Civic Group Hosts Drive-By Memorial For 3 Local Men

BABYLON, NY — A local group recently held a drive-by memorial for three men who died over the past few weeks; two from the coronavirus. The Belmont Lake Civic Association of North Babylon organized the event for three of the group's members: John Norris, Derrick Campbell and Trevor Whyte.

Norris was in his late 70's and a former NYPD Police Officer. He was still a fully active member of the civic association and a mentor to many young men of North Babylon. He was also a loving husband, father and grandfather.

Whyte was in his 60's. He was also fully active in the civic as well as a volunteer poll worker, community peace keeper, a loving husband and father.

Campbell was the youngest of these men. While the group stated they are unsure if he died specifically from coronavirus, the members still wanted to find a way to honor him. He was married to Carol Wickcliff-Campbell and father to Jordan and Nyla. Both are honor students and dynamic young women. Jordan, who is a junior in college, is a former choir member of North Babylon High School and Homecoming Queen. Nyla is a cheerleader at North Babylon High School. Their dad constantly volunteered at the high school school for his daughters' events, coached Youth Basketball leagues across Long Island and volunteered endless hours for the S.O.N.I.A.Y. organization.

On April 25, a parade of cars first drove to the home of Norris. With horns blowing, neighbors laid flowers and greeted his family with encouraging words. Cars and his lawn were decorated with flowers and his photos. His family, including his two children and his wife, Vonnie, all stood in the front of the house across their lawn. Immediately after that, the cars drove to the nearby home of Whyte, to do the same with speeches and prayer. His wife, Blosome, and his two adult children stood arm in arm as mourners passed by.

Later in the day at 2:30 p.m. a larger group of over 100 cars drove to Campbell's home, which was a surprise for his two daughters who were grieving their father. People dropped cards, gifts and flowers to their home. Their mom and her two daughters stood on their porch hugging each other as people passed by.

All photos courtesy of the Belmont Lake Civic Association of North Babylon