Support Melissa and Her Family

Hi. My name is Rachel, wife of Jacek and sister in law of Melissa (Missy). On Friday, August 2nd, my sister in law Melissa found her husband Rich, my husband's older brother, unresponsive in bed. He had not gotten up that morning and although Melissa and the paramedics did everything they could to save him, he had passed away in his sleep at the young age of 40. His tragic and sudden death has left all of his family and friends completely devastated but especially his sweet wife Melissa who is now left alone with their precious one year old son, William. If this situation wasn't heartbreaking enough, Melissa and Rich had recently announced the wonderful news that Melissa was expecting identical twin baby girls. Now at 25 weeks pregnant, with her doctor's orders to stop working and stay off her feet for the duration of her pregnancy, Melissa is having to take care of a toddler, her unborn babies and herself without any income, or a partner to support her financially and physically, all while planning a funeral and grieving the loss of her husband and father of her children.

Rich and Melissa's journey together was not always an easy one. From the passing of Melissa's own mother at a very young age, through years of time they were forced to spend apart from one another. Through years and years of surgery and infertility treatments and losses while trying to start their own family, their love for one another remained constant, steadfast and true. Finally, their miracle baby, William, was welcomed in 2023 and we were truly over the moon for them to at long last, begin their journey through parenthood together. The news of the twins this past April took us all by complete surprise and everyone was overwhelmed with joy for them.

Through his untimely death our joy has turned to sadness, our hope to uncertainty and her family and friends are overwhelmed at the thought of how we will be able to come together to support Melissa through this while also grieving the loss of a son, a brother, an uncle and a friend.

Rich was one of a kind. Smart, funny, a devoted husband and proud Father. As a Veteran of the US Army in the 814th Military Police unit, he bravely served our country through tours overseas in 3 countries. A friend to all, he would drop everything to help someone in need.

Though we have all rallied around her during this time of sorrow, we know it will not be enough to support Melissa and their 3 children through this unimaginably difficult time and beyond. We ask that you please consider donating to help cover the expenses that will come with planning a funeral and for Melissa's future as a widowed mother of 3.

Thank you for your support.