thousands For Family Of Bucks Drowning Victim Neighbors Raise Thousands For Family Of Bucks Drowning Victim
Neighbors Raise Thousands For Family Of Bucks Drowning Victim Bucks County neighbors and loved ones have stepped up to help an area family in their hour of mourning.  Joseph "Joey" Edward Malcolm Jr., 9, was discovered in a small pond near Vaux and Hickory drives in New Britain Borough last Monday, June 19, Daily Voice reported. The county Coroner's Office ruled later that week that he had died in an accidental drowning.  In the days since, area residents have raised a staggering $25,000 through a GoFundMe page organized by Joey's aunt and uncle, Nicole and Tom Malcolm. "While we have been able to cover all the funeral costs, there hav…
Motorcyclist, 22, Killed In Lorton Crash Was 'Nothing Shy Of Amazing,' Loved Ones Say Motorcyclist, 22, Killed In Lorton Crash Was 'Nothing Shy Of Amazing,' Loved Ones Say
Motorcyclist, 22, Killed In Lorton Crash Was 'Nothing Shy Of Amazing,' Loved Ones Say Shock and sadness spread following the death of a 22-year-old motorcyclist in a Fairfax County crash Saturday evening, May 6. Carrington Fitzgerald was heading south on Richmond Highway while a Honda Accord driver was stopped in the left turn lane at Burnch Crest Way in Lorton, attempting to make a U-turn around 5:10 p.m., Fairfax County police said. As the driver attempted to make a U-turn to go southbound on Richmond Highway, the motorcycle collided with the vehicle, and Fitzgerald was ejected from his 2009 Kawasaki.  He was pronounced dead at the scene while the driver of the Accord wa…
'Honorable' Wareham Teen, 14, Planned On Landscaping Career Until His Death 'Honorable' Wareham Teen, 14, Planned On Landscaping Career Until His Death
'Honorable' Wareham Teen, 14, Planned On Landscaping Career Until His Death A 14-year-old boy from Southeast Massachusetts had mapped out his future before his life was tragically cut short this month.  Tobey Alford, of Wareham, died a week after he was hit by a car while riding his bike on Tuesday, April 18, as previously reported by Daily Voice.  An eighth grader at Wareham High School, Tobey planned on attending Upper Cap Cod Regional Technical High School next fall to pursue a career in landscaping, his obituary reads. Tobey was also a member of Evangelical Zion Church in West Wareham, used to play in the town's Little League, and enjoyed working out at the l…
Middlesex County Man, 32, Dies Day After Being Struck By Car Middlesex County Man, 32, Dies Day After Being Struck By Car
Middlesex County Man, 32, Dies Day After Being Struck By Car Middlesex County resident Salvatore "Sal" Caiola died Thursday, April 20 at RWJ. He was 32. Sal was hit by a vehicle while crossing the street on Wednesday, April 19, and taken to the hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries the following day, his obituary says. Born in New Brunswick, Sal went to St. Matthew’s School until eighth grade while serving as an Altar boy. He then attended St. Joseph's High School, where he played as a goalie on the ice hockey team. Sal spent four years as an Electrician Apprentice for Tom Lacik Electric after earning his electrician degree and “was very ha…
Point Pleasant Native Martin Infante Dies In CA Crash, 33 Point Pleasant Native Martin Infante Dies In CA Crash, 33
Point Pleasant Native Martin Infante Dies In CA Crash, 33 Jersey Shore native Martin C. Infante died in a crash in California on Friday, March 31. He was 33. Born in Livingston, Martin grew up in Point Pleasant, where he participated on the wrestling and football teams before graduating from Point Pleasant High School in 2007, his obituary says. He then pursued his higher education at Wesley College in Delaware before moving to Camarillo, California. He loved traveling around the country during his work as a Service Manager for Quantum Fuel Systems. Marty was an enthusiastic fan of the Los Angeles Lakers and the Dallas Cowboys. He also loved natu…
Teen Killed In PWC Crash To Be Buried In El Salvador, Family Hopes Teen Killed In PWC Crash To Be Buried In El Salvador, Family Hopes
Teen Killed In PWC Crash To Be Buried In El Salvador, Family Hopes The community is rallying around a Virginia family that is attempting to get a Prince William County teen back to his native El Salvador after he died during a violent crash in Woodbridge. Estanislao Serrano Hernández, 17, was driving shortly before 8:20 a.m. on Sunday April 9 on Featherstone Road near Walnut Street when he unexpectedly lost control when he attempted to pass another driver. Serrano Hernández’s Toyota went off the roadway and directly struck the Testing Technologies Inc. building in the 1200 block of Featherstone Road, rolling over and coming to rest on the roof. The teen …
Support Pours In For Family Of 5 Young People From Derby Killed In Crash Support Pours In For Family Of 5 Young People From Derby Killed In Crash
Support Pours In For Family Of 5 Young People From Derby Killed In Crash In the wake of a horrific SUV crash that took the lives of five young people, support is pouring in to help pay for the funerals of those lost. The children were all killed in a single-vehicle crash in Westchester County around 12:20 a.m. on Sunday, March 19 on the northbound Hutchinson River Parkway in Scarsdale. The crash killed four boys and one girl from Derby, Connecticut, located near New Haven, officials said. The victims ranged in age from 8 to 17.  A 9-year-old, the only survivor, managed to escape out a shattered back window with non-life-threatening injuries. Earlier rep…
Little Cheerleader's Sudden Passing Devastates Jersey Shore Family Little Cheerleader's Sudden Passing Devastates Jersey Shore Family
Little Cheerleader's Sudden Passing Devastates Jersey Shore Family While most parents are enjoying the season of giving, anticipating the joy upon their children's faces during the holidays, Corie and AJ Eldridge of Howell are saying goodbye to their precious baby girl, Madison Rae. Per this GoFundMe page organized by Jennifer Mueller, "They took their baby to the hospital because she wasn't feeling well." Tragically, Madison "Maddie" Rae passed away after four days in the hospital. "We're all devastated, and our lives will never be whole again," the GoFundMe says. "Maddie was such a happy, fun, loving little girl and loved cheerleading with he…
Faithful Father, North Bergen Construction Worker Dies Suddenly In Sleep, 32 Faithful Father, North Bergen Construction Worker Dies Suddenly In Sleep, 32
Faithful Father, North Bergen Construction Worker Dies Suddenly In Sleep, 32 Faithful father and Hudson County construction worker Damiano “Ino” Corrente, Jr. died unexpectedly in Metuchen on Friday, Oct. 14. He was 32. A resident of North Bergen, Damiano worked as a laborer at Esposito Construction and loved spending time with his son, his obituary and social media pages say. A GoFundMe launched for his funeral costs says that Damiano — a dedicated father — died suddenly in his sleep. “Because this happened so unexpectedly the family has no life insurance and could greatly use your help,” reads the campaign. “If you are unable to donate, your thoughts and prayers …
2 Drivers Dead In Wrong-Way Parkway Crash 2 Drivers Dead In Wrong-Way Parkway Crash
2 Drivers Dead In Wrong-Way Parkway Crash Two drivers died in a head-on crash on the Garden State Parkway Friday, Oct. 21, authorities said. Cortney Downey, of Northfield, and Michelle ross, of North Carolina, collided in Little Egg Harbor Township around 9:30 p.m., causing Ross' 2017 Mitsubishi Outlander to overturn, New Jersey State Police said. Downey, 32, who was in a Toyota Corolla, and Ross were both pronounced dead. It was not clear which driver was heading in the wrong direction. Condolences poured in on social media for Downey. I have terrible news yesterday afternoon. I have lost a very special friend she was like …
Chelsea Man Who Drowned At Winchester Lake Remembered As Loving Father Chelsea Man Who Drowned At Winchester Lake Remembered As Loving Father
Chelsea Man Who Drowned At Winchester Lake Remembered As Loving Father A family from the North Shore is desperately trying to honor their late patriarch who unexpectedly died "after a fun day at the lake."  Jose Garcia, age 56, from Chelsea, drowned while swimming in the Upper Mystic Lake off Sandy Beach in Winchester on Sunday, July 24, Massachusetts State Police said. Initial investigation suggested Garcia was swimming with his family when he became "distressed" in the water, police said. He was last seen by a person on the shore well past the designated swimming area. Garcia's family is now actively seeking donations to help cover the cost of his funeral.  …
MURDER SUICIDE: Details Emerge In Ashburn Parents' Deaths MURDER SUICIDE: Details Emerge In Ashburn Parents' Deaths
Murder Suicide: Details Emerge In Ashburn Parents' Deaths The deaths of two parents found dead at an Ashburn home have been ruled a murder-suicide, authorities announced. John Sharmoukh, 45, and Mariam A. Farouk Kamal, 31, were found dead at their home on Old Line Terrace just before 9:30 on Tuesday, May 24, authorities in Loudoun County said. Though, investigators have not said who was the aggressor in the slayings.  Reports say detectives found the body of Sharmoukh on the the front lawn of the house. He apparently jumped from a third story window while on fire, Fox 5 reported. A neighbor rushed over with a fire extinguisher …
Virginia 18-Year-Old Was Shot Dead 'Days Before High School Graduation' (TRIBUTE) Virginia 18-Year-Old Was Shot Dead 'Days Before High School Graduation' (TRIBUTE)
Virginia 18-Year-Old Was Shot Dead 'Days Before High School Graduation' (Tribute) Michael Arthur was a son, brother and friend who tragically lost his life only days before his high school graduation.  The 18-year-old from Dumfries was shot and killed during an argument in the parking lot of the Somerset Pointe Apartments in Gainesville on Sunday, May 8, according to Prince William County Police.  Preliminarily information suggested the incident did not appear to be random and there was no active threat to the community. The investigation is ongoing. Meanwhile, Michael's family organized a GoFundMe to honor the young man's life and give him a pr…
Essex County Inmate Dies Days After Being Hit In Head With Broomstick: Report Essex County Inmate Dies Days After Being Hit In Head With Broomstick: Report
Essex County Inmate Dies Days After Being Hit In Head With Broomstick: Report An Essex County inmate who pleaded guilty in January to a charge of aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer died in jail days after being hit in the head with a broomstick during a fight, his family's attorney told NJ Advance Media. Garrison Bryant, 33, was struck with the broom on Feb. 20, then called his mom complaining of head pain and jumbling his words, the outlet said. Bryant was rushed to University Hospital after being found unconscious in his cell, where he died on Feb. 22, NJ Advance Media says. Bryant was being held in the Delaney House, officials with the Essex Coun…
Thousands Raised For Funeral Of Suffolk County Woman Killed In Crash Thousands Raised For Funeral Of Suffolk County Woman Killed In Crash
Thousands Raised For Funeral Of Suffolk County Woman Killed In Crash Thousands of dollars have been raised for the funeral of a 41-year-old woman who was killed in a single-vehicle crash on Long Island. A GoFundMe set up for the funeral of Arely Garcia has received more than $3,200 in donations as of Wednesday, Feb. 7. The goal is to raise a total of $50,000. Garcia, who was from Bellport, was a passenger in the car that struck a tree at about 2 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 5, according to the Suffolk County Police Department.  Police said the car had been traveling on Montauk Highway near Old South Country Road in Brookhaven when it went off the …
Grieving Parents Scramble To Give Son Proper Burial Following Horrific Parkway Crash Grieving Parents Scramble To Give Son Proper Burial Following Horrific Parkway Crash
Grieving Parents Scramble To Give Son Proper Burial Following Horrific Parkway Crash The death of a 9-year-old boy on the Garden State Parkway has left his grieving family scrambling for funeral funds. Jake Olivos' dad, Fausto, of Beachwood, launched a GoFundMe page two days after the horrific crash in hopes of collecting enough money to hold a proper funeral service for his son. The page had garnered $5,300 in just four hours. Jake was ejected from a Volkswagen Passat that overturned on the entrance ramp to exit 89A south around 10:20 p.m., New Jersey Police Sgt. Philip Curry said. "I have no words right now, but I'm asking for a huge favor," the grieving father…
Dumont Boy, 14, Collapses, Dies Playing Basketball Dumont Boy, 14, Collapses, Dies Playing Basketball
Dumont Boy, 14, Collapses, Dies Playing Basketball Members of a stunned and heartbroken community wrapped their collective hearts around a grieving Dumont family Sunday while trying to wrap their minds around the sudden death of a 14-year-old boy who collapsed while playing basketball. Aaron Vasquez, who hoped to someday become a major league baseball player or coach, had finished practicing with his recreational league team on Saturday when he decided to stick around Grant Elementary School to play ball with his younger brother, other parents said. A short time later he collapsed, they said. A coach who's a hospital medic immediately beg…
Harrisburg Mom Shot Dead At Birthday Party 'Had So Much To Live For' Harrisburg Mom Shot Dead At Birthday Party 'Had So Much To Live For'
Harrisburg Mom Shot Dead At Birthday Party 'Had So Much To Live For' A few days after a woman died from a gunshot wound sustained during a shooting at a birthday party, her community has come together— filling Verbeke and Susquehanna Streets with Silver, Red and white balloons. The balloons represent Jamie Bey, 27, of Harrisburg's favorite colors, as attendees of her balloon release memorial told Daily Voice. Bey is thought to have been an innocent bystander of a fight at a  Al's Bar in Harrisburg, during a birthday party on Monday, as WGAL News 8 reported.  A fight supposedly broke out inside the bar and a gun was pulled, somehow Bey ended up hit by a bul…
Driver Was DWI In Central Jersey Crash That Killed Passenger: Prosecutor Driver Was DWI In Central Jersey Crash That Killed Passenger: Prosecutor
Driver Was DWI In Central Jersey Crash That Killed Passenger: Prosecutor A 22-year-old man from Central Jersey has been charged with vehicular homicide in an alcohol-related crash that allegedly killed a passenger in his pickup truck, authorities said. A GoFundMe page has been created to help pay for the funeral expenses of the 22-year-old passenger who died as a result of the crash. More than $16,750 had been raised as of Tuesday morning.  The fatal crash occurred about 4:35 a.m. on Sept. 19 near Major Road in South Brunswick A joint investigation found  that Antonio Ferlita, 22, of Marlboro was driving a 2002 Ford F-350 on Major Road when …
Driver Killed In Alleged Harrisburg Drag Racing Crash ID'd Driver Killed In Alleged Harrisburg Drag Racing Crash ID'd
Driver Killed In Alleged Harrisburg Drag Racing Crash ID'd A 23-year-old Highspire man was killed in an alleged drag racing crash on Friday night, according to police. Jose Alcantar crashed into a utility pole at the intersection of Cameron and Market streets around 9:30 p.m. Alcantar's community is rallying for his family. A family friend, Viviana Melendrez-Martinez, launched a GoFundMe campaign page to help cover funeral expenses. The campaign has raised $4,170 of the $13,000 goal as of Tuesday afternoon. Alcantar "was such a wonderful, cheerful and amazing person. He touched a lot of hearts," as Melendrez-Martinez stated on the campaign page.…
NJ Teen Shot Walking Sister Home From School Was 'Hard-Working, Loving Dad' NJ Teen Shot Walking Sister Home From School Was 'Hard-Working, Loving Dad'
NJ Teen Shot Walking Sister Home From School Was 'Hard-Working, Loving Dad' The New Jersey teen who was shot and killed while walking his sister home from school earlier this week is being remembered as a hard-working and loving father. Siam Neblett, 20, was shot in the head outside the Central Avenue fire station in Orange around 3 p.m. Monday. He was pronounced dead at the hospital a short time later. Neblett — lovingly called ‘Bit-Bit’ by his family — was raised by his grandmother and has a two-month-old daughter, according to a GoFundMe started for his funeral expenses. “[Neblett] took pride in taking care of his daughter and grandmother,” reads the fundraise…
'Beautiful Soul' Matthew Santoli Of Dumont Dies Unexpectedly, 34 'Beautiful Soul' Matthew Santoli Of Dumont Dies Unexpectedly, 34
'Beautiful Soul' Matthew Santoli Of Dumont Dies Unexpectedly, 34 Dumont resident and beloved friend Matthew C. Santoli died suddenly on June 3 at the age of 34. Born in Englewood, Santoli worked as a manager for CVS in Dumont and New Milford, his obituary says. Outside of work, Santoli loved computers and sharing his unique taste in music “of every genre” with his many friends and family members during holidays and get-togethers. Described as “loyal, compassionate and protective,” Santoli was a fierce friend with a thirst for knowledge and was always available when others needed someone to talk to, his memorial says. More than $3,000 had been raised as…
Maintenance Worker Killed In NJ Industrial Accident Survived By 'Pride & Joy' Toddler Son Maintenance Worker Killed In NJ Industrial Accident Survived By 'Pride & Joy' Toddler Son
Maintenance Worker Killed In NJ Industrial Accident Survived By 'Pride & Joy' Toddler Son A 23-year-old maintenance worker killed over the weekend in an industrial accident over the weekend is being remembered as a hard-working dad who would've done anything to put a smile on his little boy's face. Samuel Toatley Jr., of Ewing, was operating a machine at nuLoom warehouse (Rugs USA) became pinned between a cleaning machine and section of shelving around 3 a.m. at the Prospect Plains Road facility, police said Wednesday. Affectionately known as "Loco," Toatley worked for Complete Care Maintenance, a company that cleaned the facility once a week, and was pronounced dead at the…
'Tragic, Senseless:' Community Rallies For Family Of Northampton County Dad Killed In Shooting 'Tragic, Senseless:' Community Rallies For Family Of Northampton County Dad Killed In Shooting
'Tragic, Senseless:' Community Rallies For Family Of Northampton County Dad Killed In Shooting Support is surging for the family of a Northampton County man who was “tragically and senselessly” shot and killed by his neighbor earlier this week, authorities said. Christopher DeBellis, 42, was shot several times Monday morning outside his home on Moser Road in Moore Township over a dispute with his neighbor involving water pipe drainage, police said. DeBellis leaves behind a 15-year-old son, Anthony, as well as several extended family members and close friends. More than $6,400 had been raised as of Wednesday morning on a GoFundMe for DeBellis’ funeral expenses as well as ongoing fami…
Prosecutor: South Jersey Mother Created Fake GoFundMe Accounts For 'Dead' Son, 'Premature' Baby Prosecutor: South Jersey Mother Created Fake GoFundMe Accounts For 'Dead' Son, 'Premature' Baby
Prosecutor: South Jersey Mother Created Fake GoFundMe Accounts For 'Dead' Son, 'Premature' Baby A 33-year-old woman from South Jersey created a fictitious GoFundMe campaign to raise "funeral money" for her 4-year-old son, "who she claimed died of cancer," authorities said. She also created multiple online fundraising accounts for other fake causes, they said, seeking more than $11,000 total. In reality, the woman from Little Egg Harbor signed away her parental rights and gave the son up for adoption to a couple in Pemberton Township, according to Burlington County Prosecutor Scott Coffina and Pemberton Police Chief David King. Holly Garcia of Lake Champlain Drive&…