Create a Memorial

John Derek Lafferty

Age 36
Love of my daughter’s life.
John Lafferty
Age 36
36

John grew up in a bad area of Las Vegas. He took care of his mom in her final years. When she passed 2 years ago, John took it hard. He distanced himself from the few family members he had and even broke off all contact with them and eventually his girlfriend and mother of his baby girl.
John lived on the street, addicted to meth... he wanted to change but, never took the necessary steps. The girl he left never gave up on him though... her mom, in California, supported her in her sobriety and relapses. Only a few days ago, she returned to Vegas and sadly learned that he had died a week before of a meth-related heart attack. If she hadn’t gone to find him... no one would have ever known what happened. He would’ve been 37 this past Tuesday.

Introduction

John lost his way in this world when meth took over his life and most recently took his life.

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Terry Wagner

Age 43
Courageous, smiling, helpful, brother, son
Terry Wagner
Age 43
43
Introduction

This weekend the unimaginable happened. After battling addiction for many years, we lost our son to what has killed so many too young. Our hearts are broken and we will miss Terry forever. We are comforted by family who remember Terry in healthier times and from his many friends who are sharing their memories with us on Facebook and through text. Terry loved many and lived life as best he could with the demons that he faced. In lieu of a formal funeral, we are asking that you talk to your children and grandchildren about the true dangers of drug use.

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Misty Lynn Miller

Age 39
Mother. Daughter. Caring. Beautiful. Missed.
Misty Miller
Age 39
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39

Misty had a smile that could light up and room and a personality and heart that made you feel so loved and important. She was a mother to three children that she adored and the light of her life. Misty loved country music and to sing in the shower. She loved In-a-tub tacos and the Cowboys. She loved anything pink camo and the tv show, Grey's Anatomy (cried over the characters like they were her best friends). She loved cinnamon popcorn and Dirty Dancing. She loved her family and just being comfy in a hoody and PJ pants. She loved to be silly and make people laugh. All of these little things made her Misty and we miss every single one.

After she passed, so many people from her life on the Army bases and rehabs around the country started to post on her Facebook page about how much Misty had helped them through so many tough times in their lives and how much she was going to be missed. This truly sums up who Misty was as a person, she was so caring and wanted to give herself to make others happy.

We lost Misty a little over a year ago to her addiction that she battled for over 10 years. Since her passing, we have done everything we can to keep her story and memory going. We talk about her often and always with a smile and a laugh. Mist, please keep sending us those signs that you are okay and watching over us. We love you!

"Through us, her story continues".

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Introduction

Misty was only on this planet for 39 short years, but in that short time she was able to help and be loved by so many people and we all miss her every single day.

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Michael Anthony Ruggiero Jr.

Age 33
Brother, Husband, Son & Friend
Michael Ruggiero Jr.
Age 33
33

Michael battled with addiction for many years. Although he struggled at times he managed to have such a wonderful life! He traveled the world, had an amazing sneaker collection, friends who would do anything for him, a family that supported him through everything and a wife who loved him until the end. Although it is heartbreaking that he is gone. In his short life he made an impact on so many people who loved him dearly. He will forever be remembered for his movie star good looks, piercing green eyes, captivating personality and contagious life. We all wish you were here Michael and we miss you so much.

Introduction

Michael A. Ruggiero, Jr., a lifelong resident of Yonkers, NY passed away suddenly on Sunday, April 29, 2018, after a long battle with addiction. He was 33 years old.

Michael is survived by his wife, Nicola "Nikki"; his devoted parents, Michael & Eileen (nee Mahedy); his loving siblings, Andrew & Andrea and his adoring grandmother, Peggy Mahedy.

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William Patrick Reynolds III

Age 36
Amazing Father, Brother, and Son
William Reynolds III
Age 36
36

Billy was a pretty amazing guy. He loved his friends and family very much, was a hard worker, but struggled with addiction to pain pills and benzos for many years before succumbing to his death at the young age of 36. He left behind 4 beautiful children, Kayla, Jack, Brianna, and Faith, who struggle every day with the loss of their father. It's still so hard to believe he is gone, even after 6 years, but our family hopes to help fight the war on addiction and the stigma associated with addiction so that no other children have to deal with the pain these courageous souls have had to face. We love you Billy always and forever. May your soul rest in Heaven forever!

Introduction

William Patrick Reynolds III lost his life to this horrific disease at the age of 36. He left behind his parents, brother, sister, and 4 amazing children: Kayla, Jack, Brianna, and Faith.

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Brian Steele Jr.

Age 23
Son, Brother, Uncle, Cousin, Nephew
Brian Steele Jr.
Age 23
23

We miss you every single day Bri.

Introduction

Brian Steele Jr. was the most loving and caring family member.

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Logan John Fils

Age 25
Brave, smart, kind, caring, strong
Logan Fils
Age 25
25

Logan is my cousin. He was just 25 years old this past August. He lost his girlfriend just two weeks before his own death. He tried so hard several times to beat addiction. He had a hard time growing up in school due to severe dyslexia. Despite that he was amazing since birth. He could do so many things others could not. He could fix anything. He could make anything. He would do anything for anyone. He loved kids so much and I was blessed to have him in my sons life for 6 years. It never mattered how he felt that day if he saw my son he dropped everything and played with him until we left. My only regret is not doing that more. His smile was infectious. He was that great person who would call out of the blue just because he missed you and needed to check In. He was so adventurous and talented in so many ways. He could skateboard and dirt bike ride and anything you threw at him. He was the most caring person you’ll ever meet. And no matter what path you choose he made sure he didn’t judge you and was simply just there for you. He loved animals so much. Watching him with his doggy was just pure love. Him being gone has made an impact on so many. He is thought of constantly and missed by so many. I know he’s happy,healthy, and free. I know there will be that day I get to hug him again.

Introduction

Logan was an amazing person, son, brother, cousin, friend, always wanting to help others. He battled dyslexia his whole life, which bothered him more than anything. What we all saw was the amazing kid that could take anything apart and put it back together without any direction, something 90% of can’t do. He loved kids and was great with them. He loved animals so much his join with them made you love them too. He made you smile on your worst day and never judged anyone for anything. I miss him every day.

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Arielle Michaela Ellis

Age
Sister Mother wonderful woman
Arielle Ellis
Age
Introduction

I lost my 21 year old sister this year on February 12, 2018. She was a mother of 2 beautiful children 1 daughter Rosalie and 1 son Ezekial. She fought thru her addiction to heroin and she was doing great but she tried going back to using drugs and sadly it took her life.

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Dan Mast

Age 57
Kind. Loved. Missed. My father.
Dan Mast
Age 57
57

My father would have given anything to not battle addiction. He tried, and tried again. When he told me he was clean, I knew he wanted to be, and we all prayed he would stay that way. But it never did last. Each time was harder. Still, I never gave up on him.
My father lost his battle four years ago. He came to terms that he no longer could take the battle he had to deal with every single day. He took his own life.
He was always loved. Always supported. He wanted it to be different.
Addiction affects young, old, all races, all ethnicities. It’s the hardest battle to fight. But we will continue the fight for him.

Introduction

My father was the kindest soul. He would do anything for anybody. But he could never seem to overcome his addiction. My entire life was a roller coaster of his sobriety and relapse. However, when we weren’t on that roller coaster he was all laughs, and all about his family. His laugh really was the best. Contagious really. He made a friend every single place he went. He never judged anyone, and wanted to help everyone. He just could never help himself the way he needed to.

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Age

Too many to name, and too many pictures to post to show how the horrors of addiction claiming so many! Families and children so broken the same and opioids are to blame. This is beginning of much needed American change.

Don Wan, Eric H. This is going out to you.

Introduction

At the young age of 13 I was first introduced to opioid addiction. Since then, I've been to more funerals than I am years old.

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Jennifer Thompson Sandke

Age 44
Beautiful, inspirational, charming, hilarious, love
Jennifer Sandke
Age 44
44

My wife Jen was the kindest most loving mother, wife, daughter, and friend. She is my soulmate and the world definitely is a worse place without her presence in it. She struggled with addiction for almost 30 years. She experienced so many horrible things in her life that fed her addiction and self loathing. But those things were not who she truly was... she was and remains the kindest most beautiful and loving human being I have ever known and she inspires me to be a better man every moment of every day. When her daughter asked me what I would miss most about her mom, my answer was simple: everything. I love you Jennifer, I love you yesterday, I love you today, I love you tomorrow, I love you eternally.

Introduction

My amazing, beautiful, intelligent, charming, witty wife Jennifer Lyn Thompson Sandke, tragically succumbed to the evils of addiction on 3/17/18.

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Joshua Andrew Feldman

Age 23
Loving, Smart, fun Son, Brother and friend
Joshua Feldman
Age 23
23

Joshua always liked to have fun plans, even as a child he would always want to have something to look forward to.  I used to call him my wild child.  He was an avid basketball player and loved the NY Knicks.  He was also a huge Yankee fan and Giants fan. Josh was in his senior year at college when the demon alcohol and pills took his life. My world has been turned upside down. He was my first born child of four, his brother and sisters miss him tremendously, as does his dad. I miss the love he showed me and his big smile. I miss him every minute of every day! I feel blessed to have had him in my life and pray he continues to send me signs.  We love you and miss you Josh!

FOREVER IN OUR HEARTS

Introduction

Josh was a young guy who liked to have fun with his friends.  He was kind-hearted with a beautiful soul.  The last time I saw Josh we had such a nice time together and he was in great physical condition as he had been going to outpatient rehab and working out regularly at the gym. I was so happy that he was on the right track. I would never have imagined I would be sitting here heartbroken creating a memorial page. We are so devastated.

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Kace A. Colvin

Age 28
Tormented, warrior, loved, bright and lost.
Kace Colvin
Age 28
28

Kace was a much-loved son, daddy, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin and friend. He cannot be defined by the heroin addiction that he despised and struggled to overcome. Many will judge, but those are the ones that don't understand what a powerful demon he was fighting! His family's hope is that his strong spirit and strength will be transferred to the recipients of his life-saving organs!

Introduction

My handsome son lost his battle with addiction on April 29th, 2018. He was only 28. He was a loved son, brother, daddy, grandson, nephew, cousin and friend to many. He fought to the end to beat the beast that finally took his life. Heroin took him from us but he lives on in others through the gift of organ donation!

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Thomas Anyhony DiSilvestre

Age 24
Son, brother, athletic, loved skateboarding, caring soul
Thomas DiSilvestre
Age 24
24

Thomas was very athletic and loved skateboarding, baseball and basketball and he loved drawing. He was a wonderful child. He had good grades. Then 10th grade came and everything started going downhill. He stopped going to school and this started his addictions. Then we battled the addiction through many rehabs. I suffered with him through the years and all the trouble that came with the demons of addiction. He was 17 months clean as of October 2017. He went out and made a bad decision and now my son is gone. His family loves him and misses him every day. I hope he’s at peace but I am still suffering. Love you, my son
Thomas’ mom forever ❤️😇

Introduction

We lost our beautiful son October 2017 after years of struggling with his addiction. Our hearts are forever broken. We love and miss you every single day. He was a son, brother, nephew, grandson and friend. Gone too soon but never forgotten. Thomas Anthony forever 24💔😇. Love you forevermore

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Martine Shea Jehan

Age 26
Daughter, Sister, Loving, Sweet & Funny
Martine Jehan
Age 26
26

My Loving daughter Martine passed away in 2013 from substance use disorder at the age of 26. Her friends called her Teeny because she was a little thing, but she was bigger than life! She was a kind and generous,loving and adventurous young lady that would give the shirt off her back. Anyone that knew her loved her. She love music and she loved to help people. She went as far as Rwanda to volunteer to help people struggling with AIDs.

Martine always wanted to help people, and she loved life so I believe even in her death she’s helping making a difference. We will no longer hide the disease she had, we will talk about it we will share the devastating struggles. We will put a face to the beautiful people that struggle from this disease. We need more help, we need more answers, and different treatments ! I believe the way we get that is by talking about it and not hiding it. So in Martine’s name we speak about the addiction.

Introduction

Hi my name is Betsy Jehan and I’m the mother of two children Martine and Gary. My daughter Martine lost her struggle with the substance use disorder in 2013. I was one of those parents that was ashamed that my daughter struggled with addiction and was I stifled by that and was unable to get the help that we needed. To think that my daughter died partly because of the shame is something I will never forgive myself... Not anymore! I now speak out to stop the stigma and in my daughters name I raise awareness! Nobody should not get the help they need because of shame. So I hold sober evening once a year called “Martine’s Wake Up” because we have to wake up, we have to change this world, we have to help each other, We have to stop this stigma that we can’t get the help we need for this epidemic that’s killing our children

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Cindy Zerga

Age 55
Mother, Sister, Hard worker
Cindy Zerga
Age 55
55

To the mom I will never have,

May 5, 2018 - the day you lost your battle with opiates. I knew this day would come, but it is still harder than I imagined it. I wish this was just a bad dream, but it isn't. I wish this wasn't the ending of your story.

I wish you had never taken that first drink. I wish you had never taken that first pain pill. I wish you didn't let your addictions get the best of you. I wish you had reached out. I wish you knew that suicide wasn't the answer. You battled depression and addictions for so long, and for that I am so, so sorry. I wish your story was different.

Thank you for teaching me the importance of hard work. Thank you for instilling in me the love of animals. Thank you for teaching me to always take time to laugh. Thank you for teaching me the importance of life and clinging to the things that matter most. Most importantly, thank you for showing me that our greatest need in life is Jesus, and I hope you really are with Him in heaven.

I'm glad I knew you before you weren't you. May you rest in peace. I love you.

Introduction

I write this in memorial of the mother who loved me dearly, but just never knew how to show it. I hope you know I loved you.

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Ryan Matthew Potratz

Age 25
Our Shooting Star
Ryan Potratz
Age 25
25

Ryan Matthew Potratz died unexpectedly in the early hours of the morning on December 4, 2017.

Ryan Potratz was born January 6th, 1992 in Burlington, IA

Ryans passion during his life involved anything with graphic design and photography. Ryan was often found doodling, drawing, painting, and listening to music. He loved taking pictures of the sky no matter the weather. He spent his spare time playing video games like World of Warcraft and Runescape.

Ryan was a kind soul who helped anyone in need. He cherished his close friends, family, and loved ones, and especially his dog, Max. His free spirit will always be fondly remembered by those who knew him.

We refer to him as our shooting star, his spirit burned so brightly but was gone so fast.

Our prayer for Ryan:
I weep, but not for me. I weep for all the tomorrow’s that you will never see. It’s not my loss that makes me sad. It’s thinking what you never had.

Miss you everyday Ryan. Love Mom, Dad, Sis and Max.

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Rachel Samantha Roth

Age 20
Rachie Bear My Daughter
Rachel Roth
Age 20
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20

Rachel had a soul full of humor, love and talent. She had a voice of the most passionate singer and taught herself to play piano. She wrote her own songs. She sang and played all the time. She drew pictures that amazed me and kept journals that I still have. These journals encompass her life, her fears and her addiction. She was also a very sensitive person. Rachel had sensitivities to loud sounds, bright lights, smells, and food. As young as 7 years old her teacher told me she felt Rachel should be taking a medication to help her focus in school. I delayed that outcome as long as I could. As she became older Rachel developed extreme anxieties about school. She went to psychologists who put her on anxiety pills. I feel Rachel was groomed to believe the answer was in a pill. She began to take other pills like "oxy" and "Molly". Then she was using heroin which she overdosed on and died. I talk with her often and feel her close. She lives everyday within my heart... I love you Rachi Bear

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Moises Clyde Cruz

Age 48
BEST FRIEND A GREAT GUY LOVED ALWAYS HAPPY
Moises Cruz
Age 48
48

Always loved going to the Dodgers games, the bars. He was one of my best friends he was like a brother to me always making me laugh always been a great time with HIM he was always everywhere with me

Introduction

WHAT CAN I SAY HE WAS A GREAT GUY EVERYONE LOVED HIM FRIENDS FAMILY CLASSMATES CO WORKERS HE GOT ALONG WITH MY FAMILY AND FRIENDS

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Nicholas John Foster Lemon

Age 26
Loved life, happy, big hearted
Nicholas Lemon
Age 26
26

Nick struggled for 9 years with his addiction. There were periods were he was sober and not using. He had a total of 5 overdose with the 5 being the fatal one that took his life. At that time he had 9 months in with not using. He had start a new job and they want to promote him after only 3 weeks. He had order seeds for his garden and was excited about what his was going to plant. Thing I miss most is him telling me he loves me when he left the house. Our house is so much quieter without him. Love you Nick, the dyed and barefoot.

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Nick loved life, music,being in nature. He love to hike, spending time with his friends. He had a big heart and didn't know a stranger. He was a hard worker.

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