Candelight Vigil Planned To Remember Beloved North Fork Teen

NORTH FORK, NY — A community will illuminate the night in green Sunday at a vigil to remember Dylan Newman, 18, who died Tuesday night after a brave four-year battle with cancer.

The candlelight vigil will take place Sunday at 7 p.m. at Cochran Park on Peconic Lane in Peconic.

Services have also been arranged: Visitation takes place Monday, September 26 at the DeFriest-Grattan Funeral Home, located at 51400 New York State Route 25 in Southold, from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. A service will take place Tuesday, September 27 at 10:30 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church in Southold, located at 53100 New York State Route 25. A burial will follow at Southold Presbyterian Cemetery.

His family has asked that, in lieu of flowers, support be pledged to a fund that will be established in memory of Dylan, which will provide scholarships to local high school seniors in Dylan's name. The fund will also support research on Ewing Sarcoma, the rare type of cancer that Dylan faced.

Those who wish to donate can send a statement of the desire to pledge, including the amount and contact information, to Dylan Newman Forever 5, at 485 Gardiners Lane, Southold, NY 11971, or email DylanNewmanForever5@gmail.com. After the fund is established, information will be shared on how to donate.

Also this weekend, North Fork Doughnut Co. created a donut in honor of Dylan, which is sold through Sunday at the store's shop in Mattituck.

As the many who loved him mourn, tributes to Dylan are a testament to the deep bonds he shared with family, friends, teachers, classmates, teammates, and even people he'd never met.

Students at Southold High School posted a video on SOHO TV News with photos and memories.

A plan was put in place to "light everything in green," Dylan's favorite color, said Claudia Berry. Berry said her boss Tom Shearin and Rachel Terry thought of the idea. Berry ordered boxes of lights, with another shipment arriving Monday. Cars could be seen on the North Fork Saturday with green lights, to remember Dylan.

The lights are one way to show how rocked a North Fork town is at the loss of a young man who meant so much to so many.

"I just feel horrible," Berry said. "As a mother, I can’t imagine. As a community, all we can do is just support them and show our love — yes, light up everything in green. Break out those green lights, Floodlights, string lights. Whatever. We love you, Newmans!"

Students drew messages to Dylan outside Southold High School, where Dylan graduated in the Class of 2022 this year. The messages depict his team #5, as well as heartfelt messages as students poured out their sorrow. "Team Dylan," and "5 forever," they said, the notes accompanied by hearts.

"Every time Maya had friends over, Dylan would always come inside and sit with me for a while to chat," said Dina Reilly. "He would leave his friends for a few moments to check in and ask me about my day. I will miss those moments so much. Dylan was an amazing young man. He fought for years with a smile on his face and kindness in his heart. We are all better people for having known him. And it’s no surprise what a fine young man he was— the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. Todd and Tanya raised two wonderful children. We fought with this family for years and we will continue to stand by them now. There is so much love for the Newman family. #5 Forever."

Courtesy SOHO TV News

Nicki Helf also remembered the young man who touched countless hearts with his bravery and big smile. "My message to all about Dylan, is to LLD — Live Like Dylan. Show up, give it your best every day, and don’t go down without a fight, ever," she said. "The resilience and strength that Dylan had was remarkable."

Social media was a sea of green hearts Tuesday night as the North Fork community gathered close, holding virtual hands and hearts and praying fiercely, together and across miles for Dylan.

And when he died, the North Fork was cloaked in heavy sadness.

"He was and always will be my hero," Dylan's father Todd said.

For years, the entire community has been #TeamDylan, rallying in support and sharing the #5, Dylan's number on the baseball field, as they united in support.

Terence Rusch, principal, where Dylan graduated this year, sent out a letter Wednesday morning.

"I am writing to you this morning with the heartbreaking news that our beloved Dylan Newman passed away last night, surrounded by his loving family," he said. "Dylan is more than a student and alumnus of Southold Junior-Senior High School. He is a son, brother, grandson, friend, and teammate. Dylan represents the unwavering support of the Southold community, whose bright smile and warm personality enjoined the entire North Fork, time and time again."

He added: "In the difficult days and weeks to come, I encourage you to remember Dylan’s spirit and share those memories closest to your heart."

The school's support staff will be available for all students, and the auditorium was designated as a safe place where students can seek support, remember, and celebrate Dylan, he said.

"Please join our school community by wearing green during the days to come, in celebration of Dylan’s life," Rusch said. "Alumni who are home for this weekend’s homecoming are encouraged to visit the school, and be surrounded by their Southold family. In our grief, let Dylan’s memory remind us of the spirit of friendship and love that he inspired."

For years, friends, classmates, teammates and those who've never met him have rallied for Dylan after he was diagnosed in 2018, organizing fundraisers at Southold High School, Claudio's, and many more. The Shack, with Wendy's Deli and Kait's Angels also dedicated to shining a light and helping his family through the darkest of hours. Even during the pandemic, a parade was held to help, with cars bedecked in green and No. 5, Dylan's number in baseball, proudly displayed. He was also known for his love of basketball.

Varsity games were held as the community went to bat for the boy known for his smile, a smile that could light up a room, and his invincible spirit.

Together, those who loved him cheered as Dylan threw out the first pitch at a Mets game.Wendy Zuhoski, of Wendy's Deli, was heartbroken Tuesday.

"Dylan, you are our superstar and will never be forgotten. You fought like no other. We did the best we could to fight with you — and for you. My heart is with your parents and your sister. They are amazing and the strongest people I know. The lives you have touched just goes without saying. We were all by your side. Free from pain is where we need you to be. You will see just how many lives you have touched in these next few days," she said.

Zuhoski added: "I know so many that didn't even know you, and their hearts are broken. Whether it was a fundraiser, a raffle, a golf outing, a baseball game, a parade, a police escort to and from hospital treatments, even a happy hour at the Fish Market — everyone that crossed your path fought for Dylan. We love our Newmans! I personally want to thank each and everyone that has helped us through Dylan's journey. We will always be #TeamDylan. Your light will always shine, Dylan."

Dylan, a YouCaring page set up to help a few years said, was "full of love and life." He loved his sports — especially baseball.

"He has an amazing family that loves him more than he could ever know and the greatest friends that will always have his back," the page said.

The community has held Dylan's whole family, including his parents Todd and Tanya, and sister Kelsey, in their collective arms as Dylan received treatment.

Todd Newman, Dylan's dad, previously told Patch his family was grateful for the outpouring of caring from a devoted community.

"This community has been so good to us," he said.