More Than $64K Raised For Family After 'Devastating' Fire At Sayville Home

SAYVILLE, NY — More than $64,000 has been raised in a GoFundMe to help the family affected by the fire in Sayville on Wednesday afternoon.

The page's organizer, Stephen Rizzo, the owner of Off The Block Kitchen and Meats in Sayville, said he is supporting the family because they are "very close" to him and his business.

He said the family lost their home and all their possessions, memories, and their beloved dog, adding that they "love the community" and stayed to raise their two sons, both of whom are still young.

"This is completely overwhelming for the family, emotionally, and financially," he said, describing the matriarch as a long-time, hardworking, devoted employee.

"She has lovingly served many of our residents in my restaurant and cares for everyone," Rizzo wrote. "Thank you for any support you can offer this family, during this utterly devastating time."

Rizzo's goal is to raise $100,000 for the family, according to the page.

Patch has reached out to Rizzo for comment.

Suffolk police said two good Samaritans rescued a teenage boy from the second story of the burning home on Astor Drive.

The fire had started at around 2 p.m., with a 911 caller telling officers that there was one person trapped inside, but by the time they arrived, Richard Mosback and another person had rescued the teen, according to police.

Mosback was unable to go inside the front door due to heavy smoke and flames and he used a ladder supported by a second good Samaritan to help the teen from his second-floor window, police said.

Mosback was taken to an area hospital for treatment of smoke inhalation, but the teen did not require medical attention, according to police.

The cause of the fire is under investigation, but it is believed to be non-criminal, police said.
Multiple fire departments, as well as the Town of Islip Fire Marshal responded.