‘Forever loved, forever missed’: Suffolk police officer’s mom shares her grief and gratitude on the eve of his funeral

Maria Samaritano-Durham is learning, one hard day at a time, what it means to go on without her boy. She’s also understanding that she doesn’t need to do it alone.

On the eve of Suffolk Police Officer Christopher Durham’s funeral, she thanked the friends, neighbors, fellow officers and community members who have held her family close since his death on Monday.

“As we try to navigate life without him,” she wrote on Facebook, in a message signed by the Durham family, “we have been overwhelmed by the compassion, generosity, and love shown to our family during the most difficult time of our lives.”

“Losing Christopher has left a heartbreak in our hearts that words can never fully describe,” she wrote.

The family thanked everyone who reached out with messages, prayers and phone calls. They also thanked the donors to a GoFundMe set up to cover his funeral costs, as well as the Suffolk County Police Benevolent Association, whose support “has also touched our hearts deeply.”

“During a time when our world feels shattered, you have reminded us that we are not alone,” the family wrote. “Your kindness has helped carry us through days when the pain feels unbearable.”

Durham’s loved ones said none of it has gone unnoticed, whether it came as a donation, a kind word or “a comforting embrace.”

“No amount of generosity can take away the pain of losing Christopher, but the love you have shown us has brought comfort when we needed it most,” they wrote. “Christopher will forever be loved, forever missed, and forever a part of us.”

His life, they added, “has touched more hearts than we could ever have imagined.”

The family’s message closed simply: “Forever loved. Forever missed. Never forgotten.”

Originally a member of NYPD, Durham later joined Suffolk Police. He played football at Hicksville High School, was a wide receiver as a freshman at Buffalo State, earned an associate degree at Nassau Community College and previously worked as a UPS driver.

His dad, Albert Durham of Salem, Virginia, has remembered him as “always caring” and said his son “loved everyone.”

His fiancée, Carolyn Infantas, started the GoFundMe Tuesday. It has raised $45,000 from nearly 450 donations.

After the two deaths, Suffolk Police Commissioner Kevin Catalina told Greater Long Island that the department is stepping up emotional support for its members, including assigning an executive to lead its Wellness Unit.

“It is important to remember that behind the badge and uniform are human beings with emotions,” Catalina said.

If you or someone you know is struggling, call or text 988 to reach the 988 Lifeline, available 24/7.

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_{Top: Christopher Durham (courtesy of GoFundMe).}