Stratford Woman Killed In New Jersey Crash Remembered For Her Warmth, Generosity
A 40-year-old Connecticut woman who was killed last week in a chain-reaction crash in New Jersey was known for her compassion and care for her loved ones and her remarkable generosity, her family said.
Lauren Kopko, of Stratford, died on Thurs., Jan. 16, when her Honda was involved in a four-car pileup on Route 287 in Mahwah, NJ. She would have celebrated her 41st birthday on Sat., Jan. 25.
The Bridgeport native rose through the ranks at Breyer Horses in Pequannock, NJ, to become project manager, her obituary said. However, it was her personality that truly shone.
"Lauren’s prof…
Doctors Said Poolesville's Alivia Tetlow Wouldn't Live Past 1 Year, She Made It To 25
Alivia Tetlow defied the odds every single day of her life.
Born with a rare condition called gastroschisis, the Maryland native's journey began with a battle most couldn’t imagine.
Doctors warned her family that she might not survive infancy, let alone celebrate her first birthday, but Alivia, as she proved time and time again, was no ordinary soul.
"She is a daughter, granddaughter, sister, aunt, fiancé, and the best and dear friend of so many," her sister posted on a GoFindMe page that picked up steam following Tetlow's death on Jan. 14.
"She is the most loving, strong, car…
Devoted Yonkers Father Dies After Aggressive Cancer Returns: 'Free Spirit'
Yonkers resident Derek Leach was known as a much-loved father, brother, and friend before his death following a brave battle with cancer.
Leach, who was recently diagnosed with throat cancer in the summer of 2024, fought valiantly through aggressive treatments. While the cancer was initially removed, it tragically returned, and despite his immense strength and courage, he was unable to overcome the disease and died at the age of 57 on Monday, Jan. 6, his family said.
Described as a free spirit with a heart full of love, Leach leaves behind his children, Erik, Shonae, and Solange…
Dominic Valenti Of Frederick Dies Suddenly New Year's Day, 27
A Maryland community is in mourning after the sudden loss of 27-year-old Dominic Michael Valenti, a vibrant soul remembered for his compassion, courage, and love of life.
Valenti, born in New Mexico on June 5, 1997, passed away on New Year's Day, leaving behind a loving family who remembered the Frederick High School graduate as "a beloved son, brother, and friend."
"(He) will be lovingly remembered for his compassion, bravery, and unfailing courage," they said. "His infectious smile, humor, and genuine nature made a lasting impression on everyone who knew him."
“Dominic w…
Historian, Over 50-Year Member Of Port Chester Fire Department Dies: 'Pure Gentleman'
A fire department in Westchester is mourning the loss of an over five-decade member and historian who resided in Connecticut and spent a lifetime helping others.
Tom Zack, a longtime member of Port Chester's Harry Howard Hook & Ladder Company #1, died on Wednesday, Jan. 8 at the age of 78, according to his obituary.
Zach, a Fairfield County resident who lived in the Greenwich neighborhood of Riverside, was born on July 4, 1946, in Port Chester, and dedicated his life to community service.
He joined the Port Chester Fire Department in 1969, serving as a …
Long Island Man With 'Giant Heart' Killed By Driver Going 121 MPH
A West Babylon man with a "giant heart" will be laid to rest in the Dominican Republic after a driver speeding at 121 mph struck and killed him on the Southern State Parkway.
Reynaldo Collado, 49, was tragically killed on Sept. 22, 2024, when his vehicle was struck by Felix Jose Pantaleon Tavarez, 22, who faces manslaughter and related charges for the crash.
Loved ones are honoring Collado's memory through a GoFundMe campaign, which has raised $8,798 of its $20,000 goal to cover funeral costs and transport his remains. Visitation services for Reynaldo Collado were held on Sept. 30, 2…
Longtime NBC Washington Reporter, DC Native Derrick Ward Dies At 62
Veteran NBC Washington reporter Derrick Ward has died at the age of 62 after suffering complications from a recent cardiac arrest, the station confirmed on Wednesday.
Ward, a District resident, had been a staple in the community for years, having reported for NBC, as well as local station WTOP after getting his start in upstate New York .
He has been covering his hometown community since 2006.
Ward was pronounced dead on Wednesday, Jan. 7 following the complications, his family confirmed in a statement. No further details have been provided.
"We'll miss his writing, his reporting, h…
Longtime Lake Mohegan Firefighter Dies At 56: Remembered For Life Of Service
A Northern Westchester community is mourning the sudden loss of veteran firefighter and Hudson Valley resident Christopher Johanson, who dedicated his life to service and his family.
Johanson, a 24-year veteran firefighter with the Lake Mohegan Fire Department, passed away suddenly on Thursday, Dec. 26, at his home in Cold Spring at the age of 56, according to his obituary.
Johanson, badge number 61, joined the Lake Mohegan Fire Department in August 2000 and was most recently assigned to Station 2, the Jefferson Valley Firehouse.
In a memorial post on social media, t…
Albany CSX Employee, National Guardsman Matthew King Dies, 38: 'Loveyoubye'
Family and friends are remembering a 38-year-old Capital Region man who died earlier this month.
Senior Master Sgt Matthew H. King of Sand Lake in Rensselaer County died on Thursday, Dec. 5.
According to his obituary, he was born August 17, 1986, in Albany, to David and Denise King.
Matt attended Averill Park schools, graduating in 2005 surrounded by lifelong friends.
When he was 18, he joined the New York Air National Guard, building another family with the 109th Airlift Wing. He graduated from Schenectady Community College with a degree in firefighting and later became …
