In memory of Dave Tharp: Help support his family

David Ogden Tharp passed away unexpectedly on Christmas Day in his hometown of Willington, Connecticut. He was 56 years old. Dave was a father, a husband, a son, a brother, and for many years a soldier and security professional, serving his country in Central America, 6 tours in the Middle East (including Desert Storm & Iraqi Freedom), and Central Asia. Of his many roles in life, Dave most cherished being a father to his children Sam, Will, and Grace, and a loving husband to Michelle.

Dave did not have life insurance. They mistakenly thought he had a policy through the army, however, following his death Michelle learned that was not the case.

Dave's disability income, granted from the VA for severe PTSD, covered the mortgage payments for their family. That income will cease with his passing, Michelle's income does not cover this cost in addition to their other expenses.

Michelle, Will, and Grace are far too familiar with the trauma of loss, having unexpectedly lost Sam (Dave and Michelle's eldest child) in June of 2018. The potential of having to uproot and move because they can't afford to stay in their home is a heavy added burden atop their grief.

For these reasons, an initial goal of $15,000 was set aiming to cover at least six months of mortgage payments ($2,300/mo) plus a bit extra to help offset Dave's final expenses. Six months to breathe, reset, and gameplan for what life looks like without Dave and possibly having to coordinate selling the house and a move.

UPDATE: Through the immense generosity of over 200 people, we are deeply touched to have reached that initial goal in under 48 hours. Given the outpouring of support, ongoing interest, and continued requests to do so, we've reset the goal to $55,200 - the equivalent of two years of mortgage payments.

Please consider gifting them what you can; any small amount will help us reach the goal of providing Michelle, Will & Grace a bit of breathing room and time to figure out the next steps.