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A GoFundMe campaign for the three grieving children of a St. James man who, along with his girlfriend, was allegedly gunned down and killed by her ex-husband a week ago, has raised over $117,000.
Kenny Pohlman, 53, is survived by his 21-year-old son Tyler and two daughters, Brianna, 25, and Jenna, 14. Pohlman and his girlfriend, Kelly Coppola, 50, were murdered, authorities said, by Coppola’s ex-husband Daniel, 50, inside the couple’s home in St. James on Aug. 28.
“This unforeseen situation has placed an enormous strain on Kenny’s kids and family, making it challenging to manage daily expenses and provide the support his children need,” reads the GoFundMe page organized by Tracy Karanik of St. James. “Every donation, no matter how small, will make a significant difference. Your support … will help ensure that Kenny’s children can continue to feel loved and cared for.”
Since the tragedy, family and friends have been outspoken about Pohlman’s dedication to his family. After he lost his first wife, Kim, the mother of his two eldest children, to a rare form of cancer in 2007, he created the Pohlman Foundation to help raise money for research.
“Known for his unwavering kindness, selflessness, and hardworking nature, Kenny has always been there for those in need,”reads a letter on the GoFundMe page for his children. “His strength and resilience have inspired many, and now it is our turn to rally around his kids and family during this difficult time.”
Money raised in the GoFundMe effort will help offset the financial burden of medical bills, living expenses, education costs and other financial needs facing Pohlman’s children.
Pohlman was remembered at his funeral on Tuesday as a dedicated father and devoted partner to Kelly Coppola. Mourners at the service in St. Elizabeth’s Church in Melville noted that in his final moments, Pohlman tried to protect the woman who had been his girlfriend for over a year and a half, the New York Post reported.
You can click here to donate to the GoFundMe effort for Pohlman’s three children.
The Suffolk County district attorney’s office said Daniel Coppola, who is charged with two counts of first-degree murder, admitted to the killings, according to reports. Newsday reported on Wednesday that Daniel Coppola was badly injured in an attempt to commit suicide while being held at the Suffolk County Correctional Facility in Riverhead.
Funeral services for Kelly Coppola are scheduled for Wednesday night, as well as Thursday afternoon and evening, at Moloney’s Holbrook Funeral Home, 825 Main St. in Holbrook.
Pohlman’s son Tyler is a defensive back about to begin his senior season for Springfield College’s football team. He played at Smithtown High School East. Pohlman’s youngest child, Jenna, is a member of Long Beach High School’s varsity gymnastics team.
In a heartfelt post on Instagram, Jenna explained what was so great about her dad.
“You always knew how to make me smile and how to cheer me up when i was upset,” she wrote in the post. “You were the best dad and I couldn’t ask for anyone better.”
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Top photo: Kenny Pohlman with his children, Tyler, Jenna and Brianna (GoFundMe).
