Day Funeral Home

He was the kind of kid who did as much as he could for others, even if he didn't have the time to do it, especially if it meant doing something kind.Then, on Aug. 4, 2015, at his home in Holmdel, that selfless life came to an end.Now his father, Dennis, is trying to extend that spirit, nearly 18 months after Dylan's suicide seemed to end all thoughts of hope. Vassallo has started "The Kindness Challenge," a Facebook page that has more than 72,000 followers and where people post anything that's intended to make people feel better about their own lives.More specifically, it's supposed to change the subject from the rancor that's dominated social media recently — and especially since the presidential election — and give people the opportunity to advertise the goodness of the world. "I like and love all of my friends regardless of their opinions," Dennis Vassallo wrote in a Facebook post. "I don’t like all the anger. It is really disheartening.""I was told a very long time ago that I am either part of the problem or part of the solution."What he got was something that was intended for a few friends and family, he said, but then grew into something big and beautiful.Some of the stories that people have posted include:A woman talked about how somebody gave a perfect stranger their extra Bed Bath and Beyond coupon. "A nice gentleman was able to buy a second item he was contemplating purchasing [but nearly didn't because of] his 'tight budget.'"A man was inspired to knock on doors to inquire about an emaciated animal he saw in a yard. After seeking help and intervention, the owner agreed to give up the horse, and an "amazing" couple in his neighborhood with an empty shed and paddock agreed to take her in. The mare now is limited in mobility "but has a will to live."These kind of acts would have been the kind of thing Dylan would still be doing if he had found a will to live on himself.Dylan served as an altar boy at St. Benedict’s of Holmdel for eight years. He had been a lifelong communicant of the church.Dylan was an active volunteer and "person...

DiPiero, 70, passed away on Saturday, October 29 at New York Presbyterian Hospital, New York City.Faith, family and tradition were some of the hallmarks of Rose’s life. She was known for her warmth, generosity and maternal love – for her family and beyond.She was born in Camden to the late Salvatore and Rose ne´e Serio Petarra and lived in Middletown for the past 36 years.Rose is survived by her loving husband of 51 years, Domenic M. DiPiero; two sons Domenic M. DiPiero III and his wife Hilary and David M. DiPiero; a daughter Donna R. Gibson and her husband Christopher; five grandchildren: Domenic IV, Isabella, Grace, Ava and Christopher; and a sister Joan Bell.“Rose DiPiero was truly a great example of faith,” said Msgr. Philip A. Lowery, pastor of St. James Church, Red Bank. “A wonderful lady who truly lived out the Gospel message each day of her life.”A Eucharistic Minister at St. James, Rose attended Mass every day, brought Holy Communion to the hospitals, hosted Rosary Society meetings at her home, visited pilgrimages and Catholic holy sites around the world, and prayed every day for a long list of people that stretched back decades. She prayed at football games, not necessarily for the team her family was rooting for – or playing with. She prayed that no one would be hurt.Karen Fitzgerald, director of the Red Bank chapter of Birthright, a crisis pregnancy center, was a fellow Eucharistic Minister at St. James. “Rose was an extremely generous, kind person, and a loyal supporter of Birthright,” she said, noting Rose’s frequent donations to Birthright needs such as clothing, diapers, formula and more. A familiar and reassuring face at 8 a.m. daily Mass, she brought comfort to many, according to Fitzgerald.Rose often hosted a traditional Roman Catholic ritual known as the May Crowning, honoring the Virgin Mary, at her home in May. Her friends and many St. James parishioners looked forward to attending the annual event.Rose’s faith and commitment was notable, according to Lowery. “I could never say enough outstanding things about her and ...

The Fletcher-Day Funeral Home page for 24-year-old Meghann Estelle Smith says there will be two visitation services Thursday, October 20.One will be at First Presbyterian Church of LaGrange at 10 a.m. The other will be at the Fletcher-Day Funeral Home in Smith’s hometown Thomaston at 6 p.m.24-year-old Meghann Estelle Smith (Facebook)Smith will be laid to rest Friday, October 21 at the First Baptist Church in Thomaston at 4 p.m.As News 3 reported, Smith was killed when the car she was riding home from her bachelorette party in was hit by an our of control car that flipped and rolled into oncoming traffic. A third car behind Smith’s car was also involved in the crash.Sargent Fred Carnes says of the three drivers involved, two were considered “under the influence” and alcohol is listed as a “contributing factor” in the crash. He says charges are pending at this time.Smith’s fiance Kenneth Belcher says he will “never be complete again” without her. However, he says he wants to follow his fiance’s legacy of love.“People just sometimes don’t think that it can cause this much pain for a family when you drink and drive. But I know in my heart that Meghann would want me to forgive him,” Belcher says.Kenneth Belcher and Meghann Smith were set to be married Saturday, Oct. 22. However, an alleged drunk driver split an unbreakable bond between the two, killing Smith on I-185.Smith’s memorial page offers anyone the chance to send flowers and personal thoughts to her family.The Smith family asks that any money donations made in Meghann’s name to be sent to Mothers Against Drunk Driving and the Troup County Humane Society earmarked for the new dog park.Share this:Related PostsAdvertisement...