Reunite a Gold Star Father with His Son's Beloved Car

John delToro, followed in his father Eric’s footsteps by joining the US Navy in 2012, even going into the same job field of Electronics Technician with Naval Special Warfare Group One. Eric with SDV Team 1 (SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team 1) and John was with TACCOMM ONE attached to SEAL Team 7. After completing training at the same Base his father served guard duty at near Niland, CA in 1991, the vehicle John and 4 other servicmembers were travelling in to return to their home Base in San Diego, CA veered off the road and rolled. While the other four Sailors survived with injuries, John was tragically killed in the accident on June 3, 2022. He was just 29 years old. He left behind a loving wife and four young children, his parents, an older brother and younger sister.

John and his father had a very close relationship with many of the same interests such as playing World of Warcraft together online, UGA Bulldogs football on Saturdays, and modifying John’s 2008 BMW 335i. No one in either house was safe from hearing about attacks in WoW or bad plays during a Bulldogs game. John used the knowledge and skill that Eric taught him to perform all sorts of modifications and maintenance on his BMW in his spare time. This car became an integral link between father and son.

John’s widow, Heather, doesn’t use the car and is in fear of it becoming inoperable so she reached out to us to bring the car to Illinois to keep it in good running condition to eventually return it to their children when they reach driving age. Eric will keep the car operable and will also be entering it in local car shows in John’s memory.

In order for this to happen, we have to transport the car from Menifee, CA to O’Fallon, IL as soon as possible. Under normal circumstances, Eric would fly out and drive the car back home. Unfortunately, Eric suffered 3 broken vertebrae and a broken rib from a head-on collision in late January. A trip of 1800+ miles will cause him immense pain and necessitate many days out of work for recovery.

While we have contacted a broker to facilitate the transport, we received a quote too high to manage. Due to Eric’s accident and time lost from work, we still haven’t financially recovered enough to afford the transport but Eric is willing to make the trip himself and take the necessary time off.

We are turning to GoFundMe in the hopes that caring, generous people will help fund this venture to reunite a Veteran and Gold Star father with his late son’s passion. We sincerely appreciate all donations and shares with our whole hearts. May God bless each of you abundantly!

Eric & Teresa delToro