More Than $100K Raised For Family Of Young Dad Killed In Philly

A fundraiser started for the family of a 38-year-old father who was shot in Philadelphia in front of his 2-year-old daughter Thursday has surpassed its initial goal of $100,000, just two days after it was launched on the crowd funding site GoFundMe.

Gerard Grandzol, a Bucks County native and Philadelphia resident, was shot in the face around 8 p.m. in the city's Spring Garden neighborhood in what police believe was a robbery and attempted carjacking. According to authorities, the brutal crime happened along the 1500 block of Melon Street, where Grandzol lived with his wife and two daughters.

Two brothers, one 16 and the other 21, were arrested on Saturday in connection with the crime. Police say the teen pulled the trigger, sending the fatal bullet that would kill the young father who had welcomed his second child just six weeks earlier.

By all accounts, Grandzol was a much-loved and respected figure among his family members, social circles, neighbors, and coworkers. Hundreds of people have flocked to a Remembering Gerard Grandzol Facebook page to share their photos, memories, funny stories and tributes to the young dad who was active in his community, known fondly by his neighbors as the "mayor."

"There's no denying, based on the tremendous outpouring of love, shared stories and memories, that Gerry touched everyone who has had the privilege of knowing him, no matter how big or small a part of your life he was. Unique...unforgettable...one of a kind," read one tribute.

Others remembered specific times they shared with Grandzol.

"When we were out west fly fishing together, our group would be spread out over a quarter or half mile of river. It was quiet, except for the breeze in the trees or the sounds of the river. Every so often the silence was punctuated by an "Oh yeah!" in a thick mid-atlantic accent. This was usually followed by "Oh yeah! It's a monster!" Ger would say this every time, whether it was a 4 inch or 14 inch trout on the line. That's how he lived life - every experience, big or small, was met with enthusiasm and passion."

Others recalled his humorous love of "jorts" (jean shorts) — and shared photos of him in the attire.

Even people who didn't know him came to the page to share their regards.

"I live near Chicago so I did not know Gerry, but from what I have read on this posting tells me Gerry was the type of guy I would have loved to have known. My heartfelt sympathy to his wife and girls, and to his family & friends. The loss is undoubtedly tremendous."

He was a helpful, caring neighbor, those who knew him said. “He engaged himself with everyone he met. That was remarkable. I'll miss him so much,” one neighbor told NBC10.

Grandzol was a 1997 graduate of Archbishop Wood Catholic High School in Warminster, where he played varsity ice hockey.

According to his Linkedin profile, he was a member of the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia, a member of the Spring Garden Civic Association, an active blood donor and a Young Leaders Volunteer with Project HOME.

Click here to visit the GoFundMe page.

RELATED: Tributes Pour In For Bucks County Native Killed Protecting 2-Year-Old Daughter In Philly