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A GoFundMe page created to support the family of a 23-year-old Lindenhurst CVS employee killed while working in the store Christmas night raised more than $20,000 in its first 11 hours, drawing hundreds of donations from across Long Island and beyond.
The fundraiser, titled “In Loving Memory of Eddy ‘Joshy’ Cine Jr.,” was launched to help the family of Edeedson “Eddy” Ciné, who was killed while working inside the CVS at 20 E. Montauk Highway on Thursday.
Suffolk Police said Ciné of West Babylon was stabbed in the chest about 6:50 p.m. and later pronounced dead at Good Samaritan Hospital Medical Center in West Islip. John Pilaccio, 43, of Lindenhurst was arrested late Friday and charged with second-degree murder in connection with the killing.
UPDATE: Lindenhurst man charged in CVS killing motivated by debt
Ciné’s family told CBS News New York Ciné wasn’t schedule to work on Christmas, and that he had filled in for a co-worker at the last minute.
Pilaccio is scheduled to be arraigned Saturday in First District Court in Central Islip.
The GoFundMe page describes Ciné as a devoted family member with “a fierce heart for service” whose love for his family and friends was unwavering. Organizers said the fundraiser was created to honor his memory and help support his loved ones as they grieve.
“Every donation is an act of love and compassion, helping to lift a family in sorrow and reminding them they are not alone,” the page states.
The GoFundMe message stresses that while Ciné’s death has left his family heartbroken, they are holding onto their faith during the loss. A passage from Psalm 34:18 — “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit” — is included at the end of the tribute.
As of early Saturday, the fundraiser had received more than 500 donations.
Prior reporting
Top: Edeedson Ciné (Instagram/@jon.cinee)
