Assistance for The Menna Family After Tragic Crime

Ashley Palmiere is organizing this fundraiser on behalf of John Menna.

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Support and Assistance for the family of John Menna Sr. following a tragic crime.

My name is Ashley, and I am organizing this fundraiser on behalf of John Jr. and Thomas Menna. Please read their story and if you have the means to donate we are grateful, if you cannot donate please consider sharing our story with others.

On June 4th, 2020 John Jr. and Thomas received word that their father had not reported to work that morning. After trying to contact him with no success, a friend went to his home to check on him. He discovered John Sr. at home, clearly injured and not responsive. He called 911 immediately and what began to unravel could only be described as any family's worst nightmare. John Sr.'s life had been needlessly stolen from him as a result of a violent crime. His home was broken into, items of extreme emotional and monetary value to the family were stolen, and John's life was lost in the process.

John was 72 years young and healthy. He was a vibrant man with a love for life. He had many friends near and far. John enjoyed nature, hunting, boating and taking advantage of the outdoors near his Smith Mountain Lake home in Virginia where he had relocated from New Jersey. He was still actively working at a local hardware store and was a joy to be around. John was a contributing member of society not ready to leave us, it was not his time. He had so much life left to live, and so much more to give this world. This sudden tragedy has left his family completely devastated. His two sons are bearing the weight of the world trying to understand this and get through each day without their loving father. The loss of a loved one is emotionally crippling and is a hardship in itself, to have such a kind and gentle soul needlessly ripped from your family is something no one should have to bear.

There are many expenses associated with the loss of a loved one. This situation is far more delicate and complex than anything John and Thomas could have prepared themselves for. Aside from the traditional expenses associated with a memorial service, there is the task of relocating their father back to New Jersey. There are sensitive, unusual expenses related to the manner of his death that require payment at this time. There are attorney fees related to settling John's estate. There are active bills associated with John's home in Virginia mounting daily. There are the relocation, moving and travel fees that will be incurred in the coming weeks when John Jr. and Thomas will move their fathers worldly possessions back to New Jersey.

My brother-in-law and his brother are the sweetest, most genuine, proud men, just like their amazing father. They would never ask for help on their own so I am asking for them. They are young men, building their lives and families, and they have lost so much already. The full weight of these expenses falls solely on the boys. The monster that did this has no idea how much he has really taken from this family. I ask that we come together as a support system to help John Sr.'s children navigate this impossible circumstance. Thank you for taking the time to read and share our story. Anything Helps. Everything is Appreciated. We are grateful for you.