Neighbors

31Oct

By Person Matters Web TeamNo Comments

Neighbors, United States

David Formeza, Police lieutenant

David Formeza, Police lieutenant A veteran Perth Amboy police lieutenant died from COVID-19, the city mayor’s office said Thursday. According to city officials, Lt. David Formeza was assigned to the nightshift A Squad patrol bureau and previously a member of the SWAT team. “Lt. Formeza, with 18 years of service, was highly regarded and loved by the Perth Amboy Police Department and community,” Mayor Helmin Caba said in a statement. “On behalf of the City of Perth Amboy, our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and fellow law enforcement officers. We will miss you and will always remember you,” the announcement added. Details on funeral arrangements were being handled by Flynn and Sons Funeral home, the city said. COVID-19 remained the leading line-of-duty k...

27Oct

By Person Matters Web TeamNo Comments

Neighbors, United States

Jorge Gonzalez, Spanish Teacher

Jorge Gonzalez, Spanish Teacher The Kings community paid their respects to a beloved teacher of 32 years on Tuesday. Jorge Gonzalez, died last week after a strong battle with COVID-19. The 56-year-old was a Spanish teacher at Kings High School but he wore many hats in the district including an entertainer. "He would sometimes come out and play the guitar with another student in between class changes. He taught several Spanish lessons with his guitar," said Dawn Gould, spokesperson for the district. "He always had a smile on his face. He was so positive. It's a huge loss for Kings, and we are devastated." Will Kocher had Gonzalez as a teacher "He was a special guy. Every day he had high energy, just super happy to be at school, super happy to do everything he's doing, and he re...

26Oct

By Person Matters Web TeamNo Comments

Neighbors, United States

Christopher Cummins, Police Officer

Christopher Cummins, Police Officer A Bella Vista police officer died on Saturday after being hospitalized with COVID-19 complications since mid-September. The Police Department announced on Facebook on Saturday evening that Officer Christopher Cummins had died. "It is with heavy hearts we mourn the passing of one of our own today, and offer our deepest condolences to his family and friends. Rest in peace, Officer Cummins," the Facebook post stated. The 38-year-old started his law enforcement career in 2009. He'd worked for four other police departments, including Centerton, before joining the Bella Vista Police Department, according to his obituary. A procession of police officers escorted Cummins from Northwest Medical Center in Bentonville to a funeral home in Bella Vista l...

26Oct

By Person Matters Web TeamNo Comments

Neighbors, United States

Joey Rodriguez, Soccer Coach

Joey Rodriguez, Soccer Coach A well-known and a very loved soccer coach for Sam Houston High School in Arlington died from COVID-19 nearly two months after contracting it. Joey Rodriguez was fully vaccinated. Although, he also suffered from an immune system condition that still left him quite vulnerable. The married father of three coached the varsity team at Sam Houston. He's recalled as more than a coach to many. He was also a mentor. Jose Ortiz says he’ll never forget the day he signed up to play soccer at SMU. His parents were at his side. Behind him was Coach Rodriguez, who he says helped him achieve his dream every step of the way. "That’s why I say he’s like a second father to me because he’s just a guy that I would talk to so much, text and be around," he said. Ortiz ...

Vernice Logan, Spokesperson for Narcotics Anonymous

24Oct

By Person Matters Web TeamNo Comments

Neighbors, United States

Vernice Logan, Spokesperson for Narcotics Anonymous

Vernice Logan, Spokesperson for Narcotics Anonymous Vernice Logan had overcome a life of being in and out of prison and selling and using drugs to becoming a beacon of light and hope to many. She died due to complications from COVID-19 on Dec. 15 at Harper Hospital. A resident of Detroit for more than 30 years, Logan was born and raised in Highland Park. She was the oldest of five siblings and a graduate of Highland Park High School. Logan had kept a promise to her family after her last release from prison that she would never go away again as long as she had breath in her body, according to daughter Collice Williams, who noted that her mother kept that promise and celebrated 22 years of sobriety before she died. The 70-year-old's new lease on life was dedicated to ...

24Oct

By Person Matters Web TeamNo Comments

Neighbors, United States

John Foster, Landfill Operator

John Foster, Landfill Operator Pittsylvania County leaders are mourning the loss of a “rising star” within the governmental organization who died of COVID-19 complications on Oct. 5. John Foster, was promoted twice in the two-and-a-half years he worked for the county. The Collinsville resident had started his journey as a heavy equipment mechanic at the Pittsylvania County landfill in February 2019. About a year ago in October 2020, he look over as solid waste fleet foreman, said Chris Adcock, director of public works in Pittsylvania County. The 40-year-old was the one responsible for scheduling roll-off drivers on a daily route to collect dumpsters filled with trash throughout the Pittsylvania’s 21 collection sites. He also made sure the truck fleet was operating in tip-top s...

23Oct

By Person Matters Web TeamNo Comments

Neighbors, United States

Ty Alan Powell, Police Officer

Ty Alan Powell, Police Officer A Windsor Police Department officer died earlier this month after contracting COVID-19 while in the line of duty, according to the Officer Down Memorial Page. According to a short bio from the Officer Down Memorial Page, Windsor Police Officer Ty Alan Powell was a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps and had served with the Windsor Police Department for 19 years. His End of Watch was listed as Oct. 13. Powell had earlier served with the Mesa County Sheriff’s Office and the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office for one year each. He is survived by his wife and five children. At least three other law enforcement officers in Colorado have died from complications of contracting COVID-19 since the start of the pandemic: El Paso County Sheriff Deputy Jeffery ...

21Oct

By Person Matters Web TeamNo Comments

Neighbors, United States

Michael Haberstumpf, Sailor

Michael Haberstumpf, Senior Chief Master-at-Arms Another sailor has passed away because of COVID-19 complications, at least the second sailor to die from the virus this month, the Navy announced on Wednesday. Senior Chief Master-at-Arms Michael Haberstumpf, died of COVID-19-related complications Oct. 10 at the UNC Medical Center in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, after testing positive for the virus Sept. 2. He was hospitalized Sept. 9. The 42-year old was assigned to Joint Special Operations Intelligence Brigade at Fort Bragg in North Carolina. “We will continue to support his family and shipmates during this difficult time,” a Navy news release mentioned. Around 70 service members have died from COVID-19 complications, according to Pentagon data, and at least 15 of those hav...

20Oct

By Person Matters Web TeamNo Comments

Neighbors, United States

Marrisha Kindred Jenkins, Young Mother

Marrisha “ReRe” Kindred Jenkins, Young Mother A Georgia mom is requesting others to get vaccinated after her beloved daughter passed away of COVID-19 complications — and tragically before she got the chance to hold her new baby. According to ABC affiliate WSB-TV, Marrisha "ReRe" Kindred Jenkins died on September 23, just two weeks following to giving birth to her third child, son Jaylen. The news came as a shock to Marrisha's family, who believed the 27-year-old mom was doing a lot better after being hospitalized for COVID-19 and pneumonia earlier in the month, the outlet reported. "She said, 'Mom, they said my lungs are clear,' and they sent her home," Marrisha's mom, Helena Kindred, recalled to reporters. "We said she has some issues but I wasn't expecting what happened to...

19Oct

By Person Matters Web TeamNo Comments

Neighbors, United States

Robin Williams, Cancer Survivor

Robin Williams, Cancer Survivor At first it was hard to make out the caller's voice. Her words came slowly with a mechanical gasp in between. "Ma'am, I can't understand what you're saying," I interrupted, annoyed. "I think we have a bad connection." It wasn't a bad connection, Robin Williams was gasping for air. She was dying of COVID-19. She had called the WBIR newsroom to share her final words, and a reporter had answered the phone. "Robin Williams. 64 yrs. Parkwest hospital. Raised in Blount Co. On a BiPAP machine. Ventilator tomorrow. Vaccinated, cancer survivor." Another reporter Eric recorded the message she wanted broadcast: "I just want people to know that, even though I took all the precautions, it is still something that needs to be dealt with. It may not ha...