The proceeds of a GoFundMe created after the loss of a Herricks High School senior and his mother will go toward college scholarships, according to an update from members of the family.
Steven DiBiasi, 17, died on Jan. 25. His mother, Louise died three days later. A GoFundMe has been created that as of Tuesday has raised over $9,400.
“Please accept our sincere thanks and appreciation to all of the community members who contributed to the GoFundMe account in honor of Steven DiBiasi and his mother, Louise DiBiasi,” said husband and father Ralph DiBiasi and sister and aunt Carol Bertolotti.
“All of the funds collected will be used to fund scholarships for students graduating from high school and going on to college,” the statement continues.
Herricks Superintendent Tony Sinanis said the recent loss had a big effect on the community.
“The tragic, unexpected passing of Steven DiBiasi and subsequently his mother was something that really shook our community to the core,” Sinanis said during the Feb. 2 board of education meeting. “On behalf of the entire district and Board of Education, I want to express our condolences to the DiBiasi family. who are still grappling with that loss.”
The GoFundMe page, organized by Lawrence and Emily Wong, describes DiBiasi as passionate.
“He was an amazing friend, student, hockey player and unique individual,” the page said. “Steven gave his time and energy to special needs kids – his love for hockey was his passion and his way of spending time with others – such as coaching Bethpage special needs hockey team,” the page said.
