A Mahopac family is grieving after the sudden and tragic loss of 18-month-old Angelo Valentino, who died unexpectedly from complications of the flu.
Now, the community is rallying around the Valentinos with GoFundMe and Meal Train efforts organized to support his parents as they grieve and care for their young son, with a baby daughter due in March.
Angelo’s aunt, Allison Pugliese, who organized the GoFundMe, said the family is struggling to comprehend the tragedy.
“My eyes have been opened again to how quickly life can change,” she wrote. “Angelo Nicholas Valentino was the most beautiful baby—always smiling, always happy. His name fit him perfectly because he was the perfect angel. His 4-year-old brother misses him terribly, and his mom and dad are devastated by this unimaginable loss.
“Angelo’s passing has left our family heartbroken and facing a future filled with uncertainty,” she added.
Pugliese said the tragedy has been made even harder to bear as the family awaits the arrival of a baby in just a few months.
“As we grieve, we are also trying to support his parents, who are preparing for the arrival of a new baby while navigating this difficult time,” Pugliese said. “We want to help relieve some of the financial burden so they can focus on healing and supporting each other.”
Thanking people for their kindness, Pugliese said all the support the family has received “would mean the world to us.”
“We will never know why this happened, but we hold onto the hope that we will see Angelo again someday,” Pugliese said.
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