Heartbroken Community Honors Teen's Forever 'Legacy Of Goodness'

MATTITUCK, NY — The North Fork community is cloaked in grief this week as services have been set for Ryan Michael Oliver of Mattituck, 16, who died suddenly on Thursday, January 28.

The family will receive friends on Friday, February 5 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at True Light Church, located 1850 Main Bayview Road, in Southold. The celebration of Ryan's life will be held on Saturday, February 6 at 12:30 p.m. at True Light Church, with Pastor Keith Benson officiating. The family will receive friends from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Due to coronavirus restrictions, seating will be limited. The funeral service will be live-streamed. Additional details to follow; continue to check the DeFriest-Grattan Funeral Home website for updates.

In lieu of flowers, a GoFundMe page, In Memory of Ryan Oliver, has been created by his father Michael Oliver to honor the young athlete's memory; donations will be shared across local charities that support children and their families, in his name.

"Thank you all for the tremendous support these past few days. You have shown how loved Ryan is. He is such a special boy," his family wrote. "We will miss him so, so much."

"In the true spirit of our Ryan, we will use this to spread love all around," Oliver wrote. "His is a legacy of goodness, and a story of a life lived with real kindness. His light will burn bright forever in each heart that was blessed to know him and be a part of his life. Adored and loved forever and ever.

Ryan was a student at Mattituck High School.

A message to parents from Mattituck-Cutchogue Union Free School Superintendent Jill Gierasch was shared Thursday: "It is with deep sadness that I share with you that this morning, we were informed that a student from Mattituck High School passed away last evening. Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with the family at this most difficult time."

The district has coordinated efforts to speak with students in each class and counseling was set up this week, with additional support in the weeks ahead, she said.

"This is a devastating loss for our community. Again please keep the family and the Mattituck-Cutchogue community close to your heart today. The time ⁠ahead⁠ will be difficult. Do not hesitate to reach out to any of us if you have concerns about your child. We are here for you," Gierasch said.

To donate to the GoFundMe, click here.

GoFundMe is a Patch promotional partner.