Friends Fundraise For Apostolico Family After Fathers Day Tragedy

ROCKLAND COUNTY, NY — As the community mourns the tragic death of Anthony Apostolico, owner of the Italian Food Center, in a freak accident on Father's Day that also injured two of his children, friends have created a GoFundMe page to raise money for the family.

"This is a devastating loss for his wife, children, family and Rockland and surrounding communities. Tanya and the kids have a long road ahead of them. We are hoping to alleviate some of their stress. Please keep Tanya, Vincent, Victoria, Elizabeth, Samantha and their family in your thoughts and prayers," organizer Kelly Hughes wrote on the GoFundMe page.

Anthony, Vincent and Elizabeth Apostolico were traveling north on the Palisades Parkway, headed home to Chester from West Haverstraw, when a large tree fell onto the road just south of Lake Welsh Drive and crushed their pickup truck.

Police said Apostolico, 48, died at the scene. His 20-year-old son, who was driving, was hospitalized at Hackensack University Medical Center in critical condition. Elizabeth Apostolico, 17, was transported to Westchester Medical Center with leg injuries.

Offering an update Wednesday night, Hughes said Vincent Apostolico is still hospitalized but recovering.

Meanwhile, people are remembering Anthony's big smile, strong work ethic, kindness and generosity, she said.

The campaign has raised $10,661 of its $100,000 goal. To donate, go to the page on GoFundMe.

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