Tributes

Daddy, I miss you every single day.
The day we lost you changed my life and me forever. I never thought watching you walk inside was the last time I would see you alive. I knew you struggled and I tried to help in every way I could. I know only you could make that change. The night I found you still haunts me. I was too late to be able to help you and though I called for help, and still tried to, it was just too late. I made those devastating calls to family. You were my rock and always by my side. My worst nightmare and biggest fear came true that night. This year will be 5 years without you. Its been really hard on me and our family. I know you are no longer in pain and that gives me some peace. I forgive you and know you did not plan to leave so soon let alone me being the one to find you in that state.
I have been and will always be so grateful to be your daughter. You taught me so much and my 30years with you was not long enough but I treasure that time. You were such a kind soul and would help all in need regardless of what you were dealing with. That is something I carry with me and carry on with my son who still remembers and adores his Gramps!
I love you always and forever.

I will never forget the day you left me. I am so sorry that I didn’t know or didn’t realize what was happening to you that morning. I am so sorry. By the time I got you turned over and got help it was too late. I will forever have that nightmare in my mind. I miss you so very much. I love u

The day I got the call will always be the worse day of my life. For you were my twin my ride or die. The day you left this world I lost apart of me. That can never be replaced. Its been 7 and half years and I still miss you every second of everyday. I know you are watching over us. Your son is so much like you. I know he misses you like crazy. Your daughter can miss what she cant remember, but she will always know her mom was a beautiful soul.

This year will be 9 years without you.. I cannot even fathom that. I still miss you as much as I did when you first left us. I’ll never forget you telling me the only thing you did right in life was choosing me to be your kids Mother. You said this to me while I begged you to get help so you could be here with us. You said you knew I could do this alone if this devil took you out. I’ve been doing it alone for almost 9 years. Kayden is almost 16(he looks JUST like you.), and Adalynn(YOUR ANGEL) is almost 12.(she ACTS just like YOU.) doing this alone has been one of the loneliest roads I’ve ever been down. The absence of you is felt in every birthday, Christmas, sporting event, 1st day of school, Daddy Daughter dance, watching our son go out playing running back and dominating(GOSH I know you would be cheering SOOO loud.) Nick.. you were right I could do this without you. And I find a tiny bit of peace knowing that you are at peace but I would do anything that was asked of me to bring you back. For me, for Kayden, for Addy. I needed you, and they need their Daddy. I love you and miss you more than words can express. RIH and please always watch over us.

Mom, I will always miss you.
I hope you are out of pain and in peace.
I love you and thank you for being my mother after all the struggles you endured. I know you did not mean to get so lost but I forgive you.
I will miss you everyday until we meet again.
Rest easy mom I love you.

My dear son Jacob was a very outgoing and loving soul. He loved to ride his bike and play tennis. He would take trips and rides without notice. He was a great friend to so many people, often making them feel inspired with his encouraging words. Sadly he was poisoned with fentanyl on May 30, 2020. His life was cut short at the age of 31. He is thought about every second of everyday. He is loved beyond measure. I look forward to the day when we will be together again. I love you very much my dear son. Love Mom. 💔

(4/30/78-11/27/25)

This morning, my aunt and uncle arrived at my apartment to tell me about your overdose. I am still in shock. The last time we spoke, was through a prison’s messenger… I told you, if you kept trying like you said we were, I would love to call you on Christmas. Now, I’ll never get that chance. I’ll never get to see your smile again, your laugh, hug you, or smell you. I am stuck with these memories. It hurts me to know you spent the last few years of your life spiraling… I know you wanted to control yourself but didn’t know how. I know how deeply you loved my sister and I, even if you weren’t good at expressing it. I know I was your best friend. I know as your child, I was justified in my anger, my resentment. It made sense that I said those harsh words… but I regret them so deeply. Your actions hurt me so much because of how much I completely, utterly adored you. I desperately wanted you to get better… and I know that you were for a while. You gained weight, you got your job back. It isn’t fair, but all it takes is one mistake. I want you to know that I forgive you and I love you so much. I’m so sad that you will not be there to see me get married or have children. I’m so sad that I will never get to see you live a life that isn’t dominated by shame. I’m sorry for the role I played in instilling that feeling. I love you so so much, dad. I will love you always. I don’t want to live in a world without you… I’m not ready. I unfortunately started grieving you a long time before you died, I knew it was going to happen… but I didn’t know when. After reading all these tributes… I see these parents, friends, and family members that have been carrying this grief with them for decades post-mortem. I don’t know how I will bear it. I need to live with the fact that one day will pass where I have lived longer on this Earth without you than with you. I will choose to remember you for our wrestling matches, movie nights, our games, and our love of nature. I will remember everything you told me to appreciate. You were always so much more to me than your addiction. You were my first friend. I will stay strong, because I know it is what you would want. I know it is what my sister and my mother needs in your absence… I know how proud you were, Dad. I want to prove to you that I really can break this cycle. I just wish you could have lived to see it.

A tribute to Ricky DiPaolo — a brother, a son, an uncle, a cousin, and one hell of a son of a bitch. Ricky had a sense of humour that could light up any room and a loyalty that never wavered. If he loved you, he had your back through anything. He was always up to something, always cooking up some kind of scheme, and always making life a little more interesting.

Behind all that mischief was a huge heart. A heart that loved deeply and fiercely.

Fentanyl took him from us far too soon, and the hole he left will never be filled. We miss you every day, Ricky. We love you always.

Jennifer Walker was a beautiful human being. She was my mother. She was the firstborn of her father’s kids. She was her mother’s one and only daughter. She was smart. She was gorgeous. She was fashionable. She was loving. When she was little, she wanted to be a veterinarian. She had a rabbit growing up. And when I was a baby, she had a dog and a cat. And because of her, that’s where I got my love of animals from. With my mom not on this planet anymore.My world has shattered I never got to meet her in person and because the illness that is addiction I will never get to. To anyone out there that wants to get clean, you can do this because I believe in you and I believe that you can turn your life around. If not for yourself do it for me, do it for Jennifer.

Remembering our sweet Misty. Her life mattered. She was important! Forever loved you will be!

My brother/ best friend passed away to an overdose and I found him and have been devastated! It was one of the BIGGEST TRAUMAS IN MY LIFE 🥺💔😭 BUT he’s in a better place now with no pain. Luv you “G” and will see you 1 day when it’s my time 🫶🏽🙏🏽

Losing one sibling was unimaginable but losing 3 has been an overbearing hurt I am struggling to cope with. I lost 3 of my younger siblings to drug poisoning in only a span of 3 years. I lost my sister Jennifer Felix on February 23rd, 2022. Just I lost him on June 16th, 2024 & just the other day my sister Jeannine Mattess passed away on November 1st, 2025. My family has not brought her home as we are left to wait for the coroners to complete the autopsy & toxicology to find out exactly how she died. This crisis has been so devastating it has been & continues to destroy family’s friends & entire communities from coast to coast to coast. As a person who is personally affected by this surmounting issue, I say it is time to put an end. I as a person with mental health & addiction issue see no hope in ending this crisis, I do however see a path forward to be inclusive around the subject of addiction, to come together as leaders as health providers as justice workers & social supporters & collaborate with the people who are affected by these issues. Support, inclusion & collaboration is one key tool needed but what is also needed is employment & training, peer networking, compassion & understanding.

I miss my brother so much . I wish I could have helped you or saved you . I wish you knew how much I needed you here I love you forever . My brother’s keeper

Jolene truly lit up the world with her smile and everyone who met her felt her joy. She was a dear friend who was taken too soon. The world has not felt the same without her in it.

You have been gone since 2012 and my heart aches today just as it did on September 9 th 2012. You big smile and big hugs is so burnt in my memories is miss them so much. Your laugh is what all your friends and brothers miss. It should never be in a parents life to lose their child it’s not the way it is supposed to be. I have lost you and your brother and I am empty and void I miss you so much my love 💕

March 15, 1991 – July 11, 2025

Shannon was a daughter, a sister, a niece and cousin, but most importantly, she was a loving mother.
She illuminated this world with an extraordinary heart overflowing with a boundless passion to spread love compassion and kindness. She cared for, uplifted and inspired countless individuals. Her thoughtful, selfless nature and generous spirit compelled her to go above and beyond to show support for those in need whether it be family, friends, acquaintances, or even total strangers; she was a blessing to so many.

Renowned for her remarkable empathy Shannon‘s profound impact was also felt through her sweet yet powerful voice, radiant smile and silly grins, contagious laughter, generous heart, her outgoing personality and a goofy sense of humor. While she was quite sensitive, she was also confident, fearless and strong willed.

Shannon‘s hobbies included her love for reading books and scripture, but she was also an exceptionally creative and talented young woman. She was well known for her heartfelt letters and notes of encouragement to uplift others, elaborately decorated cards and thoughtful, handmade gifts that symbolized her love and appreciation for others; if you got one it was because she loved you. Her creative expression knew no bounds, from her vibrant artwork, which includes drawings paintings and unique crafts to her love of decorating for special occasions or just to brighten her surroundings.

While she embraced her individuality, Shannon’s bold and unique style and confidence inspired those around her to embrace their own uniqueness.

Aside from her glowing beauty inside and out, she was exceptionally intelligent and could carry her own in pretty much any conversation; I learned a lot from her.

Among her many talents, she possessed a genuine love and appreciation for nature and remarkable skills in the garden; she had a magical green thumb and an incredible love for all critters and animals that astounded everyone.

Shannon was a very spiritual person with a strong belief in God. Although she faced challenges throughout her life, she was genuine and loyal, her heart was always in the right place and she tried to do the right thing when it counted.

While she is truly a shining example of kindness, empathy, and generosity, above all else, she was a devoted and loving mother to her beautiful son Bentley. Seeing them together was proof of an undeniably strong and unbreakable bond that has no end; they loved each other wholeheartedly and I know he loves and misses her very much.

We love and miss you more than you could ever imagine, Shannon. 😔💔

You left us way too soon. It’s still very raw for me. Please know you were loved by all of your family.
We won’t forget you, ever. Life is so much different now and not in a better way. I love you my son and miss you so much.
My heart hurts like nothing I have felt before. My wish is that your pain is gone and you are in a better place
Love you to the moon and back and back again.
Mom xoxo

I will never forget the call 5 minutes before you left us you was my best friend and a pleasure to be around i understand that you had a lot going on and cocanie help you but you was you and you never listened to anyone sadly you gained your wings tonight at the age of 15 i love you so so much make sure you save me a spot in heaven with you and mum love you best big brother ever fly high 2010-2025

I will never forget the look on your face when I told you that we were going to be parents. Even with all the challenges we had to overcome you still called your family with excitement. You did not deserve to go. Your son Jase Jones Fortin is wonderful, sweet, and loving just like his dad. I love you always and forever. I can’t wait to see you someday.

8/31/89 – 10/24/21

I didn’t get to say goodbye. Why did you leave me? I needed you here. You were supposed to be here. This is dedicated to the first man I ever loved and I hope he felt the same. Wherever you are I miss you! This is to you dad 1954-2024. Forever 70!