Roland Junior Delva

In loving memory of Roland Junior Delva who has passed away, leaving behind his beloved wife Briana Thompson Delva and two young children, Jaylen (5) and Juliana (2). Along with being a loving son, brother, father and husband, he served as a member of The United States Navy. In the six years of his service, he toured through parts of Africa, Djibouti, Greece and Haiti. He served his country proudly but unfortunately came to suffer the PTSD of this service.

Junior’s family is devastated by this unexpected loss and is in need of support during this unimaginably hard time. We are setting up this GoFundMe to provide financial assistance for Junior’s family as they confront the immediate expenses and plan for the future. Your generous donations will help ease the financial burden during this difficult time and allow his family to focus on healing and cherishing the memories of their beloved husband and father.

Junior had an enormous capacity to give love to others, but he unfortunately faced a silent battle with himself. This battle brought him to his darkest hour, which painfully resulted with him taking his own life, at a mere 35 years of age. While we may sit here angered, distraught and confused, we should use this time to learn and understand the truth behind suicide, depression and mental illness, and its devastating impact on our communities. The war against mental illness is a blameless fight. May we now offer our love and compassion to those who suffer its effects.

To any and all facing a battle with their own mental health struggles, please know that you are wanted, loved, and supported. Suicide may feel like the answer, but it is a permanent decision often made to solve temporary problems. No matter how heavy your burden may feel, please know that there are people in your corner that will help you bear the load. We would do anything to have Junior back with us.

Your support and kindness are deeply appreciated. No amount is too small, and every gesture of support is invaluable. More than anything, we want to ensure that Briana and their children feel the love and support of the community that Junior cherished so deeply. You may also send donations directly to the Delva family by zelle using Briana’s phone number. 

On behalf of the Delva family, we thank you and we love you.

If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, counselors are available 24/7 to listen and support you if you call the number 988. 988 has a staff of trained counselors and people who have experienced mental health crises in the past. You can talk about how you feel, get brief counseling, suicide prevention, crisis intervention, peer support, referrals to care, assistance in connecting to the referral and follow-up services. 988 is free and confidential, and operates 24/7.

New York State has partnered with Crisis Text Line, an anonymous texting service available 24/7. Starting a conversation is easy. Text GOT5 to 741741.

SAMHSA’s (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) National Helpline, 1-800-662-HELP, is a confidential, free, 24-hour-a-day, 365-day-a-year, information service, in English and Spanish, for individuals and family members facing mental and/or substance use disorders. This service provides referrals to local treatment facilities, support groups, and community-based organizations.