Grieving family seeks assistance

Losing the love of your life is an agony no matter the circumstances. Losing your person suddenly and tragically is simply unfathomable. Not only have we lost a partner, a father, a grandfather, and the patriarch of this family, but we have lost a man that carried us all, at one time or another. The loss itself will leave holes in our hearts that will never be okay. We are mourning the loss of comedic relief, crazy deep conversations, slow dances in the kitchen, a can of Coke at every meal, never having enough half and half to cover his never-ending coffee parade, and his 24-hour playlist. We are mourning for the grandbabies who didn’t get enough life lessons from their grandpa.

Last Friday morning David suffered a massive heart attack. Sharon’s youngest son, Danny, rushed over and provided CPR until the ambulance arrived and it was this miracle that gave us all enough time to get to David’s bedside. The incredible doctors and nurses did everything possible, but his brain had swelled rapidly. They made him and our family as comfortable as possible, but he was unable to recover. David passed away peacefully surrounded by everyone who filled his life with joy.

Unfortunately, this devastating loss is compounded by complicated interstate separation/divorce laws which prevented Sharon and David from formally marrying, despite their long term union. Under state law, non-married partners are not granted the same basic dignity, rights, and benefits meant to protect and comfort the surviving partner during such awful events. Without them, Sharon is unable to receive any direct access to their shared livelihood, estate, health care, and even potentially the home they worked so hard to save and share. They spent their precious years together putting everyone else first at their own expense and asked for nothing but love in return. While the whole family is rallying to do everything possible, we ask for our family and community's help during this impossible time. We understand not everyone who sees this can donate BUT it is free to share and ANYTHING truly helps. Money raised will be going 100% to Sharon for medical assistance, memorial expenses, housing, and providing for her long term needs as she does her best to preserve and continue David’s beautiful legacy of love. We also ask for continued prayers of peace and healing during this unprecedented time.

Thank you for your compassion, and God Bless You.