Andrew was the type of kid who would be best friends with a three year old. I know, because he was best friends with my daughter since she was three, five years ago. He was about eight at the time, and he was happy to be her friend, loved to hang out with her. And that should tell you a lot about him.
He was the kind of kid who would wheel a tired baby around a backyard in a carriage, playing lullabies on his cell phone. The kind of kid who would happily gather all the little kids on the trampoline and gently bounce around with them. And enjoy it. It wasn't a chore.
He was the type of kid who wasn't even a little bit afraid of what other people thought of him, who wore socks on his arms because he liked the way it looked, and who made everyone he knew a little happier, a little braver, a little better.
He was into sports, but he wasn't a jock. He was into theater, but he wasn't dramatic. He was funny, so incredibly funny. And he was creative. So smart, with a laser wit and the quickest smile I ever saw.
He was an amazing kid, and his family is faced with the most unthinkable situation. They have to say goodbye to Andrew. He was thirteen.
Andrew was taken from us far too early, on Monday 8/29, in a tragic accident. This world is darker without him. Not just the Russoniello's world, but the entire world. He was that bright of a light.
Friends are coordinating fundraising to help the family with final expenses, and anything else they may need. PayPal donations can be sent to SOsenenko@gmail.com. A Go Fund Me option is available, as well. You can also contact me at SOsenenko@gmail.com to inquire about sending a check for the family. 100% of the money raised via PayPal and check will go to the family. Go Fund Me does keep a portion of each donation, but we understand that there may be people who aren't comfortable PayPaling someone they don't know.
I will post updates to the fundraising efforts, probably in the comments of this post. Thank you for any donations you can make, for sharing this link, and for keeping the family and friends of Andrew Russoniello in your thoughts and prayers.
Emily, Chris, Kit and Dari, you are loved beyond measure. And Andrew, you will be missed forever.
~Sharon Osenenko
Amen! Beautifully written. ❤
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Donna. Hardest thing I've ever written. Thanks for all your help with this <3
DeleteGo Fund Me is currently at $8500. Paypal/check donations are at $2710. Thank you to everyone... We still have a way to go to hit our goal. Please continue sharing!
ReplyDeleteThe service details can be found here: http://www.gleasonfuneralhome.com/book-of-memories/2695801/Russoniello-Andrew/service-details.php
ReplyDeleteFly with the angels, Andrew. We know you are watching.
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ReplyDeleteAndrew's sister was a classmate of my son. Please let me know where I can send the check. My email is dmackay813@yahoo.com. Thank you and my sincere condolences to the family. My son also wants to send a card to dari.
ReplyDeleteThat was amazing Sharon. Perfect tribute to an amazing kid. The world truly is darker these days.
ReplyDeleteBeautifully written and on the mark, thank you for creating, posting and making this happen for this wonderful family.
ReplyDeleteSo beautifully written. It bought tears to my eyes. Emily is lucky to have such a wonderful friend.
ReplyDeleteRIP young man & strength & love to your family.
ReplyDeleteMy heart is broken. RIP Andrew. Love and peace to all impacted in any way by this tragic event.
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ReplyDeleteAmazing tribute Sharon. Continued prayers for the Russoniello Family & Friends.
ReplyDeleteA beautiful tribute....absolutely beautiful....
ReplyDeleteA beautiful tribute....absolutely beautiful....
ReplyDeleteSo beautifully written. Such an amazing boy. May he rest in peace. Our prayers go out to the entire family.
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