Massapequa unites to honor ‘bright light,’ 2nd grader lost too soon

Members of the Massapequa community and beyond have come together to support the family of a second-grade Lockhart Elementary School student, following the girl’s sudden passing last week.

Massapequa Superintendent of Schools William Brennan called Emma Rose Angelillo “a bright light in our school, a child whose warmth and kindness touched everyone she met.”

“She had a way of making everyone feel seen and valued, a gift that made her truly special,” Brennan said in a message to the community. “Whether it was a sweet hug or a warm, heartfelt note, Emma would find a way to share her love. Her beautiful spirit and smile lit up the room.”

To honor Emma Rose’s memory, the Massapequa School District invited students and staff to wear purple, one of Emma’s favorite colors, to school on Monday. “Let’s celebrate Emma’s life and the joy she brought to everyone by wearing purple,” Brennan wrote.

A GoFundMe campaign launched on behalf of young Emma Rose’s family has raised nearly $33,000 from 538 donations as of early Sunday afternoon, as residents seek to ease the financial and emotional burden on the grieving family.

The purpose of the fundraiser, according to its organizer, Viviane Kempen of Massapequa, is to assist the Angelillo family “as they navigate this tragic and unexpected loss” and to help them focus on healing “and remembering the beautiful moments they shared with Emma.”

“Our goal is to show them how much we loved sweet Emma and to provide them with the support they need during this incredibly difficult time,” the GoFundMe page states. “Every donation, no matter the size, is a testament to the love and care our community has for the Angelillo family.”

Kind, warmhearted girl

We just returned from Emma’s funeral. Please consider making a donation to help support her family. She was only 7 years old. She was my future daughter in law’s goddaughter. Emma was to be a flower girl at the wedding. So incredibly sad… https://t.co/RffXMmTrPP

— ꧁𝓝𝓲𝓬𝓸𝓵𝓮 𝓜𝓪𝓻𝓲𝓮꧂ (@nmbernard) March 26, 2025

Emma is described as a kind and warmhearted child who made those around her feel special. It’s also been noted that she had a passion for fashion, often wearing stylish dresses and skirts, and that she loved dancing and drawing.

“Emma was a beloved second-grade student at Lockhart Elementary School, known for her beautiful, warm, and kind spirit,” the GoFundMe page states. “She touched the hearts of everyone she met with her cheerful greetings and heartfelt ways of showing love.”

_{Top photo: Emma Rose Angelillo (GoFundMe).}