Community Unites To Help Family of Young Greenport Man Lost Too Soon

GREENPORT, NY — Family and friends are mourning a young man lost far too young.

Tyler McDonald, 21, of Greenport, died suddenly on New Year's Day, leaving those who loved him heartbroken.

A GoFundMe page, "Tyler McDonald Wishes," set up to help with funeral expenses, has raised $375 of its $4,000 goal so far. "We are all coming together as community to see that Tyler is laid to rest with love," his mom Toni Mokus wrote.

The loss of the vibrant young man who loved skateboarding is a sorrow beyond comprehension.

"Never in a million years would I ever think I'd be traveling to New York to bury my son," his mother wrote on Facebook. "God give me the strength I need in the next couple of days and for the rest of my life."

She also thanked the many who've reached out with messages of love and support.

Justine Maltese expressed his heartbreak in a Facebook post: "I'm still in shock and I still can't believe it, I'm at a complete loss of words and I'm so sad I won't be able to see you again. We were planning to skate around the city and have a great time and killer session like we have had many of times before," he said.

"We would talk about life and how lucky we both were to be where we are in life and crack jokes on each other, I'm so sad we won't ever be able to do that again. . . You really have no idea how much I miss you already, man. . . I'll always love you like the little brother you were. I miss you, I love you and I won't ever forget you."

Added Laura Bohn, "Such a beautiful man. . ." To his mother, she said, "I pray for you to have peace. A mother's worst nightmare."

"Tyler was an outstanding young man who always had love and kindness in his heart. His loss has left a huge void among all of us who were lucky to have him as a friend. We love and miss him terribly," said Lisa Vogelsonger. "Rest in peace, Tyler. We loved you."

Tyler John McDonald is survived by his parents Toni Lee Mokus and Thomas McDonald and his siblings James Meehan, TJ McDonald and Jennifer McDonald. His family will receive friends on Friday, January 6 between the hours of 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Horton-Mathie Funeral Home, located at 735 First Street in Greenport, NY, 11944. A private cremation will follow.

The family has suggested that memorial donations be made to the American Legion Griswold-Terry-Glover Post 803, PO Box 591, Southold, NY, 11971.

Photo courtesy of GoFundMe.