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The Medford community and beyond are rallying around a young widow and her infant son following the sudden death of 33-year-old Nicholas Byrnes earlier this month.
Byrnes died May 6 in East Islip, leaving behind his wife Alexis and their baby son Lucca, who turns one next month. A GoFundMe campaign launched on behalf of the family has raised nearly $19,000 as friends, neighbors and strangers have stepped up to help.
“Alexis and her young son, Lucca, are facing an unimaginable loss,” wrote Kellie Ryan, who started the fundraiser. Ryan, a close work friend of Alexis, said the young mother is navigating “profound grief” while facing “significant financial uncertainty.”
Byrnes worked as an environmental compliance field inspector manager. His wife has been home caring for their son this week, while managing her own health challenges, Ryan noted.
Wave of support
In a heartfelt tribute posted to her husband’s obituary page, Alexis described the depth of their bond.
“Nick was my partner for almost 14 years and married for almost seven. I cannot begin to explain how much this man meant to me. He was my one true love, my rock, and my best friend.”
— Alexis Alpert Byrnes
Alexis Byrnes stressed how blessed she was that “he gave me our son, so that I now still have a little piece of him to hold onto.”
A deep love
Neighbor Briana Daniel remembered Byrnes as a warm presence in the community.
“He was truly one of the sweetest people and always so welcoming to everyone around him,” she wrote.
The goal of the GoFundMe campaign is to ease immediate financial burdens, including housing, childcare, daily expenses and medical costs.
“Anyone who knows Alexis knows her strength, kindness and her deep love for Nick, her family, and friends,” Ryan wrote. “During this heartbreaking chapter, we hope to surround a grieving young wife and mother, along with her sweet son Lucca, with support, compassion, stability, and community as they navigate the difficult road ahead.”
Services for Nicholas Byrnes
Wake services will be held Friday, May 15, from 3-5 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. at Fredrick J. Chapey & Sons Funeral Home, located at 200 East Main St. in East Islip.
A funeral Mass will be held Saturday, May 16, at 9:15 a.m. at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, also located in East Islip, at 20 Harrison Ave.
Top: Nicholas Byrnes with his wife Alexis and their son (courtesy of GoFundMe).
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