Help Shirey family with Ryan's end of life costs

Obituary

Ryan Daniel Shirey, 27 years, of Catasauqua died February 19, 2021. Born in Allentown, he was son of Karl and Zena (Jackson) Shirey.

A lover of animals, Ryan battled mental health issues all of his life but found pleasure in composing electronic music and exploring digital spaces. He will be remembered for his endless curiosity and tenacity to research things that caught his interest. He would want it known that he was a fierce advocate for the decriminalization of marijuana for both medicinal and recreational use.

Ryan was most comfortable surrounded by his immediate family who will miss him dearly.

Surviving along with his parents are his sister Angelique Jackson, her daughter Marlene Jackson, and their family Christopher Irwin and Jeffrey Purdon.

Private services will be held at the convenience of his family. Donations to Lehigh Valley Therapy Dogs  are requested in lieu of flowers at lvtherapydogs.org. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.brubakerfuneralhome.com.

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Ryan was abruptly taken from us in an encounter with the police during a mental health crisis in which he was also being abused as a victim of intimate partner violence.  This is a tragedy beyond description. While the family is exploring its legal options, there are some considerable costs that we are asking for some assistance with:

Cremation costs amount to approximately: $3,100
Homeowner's insurance deductible for blood cleanup: $1,000
We are also looking at covering Ryan's contribution to household bills for approximately 3 months so that the family can maintain their household and figure out next steps: $1,800

The family is also seeking legal counsel, and a retainer amount may be added to the final total as well. 

I am running this fundraiser on behalf of and with permission of the Shirey family, who I have been acquainted with for over 20 years. Any remaining funds after expenses and potential legal retainer will be donated to Lehigh Valley Therapy Dogs.

This world is poorer for Ryan's absence. He will be greatly missed, and we will spend the rest of our lives working for justice for Ryan.