New Bedford Family Devastated By Shocking Loss of Husband, Father

It's been an emotional week on Fun 107 for the eighth year of Holiday Wish, as Michael and Maddie and the United Way of Greater New Bedford continue to help local families in need.

For the final family of the week, we share the heartbreaking story of the DiGregorio family from New Bedford, who is mourning the loss of a husband and father after a sudden death.

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The DiGregorio Family

Bonnie DiGregorio is reeling from the loss of her husband of 18 years after he suffered a heart attack at age 39 in January.

The incident happened in the family's bathroom, where he was found on the floor.

Shortly after her husband's death, her mother-in-law passed away.

"It's like she just gave up," DiGregorio said.

Since January, DiGregorio and her three kids, 16-year-old Olivia, 14-year-old Noah and 9-year-old Lylah, have been trudging through the stages of grief and trying to cope with such an incredible loss.

"When you lose a loved one, your whole world is gone," DiGregorio said. "I live for my children and after losing my husband, life is just hard for us."

As a U.S. Marine, DiGregorio knows how to tackle tough obstacles, but a person can only handle so much.

She mourns the loss of her husband while her children mourn the loss of their father, and DiGregorio is tasked with taking the brunt of all those emotions.

The DiGregorios went from a two-income household to one-income overnight, and while they have considered moving, the family has an emotional attachment to their home.

"We've been here for almost 10 years," she said. "When you walk in, almost everything you see is my husband."

How You Can Help

DiGregorio and her children have been going to therapy to work through their grief, but unfortunately, it's out of pocket. Assistance with therapy sessions would be a huge help.

Bills continue to pour in and the thought of providing a fulfilling Christmas for her children brings a lot of stress to DiGregorio. Christmas gifts for the children and this loving mother would be a holiday miracle.

Children's Sizes

Olivia - XL sweaters and coats, size 14 pants, size 9.5 shoes

Noah - XL sweaters and coats, size 32x34 pants, size 10.5/11 shoes. Noah could also use a new comforter.

Lilah - Kids 12/14 sweaters and coats, kids 10/12 pants, and 2/2.5 shoes.

Text to Donate to Holiday Wish

Text WISHES22 to 26989. You will be sent a United Way e-link that allows you to donate via credit card to this family when you select the day and date of which family you wish to help from the drop-down menu.

Donate By Check to Holiday Wish

Make checks payable to United Way of Greater New Bedford and in the memo line, write HOLIDAY WISH and the day and date of the family you wish to help. Checks can be mailed to United Way of Greater New Bedford, 128 Union St., Suite 105, New Bedford, MA, 02740.

Donate by Credit Card to Holiday Wish

You can make a secure donation to the United Way via credit card here. Select the day and date of the family you wish to help from the "Please Select a Family" drop-down menu.

All of our families are pre-selected through United Way of Greater New Bedford. If you need assistance, please contact United Way directly.