Honoring Art Douville's Memory

Jeff Niezgoda is organizing this fundraiser on behalf of Steven Niezgoda.

Donation protected

On the afternoon of Saturday, June 17, Steven Niezgoda returned home from work to find his life partner of nearly twenty years, Arthur Douville, dead in the home that they shared. Devastated beyond words, Steven has reached out to family and friends for emotional support. They not only shared a home, but a relatively new, growing business as well.

Art was a vivacious, intelligent, gracious man with a wonderful sense of humor and generosity that knew no boundaries. When a friend or family member needed him, he didn't hesitate to offer his help. Over the years Art and Steven took care of sick family members, friends, and colleagues; often at their own expense and always without complaints. He and Steven built a beautiful life together; both personally and professionally. Art courageously followed his entrepreneurial dream to open a high end eyeglass frame store and eventually was able to bring Steven into the business full time. Over the last couple years, Art and Steven have spent every free minute devoted to developing and nurturing their business. Days off were rare as they gave everything that they had to this venture. But they still made time to enjoy life; dinners out and quality time together and with their loving circle of friends and customers.

Overwhelmed by the loss of his partner, Steven is now the sole proprietor and only employee of their business. As he begins the journey of coping with his grief, he also begins the journey of carrying this business burden alone.

In an effort to help Steven with this unexpected tragedy, we have created this page to help offset the cost of cremation and funeral arrangements and other related expenses. We loved Art very much - he was quite special and his death leaves a large void in our lives. Please share this with everyone who loves Art and Steven. Whatever is in your heart to give will be greatly appreciated beyond measure. If you are unable to donate, please take a moment to remember Art by performing an act of kindness for others. His memory will live on through your actions.

Thank you,
Eileen & Jeff