Former Ridgewood Family Seeking Donations For Widowed Wife And Children

A former Ridgewood family is raising money for Rachael Grygiel-Loughlin and her family. Loughlin’s husband died May 26.

Matthew Loughlin, 47, was an officer and diver in the Royal Australian Navy. Loughlin and his wife were at the indoor pool at the Cranford Pool and Fitness Center when he suddenly lost consciousness, NJ.com reported.

“He was such a wonderful man,” Loughlin’s wife told the website.

It was Grygiel-Loughlin’s 40th birthday when her husband died. She is pregnant with the couple’s first child. Family members and friends have started an online campaign to help Loughlin’s family with expenses. The Grygiel family lived in Ridgewood for 26 years from 1975 to 2001.

“She will need all of the financial help she can to help alleviate any stress that she will have,” said Marie Stempora, Grygiel-Loughlin’s sister. “Any donation is appreciated.”

Nearly $48,500 has been donated to date; Stempora hopes to raise $50,000.

“Any donation is appreciated,” Stempora said. “I hope to reach our goal and would love to raise the goal at some point.”