Newtown Mom, School Librarian Erica Alterio Dies Suddenly, 33: 'Her Presence Was Magnetic'
A beloved former teacher, librarian, and cancer survivor who was a devoted mother has died at 33, leaving behind her husband and young daughter. Now, friends are rallying to support her grieving family.
Erica Leigh Alterio, of Newtown, died on Jan. 14 after a brief illness. She would have turned 34 on Feb. 7.
A graduate of Central Connecticut State University and Fairfield University, Erica worked as a librarian at the Western Connecticut Academy of International Studies in Danbury, her obituary said. She also spent several years as a computer teacher at St. Mark School in Stratford.
Dozen…
Devoted Yonkers Father Dies After Aggressive Cancer Returns: 'Free Spirit'
Yonkers resident Derek Leach was known as a much-loved father, brother, and friend before his death following a brave battle with cancer.
Leach, who was recently diagnosed with throat cancer in the summer of 2024, fought valiantly through aggressive treatments. While the cancer was initially removed, it tragically returned, and despite his immense strength and courage, he was unable to overcome the disease and died at the age of 57 on Monday, Jan. 6, his family said.
Described as a free spirit with a heart full of love, Leach leaves behind his children, Erik, Shonae, and Solange…
FDA Bans Red No. 3 Due To Cancer Concerns About Artificial Coloring In Many Foods
The Food and Drug Administration has officially banned Red No. 3, a synthetic dye that gives certain foods their vivid cherry-red hue, due to cancer concerns in lab animals.
The FDA revoked the authorization for the coloring's use in food products, oral drugs, and dietary supplements, the agency said in a news release on Wednesday, Jan. 15.
Manufacturers have until Friday, Jan. 15, 2027, to remove Red Dye 3 from food products and Tuesday, Jan. 18, 2028, for drugs. Products made before these deadlines may still appear on shelves if they were manufactured before …
Former Orioles Pitcher Brian Matusz Dies At 37, Remembered As 'Cherished Teammate'
Brian Matusz, a former Major League Baseball pitcher who played eight seasons for the Baltimore Orioles, has died at the age of 37.
The Orioles announced Matusz's death on Tuesday, Jan. 7. The cause of his death wasn't immediately known.
The Cave Creek, Arizona, native was selected by the O's with the fourth overall pick in the 2008 draft.
"A staple in our clubhouse from 2009-2016, Brian was beloved throughout Birdland, and his passion for baseball and our community was unmatched," the Orioles said in a Facebook post. "He dedicated his time to connecting with any fan he could, wa…
Plainview's Richard Cohen, Husband To Meredith Vieira, Dies After Half-Century MS Battle
Journalist and author Richard Cohen has died after inspiring countless people through his decades-long battle with MS and cancer.
Cohen, the husband of former TODAY anchor Meredith Vieira, died on Tuesday, Dec. 24, TODAY reported. The Plainview, New York, native was 76 years old.
A veteran reporter, Cohen lived with multiple sclerosis for more than 50 years and overcame two cancer diagnoses during his life. He was also legally blind.
Cohen, who worked for CBS News, was given his MS diagnosis in 1973.
"I was diagnosed when I was 25 years old and essentially told there is no…
Trumbull Boy Dies After 18-Day Battle With Cancer: Remembering Lucas DeLaurentis
A Connecticut community is rallying around a family suffering the unimaginable: the death of a child.
The DeLaurentis family of Trumbull lost their son, Lucas, 8, after an 18-day battle with leukemia on Sunday, Dec. 29, a GoFundMe for them said. But despite his young age, Lucas leaves a legacy that will survive for years.
His spirit, kindness, and strength were beyond measure, and he made his parents very proud. His unyielding resilience and courage carried him through to the very end. Lucas will forever be our hero, and his presence will always remain with us.
His loved on…
Legendary Eagles Linebacker Bill Bergey Dies At 79 After Cancer Battle
Legendary Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Bill Bergey has passed away at the age of 79 following a three-year battle with cancer, his son announced on social media.
“After a long hard 3-year battle, Dad lost his fight with Cancer. The best father, friend, grandfather, football player and outright great person in this world. I will truly miss him. Love you dad,” wrote his son, Jake Bergey, in a heartfelt post.
Bergey, born on February 9, 1945, in South Dayton, New York, rose to prominence as one of the greatest linebackers in NFL history. He began his football career at Arkansas State Univers…
