GoFundMe Launched For Port Jeff Station Dad Killed In Car Crash

PORT JEFFERSON STATION, NY — A GoFundMe was set up for the family of Joel Almanzar, who died in a car crash in Port Jefferson Station early Thursday.

Almanzar, 35, of Port Jefferson Station, is survived by his 11-year-old son, Niko. Danielle Gera, Niko's mother and Almanzar's partner of 19 years, set up the GoFundMe Thursday. Money raised will go towards funeral expenses as well as Niko's future. You can donate to Almanzar's family here.

Almanzar was killed when he lost control of his car on Green Avenue, off Bicycle Path, around 1:30 a.m., police said.

Gera called Almanzar his son's "superhero and idol." He was the oldest of seven siblings, and was a "loving father, brother, son, cousin, friend, and partner in life."

Almanzar and Gera grew up together and fell in love in high school, Gera told Patch.

"He means everything to me," she said. "Things weren’t always easy, but they were worth every second. Joel made his loved ones feel safe and taken care of. He was passionate, hardheaded, and dedicated. He was committed to his son, partner, sisters, brothers, and amazingly supportive mother and father. He is looking down on us all proud of the strength we are showing, the strength he taught us all to have."

Gera said Niko has Chron's disease, a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that impacts one's digestive tract lining. Niko losing his father dealt the whole family a tremendous blow, Gera said.

She said the neighborhood is mourning, as hundreds have reached out to them to offer condolences.