Services Set For Beloved North Fork Teen: 'Live Like Dylan'

NORTH FORK, NY — A broken-hearted community is preparing to pay final respects to Dylan Newman, 18,who died Tuesday night after a brave four-year battle with cancer.

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.

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.

A plan is 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.

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.

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.