Over $24K Raised To Help Local Family After Death Of Father

ISLIP, NY — The Long Island community came together to raise over $24,000 for the sons of a well-known Islip resident who passed away earlier this month.

Bill McLoughlin died on Feb. 19 at the age of 51. He lost his wife, Gina, to cancer several years ago, and leaves behind three sons — one of whom battled and recovered from cancer.

Last week, one of McLoughlin's dear friends, Tom Zummo, of Great River, started a GoFundMe to help his family.

"Bill struck an imposing figure around Islip but anyone who had the pleasure of being in his company knew that he was a giant teddy bear, a man with a kind word and a laugh like no other," Zummo wrote on the page. "We had great times together watching lacrosse, sharing each other's company, and just generally having a whole lot of fun."

According to Zummo, McLoughlin, a Marine veteran, was actively involved in the Islip community and worked as a self-employed electrician.

McLoughlin's oldest son, William, is currently an apprentice electrician who worked under his father, but now will not be able to continue operating the business. His middle son, Teddy, is a junior lacrosse player at SUNY Binghamton, who plans to graduate in the spring of 2022. His youngest son, Jack is a freshman in high school.

"These boys are strong, resilient, and truly amazing kids who have now lost both their parents and need our support," Zumoo wrote. "I understand that this is a difficult time for so many but if you’d like to donate even a small amount to the family, you can."

The fundraiser set a goal of raising $30,000 for the family. In less than a week, the page has raise a total of $24,159.

To read more or to donate, visit the GoFundMe page here.