The late Leroy Vanek was from Tampa, Florida. His passing on June 14th has left a profound void in the hearts of his family and friends. To honor his memory, Roman Diaz has organized a GoFundMe campaign titled "Join Brooke in Remembering Leroy" to help offset the costs incurred for his Celebration of Life.
The fundraiser, created yesterday, has so far raised $1,750 of its $3,000 goal from 19 donations. All funds will be directed to Leroy’s widow, Brooke Vanek. Shelbi Cole made the most recent donation of $50, Larry HarNess gave the top donation of $200, and Anthony Wright contributed the first donation of $100.
Brooke Vanek shared a heartfelt message expressing her gratitude for the outpouring of support during this challenging time. She reminisced about the incredible adventures and memories she shared with Leroy, saying, "This has been one of the most challenging periods of my life that I have ever faced. At no point would I believe that 2024 would include the loss of my husband, who I had some of my best adventures and most exciting memories with."
Brooke reflected on the beautiful posts from friends, finding solace in the funny and crazy stories shared about Leroy. Despite her heartbreak, she cherishes the wonderful memories they created together. "For several years we have traveled to some of the most wonderful places and met amazing people," she wrote. "We did things that most people could only dream of. Now I am faced with the missed joy of the future."
A Celebration of Life for Leroy Vanek is scheduled for July 21st at the Rose Court Ballroom in Tampa. Friends and family will gather from 12-6 PM to share their memories and celebrate his life. The event will be a potluck (or bottleluck), reflecting the communal spirit that Leroy cherished.
The community has rallied around the fundraiser, with Tony Wright encouraging others to donate to help with the funeral expenses. As the GoFundMe page notes, this effort aims to bring together all of Leroy’s friends to remember the remarkable life he led and the joy he brought to so many.
Leroy’s passing is a reminder of the importance of community support in times of grief. The outpouring of love and donations highlights the impact he had on those around him and the collective effort to honor his legacy.
Note:This post was written and edited by Carter Hernandez, based on their expertise and research. It is intended for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice. We welcome your feedback and questions on this content. Please feel free to contact us.