SOMERS, N.Y. - The Somers community is coming together to support a local family following the sudden death of David Anaya, a 45-year-old husband, father and grandfather who passed away on Sept. 9.
David leaves behind his wife, Vanessa, five children and a grandchild. Three of his children live in Somers and attend local schools, making the family’s loss one felt deeply throughout the community.
In the wake of the tragedy, friends and neighbors have organized two initiatives to help the family navigate the difficult days ahead: a GoFundMe fundraiser and a Meal Train providing meals and other forms of everyday assistance.
The GoFundMe campaign, titled “Supporting the Anaya Family After Tragic Loss,” was organized by Lydia Demaio. The fundraiser seeks to provide financial assistance for the family’s daily needs, housing and the stability of the children as they adjust to life without David.
As of Sept. 14, the campaign had raised $25,090 toward its $45,000 goal through 221 donations.
“The Anaya family has experienced the most unimaginable tragedy,” Demaio wrote in the fundraiser’s description. “During this incredibly difficult time, let’s come together as a community and rally around one of our own.”
She encouraged residents to offer whatever support they could, emphasizing that every act of kindness and generosity could make a meaningful difference to the family.
A separate Meal Train, organized by Jessica Madori, is also helping ease the family’s immediate burden. The initiative is coordinating meals for one adult and three children, with 34 participants listed as of Sept. 14.
The Meal Train provides an opportunity for friends, neighbors and community members to prepare meals or contribute gift cards to local grocery stores and restaurants. The family has listed pizza, pasta, tacos, chicken fingers and fries among its preferred foods.
The effort is intended to provide more than just dinner. By helping with meals and everyday necessities, community members can give the family some much-needed relief as they cope with their loss.
Those wishing to help can participate in the Meal Train or contribute to the GoFundMe campaign. Together, the two initiatives offer Somers residents a way to stand beside the Anaya family and demonstrate the compassion and community spirit that can make a difference during an extraordinarily difficult time.
Visitation for David will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 15, from 4 to 8 p.m. at Clark & Giordano Funeral Home in Yorktown Heights. A Mass of Christian Burial is scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 16, at 10 a.m. at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Somers.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations in David’s memory to the American Heart Association.
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