Family Remembers Man Lost to Heroin Overdose, On His 34th Birthday

MATTITUCK, NY - The lanterns lit up the night sky, to honor a young man lost too soon, and to mourn all that will never be.

On Friday, Michael Anthony Maffetone would have celebrated his 34th birthday. But tragically, Michael died at 29 in 2012 of a heroin overdose, in their family's Laurel home.

His death tore a hole in the hearts of all who loved him. But to honor his memory and create a lasting legacy of saving lives, Paul Maffetone has created Michael's Hope, a not for profit organization that aims to raise awareness and shine a light on the escalating heroin crisis on Long Island and across the nation.

Michael's Hope offers forums and free Narcan training sessions; co-founders Maffetone and Kristina Amato recently became certified Narcan trainers. At the sessions, volunteers share heartfelt stories of hope and triumph over addiction, speaking to young people at schools and relating to them on their own level, creating a bridge and saving lives.

The next session will take place Thursday at the Lake Ronkonkoma Fire Department from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

But all the hard work and dedication was born from a single wish, Paul has said: To ensure that his beloved big brother's death was not in vain.

"This Friday is my brother Michael Anthony's birthday," Paul wrote on Facebook. "He would have been 34 yrs old. I miss him every day. I would like to invite all those who knew him or just want to come say 'Happy Birthday' to Big Maff to Breakwater Beach at sunset Friday to set off lanterns and light up the sky. Let's show him how much he's missed."

Maffetone thanked Pam Smith for donating the lanterns.

After the emotional night, Paul said, "The memorial we had at the beach for him on his birthday was amazing. The lanterns that made it up in the sky were so beautiful and had us speechless, just watching them carry over the water and up to him in the sky. It was a small but perfect gathering. I know he was with us that night. We felt him there."

Penny Maffetone, Michael and Paul's mother, was deeply moved by the gathering. " It was a lovely night with family and friends to remember Michael's birthday. We really felt his spirit there. I needed that after the hard day I had just had, missing him like crazy."

Amato added, "It was heartwarming to see their family and friends come together and celebrate Michael's birthday. Unfortunately, I never got to meet Michael but I feel like I know him just from the way they talk about him. Paul always shares funny , loving memories of Michael. So to see friends and family come together and light lanterns was so special and I'm so blessed I got to be a part of it."