'Through the darkness, there is light'

To the Warwick Community: It is with a broken heart that I am writing regarding the recent tragic loss of my 23 year old son Kevin. This is the worst time of our lives, and Kevin’s brothers, father, loving friends, extended family and I are struggling to come to terms with the horrific circumstances of his death. And yet, through the darkness, there is light. Ever since that horrible night, our family has been embraced by friends and strangers who are grieving with us, and for us. There have been daily phone calls with offers of support ranging from delivery of home-cooked meals, to running mundane errands, and everything in between. Cards and notes of support arrive daily. Donations have been made in Kevin’s name toward a Warwick Valley High School baseball scholarship; also, to the Gift of Life organ donation program. The three recipients of his organs are doing well and should be able to resume normal lives. Nothing can bring Kevin back or erase the pain of his loss, but all of these things help just enough to enable us to get out of bed in the morning and continue living our own lives. We’d like to thank a number of people for their generous support and kindness during this time (please forgive us if we miss anyone): the Warwick United Methodist Church, Pastors Chris Yount and Jeff Quinn for opening their hearts to us; Tim Getz for his musical talents ; the staff of Lazear-Smith and Vander Plaat for their sensitivity; Dr. Ray Bryant for his assistance; the Warwick DPW for keeping the roads plowed the morning of the funeral; Warwick Police Department for traffic control; Corwin Florist for gorgeous flower arrangements; numerous friends and neighbors who have delivered food, run errands or held our hands. My circle of close friends took amazing care of our family by organizing every detail of Kevin’s repast, held at the beautiful Warwick Conference Center. In anticipation of a huge crowd, they approached local businesses and asked for donations of food or services. The response was overwhelming! There was a delicious array of food to feed the 300 plus people who attended. We’d like to extend our deep appreciation to all of the businesses who donated food or services: BandR Wine and Liquor; Bagel Time; Belmont Bakery; Benito’s Pizzeria; Blarney Station; Bravo Pizza; C and D’s Bagels; Chateau Hathorn; Coquito’s; Corwin’s Florist; Dautaj; Eddie’s Roadhouse; Fetch; Franico’s; Frank’s Pizza; Fratello’s; Halligan’s; Iron Forge Inn; Landmark Inn; Larry’s Deli; Long Spring Restaurant; Luca Trattoria Pizza; Mt. Peter Ski Area; Peck’s Wine and Spirits; Pennings; Pioneer Restaurant; Price Chopper; Quick Mart Deli; Shop- Rite; Silvio’s Italian Villa; Taco Hombre; Trattoria Viviano; Yesterday’s. Thank you also to Loretta and Nina Breedveld for their contributions of delicious desserts; Jeanne Thompson for wonderful cakes; several generous folks I don’t even know who made cash contributions; Sandy Mehling for her hard work and thoughtful centerpieces; Caroline Antonides for her contacts; the Dethmers for all their efforts; and last but not least, my DSO friends, and honorary friends. Without all of your help, support and love, we would not have survived the past few weeks. Among the hundreds of people who were with us for Kevin’s services, there were many people from out of the area. Over and over again, we heard comments about how wonderful our community is, and that the outpouring we experienced wouldn’t happen in other towns. We agree. We are truly fortunate to live in such a giving, caring community. Many have asked what they can do to help. As we enter the justice system, there are a couple of things you can do. Please sit down today and write a letter to the District Attorney’s Office of Philadelphia and let them know you support our cause and seek justice on Kevin’s behalf: the maximum punishment allowable. Also there will be hearings where it is important for us to have supporters - family and friends- in attendance. If you are willing or able to participate in either of these events, please send us your contact info, and we will keep you informed. Kevin was born in St. Anthony’s and graduated from Warwick’s schools. He played soccer here and varsity baseball. He loved to play disc golf at the Town Park and learned to snowboard at Mt. Peter. Kevin had an incredible sense of humor and could make everyone laugh. He has hundreds of friends who love and admire him, with endless stories and memories. Kev lives on forever in the hearts of all those who knew him. Let’s remember him not for the way he died, but for the way he lived. With my deepest gratitude on behalf of our entire family, Kendall Kless, mother of beloved son Kevin Warwick Write to: • District Attorney Seth Williams 3 South Penn Square Philadelphia, PA 19107 • Police Commissioner Charles H. Ramsey One Franklin Square Philadelphia, PA 19106