September 25, 2011
Families and Friends of Murder Victims Remember Their Loved Ones
Anne Mulderry is a member of Peaceful Tomorrows
By Matt Hunter – YNN TV
View Video: http://berkshires.ynn.com/content/top_stories/558342/families-and-friends-of-murder-victims-remember-their-loved-ones/
In 2010, 15 people from the Capital Region were murdered. On Sunday, they and thousands of others across the country are honored. Our Matt Hunter reports.
“To learn that she was dead, you know, and found floating in the bay out there in San Francisco, it was horrendous,” Gioia said.
“I just couldn’t believe how somebody could take somebody so young, you know, he was a just a baby,” Drennon said.
Both Capital Region residents, Gioia and Drennon also both lost family members to murder.
26 years ago, Gioia’s then 22-year-old daughter Mary was killed — along with a friend — while visiting California.
Drennon’s grandson Christopher was killed four years ago when he was just three-and-a-half months old.
“Holidays, all the things we do with other grandchildren, it just never goes away, there’s always that empty spot,” Drennon said.
In their grief, Drennon and Gioia found solace and support in the local chapter of Parents of Murdered Children.
On Sunday, they and close to 50 others beset by the same tragic circumstance, came together to honor their loved ones on the national day of remembrance for murder victims.
“I think just being able to sit amongst others where it’s all happened to you, it’s going to be healing. And you still have that hole in your heart, but you feel like you’re with others,” said Gioia, the president of the Albany-Capital District Chapter of Parents of Murdered Children.
This year’s guest speaker was Anne Mulderry. 10 years ago, her son Stephen was killed in the September 11th terrorist attacks in New York City.
Mulderry believes it’s support groups like these that helped her family cope with their loss.
“I think now, I look back, and I think it’s the prayers of others, the caring of others. So this today, being present physically is only the tip of the ice berg,” Mulderry said.
With pictures of their loved ones on display, each person in attendance lit a candle for their friend or family member who left them too soon. It’s just one more way they’re fighting to keep their memories alive.
