Beloved Naugatuck Middle School Student Dies, Community Rallies To Support Family: GoFundMe

NAUGATUCK, CT — A fundraiser has been launched to support the family of a Naugatuck middle school student who died earlier this month at the age of 13.

According to his obituary, Frederico Lima DeLana, an eighth grade student at City Hill Middle School, died March 11 at a hospital.

The obituary describes DeLana as a "loving sensitive boy who was full of light and who left a mark on everyone by being wise beyond his years. His sweetness and his joy will be forever remembered and he will be missed by all who loved and knew him."

In a statement shared to social media Monday by Naugatuck Public Schools, DeLana's family described him as a kind and talkative young person who enjoyed connecting with others.

"He was always willing to share his thoughts and experiences and genuinely wanted to help people whenever he could," the statement reads. "Fred touched many lives through his openness, kindness, and the way he engaged with those around him."

A funeral service mass is scheduled to be held Tuesday at 10 a.m. at Our Lady of Fatima Church in Waterbury, according to the obituary.

Visitation hours will take place Monday night from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Buckmiller Ford Mengacci Funeral Home in Naugatuck. Burial will be private.

The family noted in their statement they were "deeply grateful for the outpouring of love, compassion, and support they have received from the community during this time" and welcomed all members of the Naugatuck Public Schools community to attend the services this week.

A GoFundMe campaign was launched over the weekend to support the family in light of their "unimaginable loss," according to the fundraiser's description.

"No family should ever have to experience the pain of losing a child, and the DeLana family is now facing a grief that words cannot fully express," the GoFundMe description reads. "During this incredibly difficult time, we are coming together to support them with the unexpected financial burdens that follow such a tragic loss, as well as giving the family the time and space they need to grieve."

The description also notes that a portion of donations to the GoFundMe campaign will be given to a charity dedicated to fighting child hunger, a cause that was especially meaningful to DeLana.

As of Monday afternoon, the campaign has raised over $24,000 toward a current $30,000 goal after receiving over 400 donations.

"If you are able, please consider donating to help ease the financial stress on the family during this heartbreaking time," the description reads. "Any contribution, no matter the size, will mean so much. If you are unable to donate, sharing this fundraiser and keeping the family in your thoughts and prayers is deeply appreciated."

Those who wish to donate to the GoFundMe can do so here.